History of northern Wisconsin: containing an account of its settlement, growth, development, and resources, an extensive sketch of its counties, cities, towns and villages, their improvements, industries, manufactories, biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers, views of county seats, etc. Chicago: Western Historical Co., 1881. p.1177

John Roberts, proprietor of Roberts' Summer Resort, was born in Oneida Co., N.Y., in 1833; kept hotel in Schnectady and other places, and about 1858 he went to New York City, where he remained until 1862; was then in Newark, Ohio, about five years; came to Wisconsin in 1866, and located in Columbus, Columbia Co., and opened a hotel, and from there moved to Menasha. Mr. Roberts has been engaged in the hotel business as clerk and proprietor about thirty-four years. He was married in Fonda, Montgomery Co., N.Y., in 1861, to Miss Martha Lingenfelter, of Fonda. They have three children- John, George C. and Stella. Mr. Roberts is a member of the A., F. & A.M., the I.O.O.F. Lodge and Encampment and the Royal Arcanum; has been Alderman two or three terms and County Supervisor two terms.