Wikipedia

Charles M. Roberts

Charles M. Roberts (1866 – October 12, 1932) was an American politician who served in the first Arizona State Senate.[1]

Charles M. Roberts
C. M. Roberts in 1920
Member of the Arizona Senate
from the Cochise County district
In office
March 1912 – January 1914
Preceded byFirst Senator from Cochise County
Succeeded byWilliam M. Riggs
Member of the Arizona Senate
from the Cochise County district
In office
January 1917 – January 1919
Preceded byW. P. Simms
William M. Riggs
Succeeded byT. A. Hughes
D. C. O'Neil
Member of the Arizona Senate
from the Cochise County district
In office
January 1923 – January 1925
Preceded byJohn P. Cull
Succeeded byJ. B. Wylie
Personal details
Born1866
Texas, U.S.
Died (aged 65)
Douglas, Arizona, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic

Life

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Charles M. Roberts was born in Texas in 1866. His family moved to Colorado, and while there, he became interested in mining, gaining experience in the mines of Gunnison County, and near Leadville, among others.[2] In the 1890s, Roberts brought a stake in the White and Billings mine, which he sold to the Dos Cabezas Consolidated Mines Company in 1900 for a sum in excess of $40,000.[3][4] Shortly thereafter he acquired the rights to some copper mining properties in the Dragoon Mountains, known as the Holmes Group.[5][6] In 1901, the Dos Cabezas group hired him as the superintendent for their mining operations.[7] By the time of the writing of the Arizona Constitution, Roberts was one of the wealthiest men in the state, who in addition to his mining interests was also a cattleman.[8][9] In 1914 Roberts served as one of several armed guards aboard a prisoner transport train, delivering 20 federal prisoners from several Arizona locations to the federal prison in Atlanta, Georgia.[10] During the mid-1910s, Roberts was chairman of the Arizona State Fair Commission.[11]

In 1918, Roberts' wife was appointed by Governor Hunt as a regent of the University of Arizona. She was the first woman to serve as a member of the Board of Regents.[12] After entrance of the U.S. into World War I, Roberts applied to enlist the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.[13] Roberts died at a hospital in Douglas, Arizona on October 12, 1932.[14]

Political career

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Roberts entered the political arena in 1906, when he was selected as an election officer for the Democrats in the upcoming primary elections.[15] In 2010, Roberts was nominated as one of the Democratic delegates from Cochise County to the Arizona Constitutional Convention.[16] All 10 of the Democratic nominees from Cochise County were elected to serve as delegates to the convention, including Sims.[17] He was made chairman of the committee on private corporations and banks, considered one of the most important committees.[18] Of the 52 delegates to the convention, 41 of them signed the completed constitution in December, while 11 did not. Sims was one of the signatories.[19] In 1911 he declared his intention to run for the Arizona Senate, and was known to be a staunch supporter of G. W. P. Hunt.[20][21] He was one of seven candidates for the two Cochise County seats in the Senate, three Democratic, two Republican, and two Socialist.[22] In the Democratic primary, he received the most number of votes, with W. P. Sims coming in second.[23] Both men won in the general election in December, becoming the first two state senators from Cochise County, with Roberts topping the vote count with 1,945, while Sims came in second with 1,856 votes.[24][25] During the First Legislature, Roberts authored a significant bill which dealt with the expansion of the state's highway system.[26] In 1912, Roberts lost to George A. Olney in the vote to become the chairman of the state's Democratic party.[27]

In 1914, along with Sims, Roberts ran for re-election. It was known as early as March 2014 that Roberts would be seeking re-election.[28] Sims also ran for re-election, however during the primary Roberts came in 3rd, behind a newcomer, William M. Riggs, who led all vote-getters, and Sims. The primary was held on September 8, and by the 13th, 32 out of 46 precincts had reported in, with Roberts solidly in second place with 1348 votes, behind Riggs with 1655, but in front of Sims with 1209.[29] However, two days later, a week after the election, there was only a single district remaining, and Roberts lead had disappeared and Sims now led him by 16 votes. That district, West Huachuca, had a total of 24 Democratic votes to be counted. When all the votes were tallied the results were Riggs: 2643; Sims: 2107; Roberts: 2099; and Joseph H. Gray 1620.[30][31] After his defeat, Roberts contemplated filing a legal contestation of the election, claiming Riggs' nomination was not legal.[32]

In 1915, there was some talk of his seeking the gubernatorial nomination, succeeding Hunt.[33] In 1916, as late as April, Roberts was claiming that he wanted to focus on his ranch, and doubted he would ever return to politics.[34] However, in July 1916, he publicly announced his intention to run for one of the two slots in the upcoming Democratic primary for state senator.[35] Sims had decided not to run for a third term, but Riggs was running again. There was another newcomer in the field, Fred Sutter, and in the primary Sutter came in first with 2699 votes, Roberts second with 2480, and Riggs in third with 2337.[36][37] The general election in November saw Roberts returned to the state senate, coming in second to Sutter, 5722 to 4974.[38] In 1917, Roberts put forth a bill which would curb the authority of the Arizona Corporate Commission.[39] Talk of Roberts running for Governor resurfaced in 1917.[40][41] In February 1918, Roberts announced his intention to seek the Democratic nomination for the state's Governor.[42] However, at some point, Roberts dropped out of the race. In August 1918 he announced his intention to run for the County Board of Supervisors of Cochise County.[43] He and I. C. E. Adams became the Democratic nominees in the Democratic primary, With Adams edging out Roberts by a vote of 2,615 to 2,585.[44] Both Roberts and Adams won in the general election, with Adams getting the most votes, 5,239 and Roberts garnering 5,226.[45][46]

In 1919, Roberts once again entered the contest for the Democratic nomination for Governor.[47][48] While he was the first to declare his intent to seek the governorship, he withdrew from the race on August 18, 1920, stating, "Believing no Democrat can afford to consider personal interest above that of his party, I have decided to withdraw from the contest for the Democratic nomination for governor."[49][50] Due to his aborted candidacy for governor, Roberts did not run for re-election for county supervisor in 1920. In 1922, he announced his intention to run yet again for the state senate, representing Cochise County.[51] He was joined by former state senators Sims and John P. Cull, as well as political newcomers William Delbridge and T. A. Hughes.[52] Once again, Roberts and Sims won the Democratic primary,[53] and both won by large majorities in the general election in November.[54]

References

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  1. ^ "History of the Arizona State Legislature 1912-1966". State of Arizona. pp. 7–8. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
  2. ^ "Politicians By Score Throw Hats in Ring". Weekly Journal-Miner. May 29, 1918. p. 3. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  3. ^ "Mines and Mining". Arizona Republican. December 27, 1899. p. 7. Retrieved March 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  4. ^ "The Mining Field". Arizona Silver Belt. February 1, 1900. p. 1. Retrieved March 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  5. ^ "Untitled". Tombstone Epitaph. March 25, 1900. p. 1. Retrieved March 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  6. ^ "Notice". Tombstone Epitaph. April 22, 1900. p. 2. Retrieved March 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  7. ^ "Untitled". Tombstone Epitaph. January 20, 1901. p. 4. Retrieved March 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  8. ^ "Plutocrats Wrote State Constitution". Arizona Daily Star. March 30, 1912. p. 2. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  9. ^ "WillCox". Arizona Daily Star. October 19, 1912. p. 5. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  10. ^ "Arizona's Loss is Atlanta Ga.'s Gain". Arizona Daily Star. June 20, 1914. p. 6. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  11. ^ "State Department Chairs Chosen For Fall Work". Arizona Republican. June 30, 1916. p. 14. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  12. ^ "Second Woman to Serve as Regent". Arizona Republican. January 16, 1918. p. 10. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  13. ^ "County News". Bisbee Daily Review. July 23, 1918. p. 4. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  14. ^ "Charles M. Roberts is Dead in Douglas". Arizona Daily Star. October 13, 1932. p. 1. Retrieved June 10, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  15. ^ "Notice of Primary Elections". Bisbee Daily Review. August 26, 1906. p. 7. Retrieved March 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  16. ^ "Roberts Reports Democrats United". Bisbee Daily Review. August 30, 1910. p. 2. Retrieved March 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  17. ^ "Constitutional Convention". The Oasis. October 8, 1910. p. 9. Retrieved March 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  18. ^ "By Staff Writer". Weekly Journal-Miner. October 19, 1910. p. 9. Retrieved March 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  19. ^ "Lamar Cobb Says Constitution O.K." The Copper Era and Morenci Leader. December 16, 1910. p. 1. Retrieved March 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  20. ^ "Cochise Man Is Out For State Senator". Tombstone Citizen. September 21, 1911. p. 5. Retrieved March 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  21. ^ "Roberts for Senate; Strong for Hunt". Tombstone Epitaph. September 24, 1911. p. 4. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  22. ^ "Official List of Candidates". Tombstone Epitaph. October 15, 1911. p. 3. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  23. ^ "How the County Ticket Stands". Tombstone Epitaph. October 29, 1911. p. 4. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  24. ^ "Members of the First Legislature". The Coconino Sun. December 22, 1911. p. 1. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  25. ^ "Official Count is Received by the Supervisor Board". Bisbee Daily Review. February 10, 1912. p. 1. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  26. ^ "Engineer is Planning for State Roads". Arizona Daily Star. August 2, 1912. p. 5. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  27. ^ "Chairman Secures 17 Votes Over Opponent". Bisbee Daily Review. October 1, 1912. p. 1. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  28. ^ "Bisbee Man Out For State Senate". Tucson Citizen. March 28, 1914. p. 5. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  29. ^ "Election Results From Thirty-Two Precincts in Cochise County". Tombstone Epitaph. September 13, 1914. p. 2. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  30. ^ "West Huachuca Has Not Yet Reported On Election". Bisbee Daily Review. September 15, 2014. p. 5. Retrieved March 8, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  31. ^ "Official Returns of Primary Election". Tombstone Weekly Epitaph. September 20, 2014. p. 2. Retrieved March 8, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  32. ^ "Roberts May Start Contest". Tombstone Citizen. October 5, 1914. p. 10. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  33. ^ "Will Not Refuse Gubernatorial Nomination". Bisbee Daily Review. April 3, 1915. p. 3. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  34. ^ "Prominent Democrat Here". Bisbee Daily Review. April 20, 1916. p. 8. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  35. ^ "Public Announcements: For State Senator". Tombstone Epitaph. July 2, 1916. p. 5. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  36. ^ "Final Returns From Primary Discloses No Radical Changes". Bisbee Daily Review. September 20, 1916. p. 2. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  37. ^ "Supervisors Complete Tedious Count of 52 Precincts and Totals Compiled; Those Nominated in the County". Tombstone Epitaph. September 24, 1916. p. 4. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  38. ^ "Complete Unofficial Election Returns in Cochise With Every Precinct In". Tombstone Epitaph. November 12, 1916. p. 1. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  39. ^ "To Curb Powers of A. C. C. Is Purpose of C. M. Roberts' Bill". Arizona Republican. January 18, 1917. p. 1. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  40. ^ "Free For All Race". The Border Vidette. November 24, 1917. p. 1. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  41. ^ "Campbell is to Be in the Race". The Copper Era and Morenci Leader. January 18, 1918. p. 5. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  42. ^ "A Swimming Match". Arizona Republican. February 17, 1918. p. 4. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  43. ^ "Political Announcements: For County Supervisor". Tombstone Epitaph. August 25, 1918. p. 2. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  44. ^ "Official Totals of Primary Election". Tombstone Epitaph. September 29, 1918. p. 2. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  45. ^ "Complete Cochise Returns With Soldier Vote". Tombstone Epitaph. November 10, 1918. p. 1. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  46. ^ "To Fort". Tombstone Epitaph. November 17, 1918. p. 4. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  47. ^ "Untitled". The St. Johns Herald. August 21, 1919. p. 1. Retrieved March 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  48. ^ "Untitled". The Copper Era. September 5, 1919. p. 1. Retrieved March 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  49. ^ "Sen. C. M. Roberts Starts His Campaign in Greenlee". The Copper Era and Morenci Leader. June 18, 1920. p. 1. Retrieved March 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  50. ^ "Roberts Drops From Dem. Race for Governor". Arizona Daily Star. August 19, 1920. p. 2. Retrieved March 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  51. ^ "Roberts Against Amendments to Constitution". Tombstone Epitaph. July 30, 1922. p. 1. Retrieved March 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  52. ^ "Candidates Rush To County Seat To File Papers". Bisbee Daily Review. August 13, 1922. p. 2. Retrieved March 8, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  53. ^ "Democratic State and County Candidates". Tombstone Epitaph. October 1, 1922. p. 2. Retrieved March 8, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  54. ^ "M'Donald Wins Sheriff Race By 300 Votes". Bisbee Daily Review. November 9, 1922. p. 1. Retrieved March 8, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
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