My Genealogy Hound

J. S. Roth, of the firm of Hert, Roth & Co., blacksmiths, carriage and wagon manufacturers, and dealers in agricultural implements, at California, Mo., was born on the Atlantic Ocean, while his parents were en route from Switzerland to America. He was born on the 26th of June, 1848, his parents being Benjamin and Catherine (Feller) Roth, and their landing was made at New York City June 27, 1848. They went almost immediately to Cleveland, Ohio, afterward locating near Rogersville, in Tuscarawas County, where his father died in 1849, the family living in that county until 1866. They then moved to Moniteau County, Mo., where his mother died in 1876, near Jamestown. The following are their children: Rosa, John, Lizzie, Katie and James S. The latter is the youngest of the family, and was reared principally in Ohio, and there received his education. In 1865 he enlisted in Company K, Fifty-first Regiment, Veteran Volunteers, and served until the close of the war, being at that time only seventeen years of age. He learned his trade in Rogersville, and worked at it until the fall of 1866, and then did journey-work until 1868, when he came to Moniteau County, and located in California. He then worked at his trade for Martin & Hanen for some time, and on February 1, 1875, established his present business with F. Hert, and the firm name became Hert & Roth, remaining such until 1880, when it was changed to Hert, Roth & Co. They do an extensive business in the manufacture of carriages, buggies, wagons, etc., and their work is well and favorably known all over the country. They employ none but skillful and experienced workmen, and give employment to about eight regular men. In November, 1887, Mr. Roth was chosen mayor of California, and served one term. He was councilman five years, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the I. O. O. F., and the G. A. R. He is one of the reliable men of the county, and is doing a profitable business. March 29, 1874, he was married to Mary Schneiter, by whom he has six children: Charles S., Arthur J., Edward L., Katie E., James W. and John H.