Roberts, Joseph

Joseph Roberts (1828-1895), born in Scotland, was a sailor who became a house mover and resident of Beach Hill in Santa Cruz. Joseph and son Frank K. were Soc. of Pioneers members.

• John L. Chase, The Sidewalk Companion to Santa Cruz Architecture (4th ed. 2023), Chapter One, page 18.
• Riptide CPL15
• From Rowland card files database: "Localities - BEACH HILL: When Joseph Roberts landed in 1850 from pilot boat Favorite there were three houses on beach hill, one which Roberts bought in '56 for $500 (apparently built by Jake Lane); two owned by Wm. H. Hardy; and small building where Douglas house stood (in 1884) which was a saloon. In 1850 the Douglas House lot (of 1884) belonged to William Hardy, Pruett Sinclair and Harry Speil[sic]. The lot Joe Roberts house stood on was sold (probably alcalde grant) to Jake Lane for $5. Roberts bought it in 1858 with house for $500."