Like many early settlers, the Roberts family established Robertsport, Kentucky, in hopes of supporting themselves in a prosperous port town.  On May 15, 1852, my great-grandfather, Edward Stanton Roberts, Big Mother's father, was born  in Robertsport, near Lebanon, Kentucky.  In 1877, at age 25, Edward married Laura Ann Mullens.  The young couple was lured to Texas by the promise of cheap land.  In 1862, Congress passed the Homestead Act which allowed men or women 21 years of age or older to claim 160 acres of land.  The only requirement, after filing a small filing fee, was that they build a house in six months and live there for at least five years.
(Photo Credit: visitlebanonky.com)