Michael H. Roller, one of the leading merchants of Circleville, Kan., who is also extensively interested in breeding thoroughbred Percheron horses and a fine breed of jacks, is one of the pioneer business men of the state. He was born in Virginia in 1848, a descendant of fine old German stock, as his ancestors emigrated from the Fatherland at an early day and located in Virginia. His father, Col. Peter Roller, of Rockingham county, Virginia, was born in that state and ran a plantation there until his death. He was a patriot at heart and a colonel of the state militia. Mrs. Roller, before her marriage, was Elizabeth Softley, of German extraction, born in the same county as her son. Michael H. was reared upon his father's plantation, received a good practical education, and when his school days were over learned practical farming and became very fond of horses. When only seventeen years old he enlisted in the Confederate army and served under Col. John S. Mosby on the borders of Virginia and at Harper's Ferry, being eighteen months with the cavalry forces of the Southern army. At the close of the war he returned home, but the lure of the West began to draw him, and upon reaching his majority he came to Missouri and located in Platte county, where, a year later, he married Bettie Eaden, who was born in Kentucky, daughter of John Eaden, who emigrated from the Blue Grass State and became a farmer in Missouri. After his marriage Mr. Roller engaged in agricultural pursuits in Missouri until 1873, when he moved to Jefferson county, Kansas; but two years later located in Circleville, where he has since been in business. At first his store was small, as the country was new and there were few settlers, but his business grew with the population until he has a fine store building which he erected for the demands of the increasing trade. The first stock barn he had has been replaced by one of the finest in the county, where he has his high-bred horses and jacks well cared for. Mr. Roller has a wide reputation as a horseman and owns some fine thoroughbreds. Politically he is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party, to which he is a liberal contributor of time and money during the campaigns. Mr. Roller is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias.

Four children have been born to Michael and Bettie Roller: Murtle M. is the manager of her father's store; James O.; Gertrude is the wife of R. L. Oursler, of Circleville; and Elizabeth is deceased.

Mr. Roller came to Kansas when the state was on the frontier and has seen it develop into a great agricultural state, which stands second to none in its agricultural products. He takes an interest in all questions of the day and heartily approves and aids all improvements for the city in which he lives. He has secured a comfortable fortune by his own unaided efforts and is ever ready to assist others in the battle of life.