1900
Born Joseph Roberts on December 24 in Gambo, Newfoundland, the eldest of 13 children.

1916
Abandons school to become a journalist.

1920–1924
Moves to New York where he works as a journalist
and supports the socialist movement

1925
Marries Clara Oates, with whom he has
three children.

1927
Returns to Newfoundland, establishes a
newspaper in Corner Brook and begins
a life of political activism.

1932–1936
Works as a union activist.

1937
Publishes the two-volume Book of Newfoundland
and launches a weekly radio broadcast,
“The Barrelman”, that runs for six years.

1947
Participates as pro-Confederation delegate to
the National Convention, where the future of
Newfoundland is debated.

1949
Is appointed first premier in the provisional
government of the new province.

1972
Retires after 22 years in power.

1991
Dies on December 17 in St. John’s.