Roderick was born in Texas to James Amberson and Mary J. McKenzie.

In November 6, 1878, Dewitt County, Texas, "Tol" married
Georgia Ann Wilson. Tol and Georgia had 7 children; Emma, Mary, Wm, Addie, Roderick, Pam, and Thomas.

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Tol served as County Commissioner from the London precinct from 1902-06 and was a Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Corder. He was credited with erecting the first cotton gin in the London area, operating it for a period of thirty years. In 18874 he went up the trail with Cal Suggs, taking a herd of cattle to Kansas City, MO. On this trip they were attacked by Indians near Brownwood and Tol received a shot through the right arm. In summarizing a biographical sketch of the life of R.T. Amberson, a writer penned: "I suggest it would be a fitting tribute to raise a monument to the memory of the old-timers of this county, and inscribe their names upon it. I would want Uncle Tol Amberson's name written high on the list."
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The Junction Eagle, 1931
Biographical Sketch of Lif of Late Mr. R. T. Amberson
(Written by G. Lewis, Special Correspondent)

Another of the great unsung pioneer heroes of the expansive southwest was withdrawn from our midst when Mr. R. T. (Uncle Tol) Amberson of London died at his home at London recently. Uncle Tol, as he was called by everyone, was born in San Antonio on August 15, 1852, but his home during his early life was spent in Clinton, De Witt County, Texas. In 1883 he moved to Frio County near Pearsall where he lived three years, moving to Kimble County in 1886. He immediately went to San Angelo for one year but returned to London in 1887 where he resided continuously until his death on January 3, 1931.
Mr. Amberson was married to Miss Georgia Wilson on November 6, 1877 and from this union seven children were born, four girls and three boys. They are: Mrs. E. R. Chandler, London; Mrs. Mary Cummins, Grand Falls, Texas; Mr. William Amberson, deceased; Mrs. Addie Spruell, Phoenix, Arizona; Mr. R. R. Amberson, London; Ethel, deceased; Mr. Tom Amberson, London. His good wife survives him.
Mr. Amberson served as commissioner of the London precinct for a number of years, and also served as Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Corder. He is credited with erecting the first cotton gin put up in the London country, and operated this gin for a period of thirty years. He was connected with other businesses during his residence in London. He was at all times interested in the livestock industry, raising cattle, sheep and goats. He was a loyal citizen, loyal to his community, to his county, to the state and country.
Having been initiated by the Junction Lodge 547 on April 11, 1891, he served honorably as a Mason for a period of 40 years. Uniting with the Baptist Church many years ago, he lived a consistent Christian life to his death.
In 1874 he went up the trail with Cal Suggs, a cattleman of southwest Texas, taking a herd of cattle to Kansas City, Mo. On this trip the outfit was attacked by Indians near Brownwood, in which attack Mr. Amberson received a shot through the left arm from the savages. Being naturally left-handed, Mr. Amberson had to continue fighting, using his right arm to stead his left during the remainder of the battle and completely routed the Indians, and pursued them so closely that they were forced to abandon much of their equipment, which the cowboys gathered up and saved for souvenirs.
Pages could be written describing the great character and works of R. T. Amberson, and others like him who have been instrumental in changing this once wild country into a peaceful habitation for us who remain.
In closing I suggest it would be only a fitting tribute paid if we would raise a monument to the memory of the old timers of this county, and inscribe their names upon it. I would want Uncle Tol Amberson's name written high on the list.