Rogers, James 1836 - 1897

ROGERS, CRONAN, MORAN, WALBRIDGE

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/2/2020 at 12:04:08

Elkader Register, Fri. morning, 05 Mar. 1897.

This community was startled and made sad about one o'clock Friday afternoon by the report that flew from mouth to mouth, that James Rogers was dead. Alas, it proved too true. Without a moment's warning, in a twinkling of an eye, the grim messenger came, and the life of a respected citizen had departed.

Mr. Rogers had been in his usual health that morning but complained of a pain in his side. This soon after passed away and he came up the street. Returning home he ate his dinner, and shortly after, while leaning over, apparently looking out of the window he remarked that he felt that pain again. Then, without a word, he straightened up and fell over backwards, lifeless. Medical assistance was summoned, but it was unavailing. Mysterious are the ways of Providence. At 12 o'clock we waved our hand to him in a courteous "good day" and in about an hour these lines could be written.

Mr. Rogers was born near Zanesville, Muskingum county, Ohio, July 4th, 1836. At the age of ten years, in 1846, he came with his parents to Clayton county, they settling on a farm in Read twp. In 1868 he came to Boardman twp., and in 1874 moved to Elkader. In 1874 he was united in marriage to Ann Cronan, who survives him, as do three brothers, Michael in Colorado; Frank, of Shannon county, Mo.; and Edward, of Boardman twp.; and three sisters, Mrs. P. H. Moran, of Maurice, Iowa; Mrs. Walbridge, of California; and Anna (Sister Sophrenia), of Council Bluffs, Ia.

Mr. Rogers served as a township trustee for several years and six years as a member of the board of supervisors of Clayton county. In public and private affairs he was upright in his dealings, generous, and disposed to be charitable and friendly with all. He was a kind husband, an obliging neighbor and an honored citizen. One that will be mourned and missed.

Our sympathy goes out to the bereaved wife, who with the departed had to enjoy the fruits of a well spent life in their new house. May the blow be lightened to her by Him who doeth all things well.

The funeral was held Monday morning at St. Joseph's church, of which he was a consistent member, and was largely attended by friends and neighbors from far and near. Solemn High Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Roe, of Strawberry Point; Revs. Hogan, of Monona, and Dullard, of Elkport, acting as deacons, and Rev. Father Reilly as master of ceremonies. Rev. Father Dullard delivered the funeral sermon. The pall bearers were W. F. Kleipell, M. Dittmer, J. C. Stemmer, F. J. Uriell, J. W. McLaughlin and Wm. Roach. The remains of our friend were laid away in the St. Joseph cemetey. May they rest in peace.