ROGERS, James J.

ROGERS

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 5/30/2021 at 18:59:58

James J. Rogers
Born Dec 21, 1835

James J. Rogers, a well-known and respected farmer residing near Holstein in Battle township, Ida County, Iowa, has been identified with the interests of this place since 1884. Mr. Rogers is a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, born December 21, 1835, a son of one of the prominent pioneers of eastern Iowa. Henry Rogers, his father, was born in Pennsylvania, son of Robert Rodman Rogers, a Pennsylvanian by birth, and when he was a young man went to Ohio, where he was married to Fannie Bixler, a native of that State. In 1836 they came West as far as Illinois, and two years later came to the Territory of Iowa, locating in Linn county in 1838, when there were twenty Indians there to every white man. The father settled in Putnam township, where he improved a farm and spent the rest of his life. From his primitive cabin home hospitality was extended to all. He was a Deacon in the Baptist Church, and he and his good wife were known far and wide not only for their hospitality but also for their Christian character. Their home was headquarters for the traveling pioneer preachers. Politically, Mr. Rogers was a Republican. He died on his farm in Linn county, and his wife passed away in Lenox, Iowa. They had five sons and four daughters, namely: Mary Thompson, Boone county, Iowa; Robert, Lenox, Iowa; J.J., the subject of this article; William D., Greenfield, Iowa; Elizabeth Miller, Battle township, Ida County; Emaretta Clark, Benton county, Iowa; and Semantha A., wife of C. B. Conover, Battle township, Ida county. James J., being reared on a pioneer farm, was early inured to hard work, splitting rails, etc., and as he grew up had instilled into him the fact that honesty, industry and economy form the basis of all true success. His limited education was received in a log schoolhouse, built with puncheon floor and slab seats. He remained in Linn county, engaged in farming, until 1883, when he came to Ida county. The following year he settled at his present location. He now owns a fine farm of 400 acres, extending a mile and a half east and west, and all nicely improved. His two-story residence, 16 x 24 feet, with an L, 18 x 20 feet, is beautifully located and well furnished. He has a five-acre grove of forest trees and an orchard and plenty of small fruits. His barn is 36 x 42 feet.
Mr. Rogers was married at the age of twenty-five to Miss Agnes Miller, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Michael and Jane (Currey) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania. They have five children, viz.: Samuel L., of Holstein, Iowa; Jacob E., on the home farm; Leila, married and settled in life; Henry C., at home; and Nora, a successful teacher in Ida county. Samuel L. and Jacob E. have also been engaged in the lumber business. Mrs. Rogers departed this life October 27, 1887. She was a most estimable woman in every respect. Her many amiable qualities endeared her to a large circle of friends, who, with her bereaved family, deeply mourned their loss. She was a member of the Baptist Church, of Ida Grove, of which Mr. Rogers is also a member. Politically, he is a Republican. He has served as Township Trustee for a period of seven years. He takes an active part in advancing the educational, religious and temperance interests of the community, and is regarded as one of the most popular men in the township.
Source: Biographical History of Crawford, Ida, and Sac Counties, Iowa, 1893, p.468