Henry M. Rogers

Henry M. Rogers, son of William and Eleanor Rogers, was born in Westchester county, N. Y., May 9, 1816. His father, a blacksmith, was born there in 1775, died in 1812, and his mother born in New York in 1778, died May 4, 1852. Henry M. in early life was engaged at several trades, among them a lake sailor. At the age of twenty-three he migrated to Peoria county, purchased land there and was a day laborer for some time, in order to raise money to make a payment on this land, but with all his labor lie was compelled to borrow, paying fifty per cent interest. In 1844 he married Miss Amelia, daughter of John and Frances Evans, established their home in Peoria county, and resided there until 1857, when they moved to Stark and built up, so to speak, the Rogers farm, one of the finest in the county. After a most useful life he moved to the old settlers' higher home in 1878. For sixteen years he was supervisor of his township, and a most able member of the county board. A reference to the township history, and to the society history of Wyoming, will convey an idea of the part he took in public affairs. Since his death his widow, assisted by James T. Rogers, has had charge of the estate, and resides there with three of her children — the survivors of a family of six. The lady is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of the Eastern Star Chapter, and prominent in all benevolent or charitable associations where woman's work is needed. James T. Rogers has taken the active management of the estate since his father's death. Like him, he is democratic in politics, and in other respects follows closely in the footsteps of that excellent old settler who left the county forever in 1878. John Evans and wife were natives of Maryland, but old residents of Virginia, where he died in 1850. Two years later his widow moved to Peoria county, where she died September 12, 1864. Of their eleven children only four are living, Mrs. Rogers being the only one in this county. She came to Peoria county in December, 1840, with her sister's family, engaged in weaving there until 1844, when she married Mr. Rogers.