William S. Rogers

            WILLIAM S. ROGERS was the fourth in a family of twelve children born to James and Arrenor (Cromwell) Rogers; the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Harrison county. James Rogers was born in 1802, and was the son of Thomas Rogers, also a native of Virginia. James came West with his parents in an early day, when but a child. But few settlers preceded them, and his father had pick and choice of land, and chose the hill country as best adapted to agricultural pursuits. James married Arrenor Cromwell, a daughter of Fielding and Sarah Cromwell; they were from Pennsylvania and were lineal descendants of Oliver Cromwell (old Noll), the Protector. Her grandfather, Louis Cromwell, at one time owned a large tract of land where Louisville, KY now stands.

            He donated a lot for a cemetery; but the conditions having been violate, the ground reverts to the original owner. James Rogers died July 11, 1885, at an advanced age. William S., the subject, was born August 30, 1830, was brought up on his father’s farm, and received a common school education. In September, 1864, he enlisted in Co. G, Fifty-eighth Ind. Vol. Infantry, and was discharged in June, 1865, at the expiration of his term of service.

            He was married October 9, 1855, to Miss Mary Jameson, born May 22, 1839, in Harrison county, and a daughter of Richard and Mary Ann Jameson; the former born in Pennsylvania about 1791, and died in Harrison county in 1861; the latter is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were born nine children, as follows: Thomas, April 15, 1857; Sarah, May 2, 1859; Reener, January 11, 1861; Annie, June 26, 1864; Katie, July 30, 1868; Lizzie, February 18, 1870; James, October 12, 1872; Claudia, June 18, 1875; and Clarence, October 8, 1878. Katie died April 15, 1869, and James died July 15, 1875.

            At the close of the war Mr. Rogers returned to his farm and has continued farming ever since. He is an energetic man and an exemplary citizen.

Source: Biographical and Historical Souvenir for the Counties of Clark, Crawford, Harrison, Floyd, Jefferson, Jennings, Scott and Washington, Indiana by John M. Gresham & Co., 1889. Part 2, page 181.