Harper W. Rogers was as born on the 28th of September, 1819, at Queensborough, Warren Co., N. Y., where he resided on a farm till ten years of age.  He then removed with his parents to Stockport, Columbia county.

     His ancestors were native of Rhode Island and ranked among the most prominent of the early settlers.  His grandfather, Samuel Rogers, was a Revolutionary soldier, and distinguished himself for bravery and patriotism throughout that struggle.  His father, whose name was also Samuel, was in early life an extensive lumber merchant, but afterwards engaged in agricultural pursuits.  He removed from Warren county to Saratoga in 1821, and thence, in 1829, to Stockport, Columbia county.

     Harper followed the occupation of a farmer till 1845, when he removed to the city of Hudson and engaged in mercantile business, about the same time purchasing an interest in the paper-mill at Claverack.

     His educational advantages in early life had been limited, but he possessed a natural aptitude for business.  From boyhood he had been imbued with strict principles of honor, integrity, and industry; and with these as his sole capital he embarked in the pursuits of life.  Both branches of his business above referred to prospered under his management, and gradually increased in extent and profit until he found it necessary to relinquish the mercantile branch, which he did in 1867, and since then has been engaged exclusively in the manufacture of paper and in agricultural pursuits.

     Mr. Rogers has always been a strict Democrat, and although never seeking political preferment, has ever been a prominent man in his party.  In 1864 he was elected mayor of the city of Hudson by a large majority, although the political preponderance of the city had previously been Republican.  As mayor he was very popular, and his administration was marked with ability, impartiality, and active endeavors to promote the welfare of the city.  He was urged to accept a renomination under the assurance that no opposing candidate would be run against him, but he declined the flattering honor upon business considerations.

     Much against his inclinations he gave way to the urgent solicitations of his party, and accepted the nomination for member of Assembly in 1876, after it had been given him by acclamation without his knowledge.  He was elected by a majority of four hundred and nineteen in his district, and served one term with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned.

     Mr. Rogers is a man of more than ordinary intellectual endowments; an extensive reader and close thinker.  He possesses a remarkably practical cast of mind; is cautious, but firm and reliable in his judgments.  In manners he is social, friendly, and urbane, and possesses a liberal and generous nature.  Physically he is a man of commanding presence, and readily wins the confidence and respect of his associates.

     He has for many years been prominent in some of the most important pubic enterprises of his town and city, and had been a liberal supporter of all measures calculated to promote the general welfare.

     As a member and trustee of the First Universalist Society of Hudson, he has contributed liberally to its support and to the erection of the new church edifice.

     Mr. Rogers was married, in 1840, to Agnes M. Coventry, of Stockport, who died February 11, 1848.  By this union he had three children, two of whom are living.  He married for his second wife, in August, 1849, Catharine Miller, of Claverack, by whom he has also had three children, of whom two survive at this writing.