Obituary for William Rogers, Unknown Source. William Rogers was born in Donnegal County, Ireland, October 17,1815, and died at his residence in McLeansboro, July 15, 1905, at 3:00 pm, aged 89 years, 8 months and 29 days. The Rogers family came to America in 1823 landing at New York. The father died 3 years later leaving a wife, 6 sons and two daughters to battle for a living amongst strangers in a strange land. Straitened circumstances forced the mother to deny her children much schooling, but all worked and saved and by an united effort all grew to manhood and womanhood well prepared for lifes duties. When 10 years old William began an apprenticeship in a rope manufactory. He soon become proficient and was early receiving good wages. But his strong physical nature called for more strenuous effort and he entered the rolling mills at Bradys Bend, PA. His advancement was rapid and he afterwards worked in New Castle and other points in the Pennsylvania Iron Fields. In 1845 he married Mary A Rogers. To this union were born 7 sons and 4 daughters. Nine of whom survive him: Robert of Wewoka, I.T., James F of Web City, MO., Andrew J., Holdenville, I.T., Joseph, living six miles south of McLeansboro, Grant, mining in Alaska, Wm. E, of Web City, MO., Martha, wife of Thomas Mitchell, living two miles north of McLeansboro, Maggie Case, Jericho, MO., Emma, wife of James Allee, Marissa, ILL. Two, Catherine and Willie, died several years ago. Sixteen grandchildren and two great- grandchildren also survive him. In 1855 Mr. Rogers and family came to Hamilton Co. and have made their homes within its borders ever since. Bro. Rogers was converted in his sixty-eighth year at Blooming Grove church under the efforts of the Rev. Carner and ever afterward lived a christian life. Uncle "Billy" , was a working, upright, honorable gentleman. He was charitable to a fault. His great object was to please and no man ever came to his door wanting bread that did not receive it. Last October or November he was splitting some kindling wood when a block fell against his leg. At first it caused little concern, but slowly grew into an eating sore that caused his death. During his sickness he never forgot to acknowlege the smallest kindness, aggreeable at all times and under the severest pains. Thus he suffered night and day. No relief, constant pain. At the time of his death, Mr. Rogers was the second oldest man in the county. Such is a short sketch of one of our pioneers. ------------------------------------------------------------- UGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organiza- tions or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contri- butor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ------------------------------------------------------------- File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Gail Shulmire