Biography - Charles Rogers
One of the early pioneers of Greene County was Charles Rogers. He came from Kentucky, the home of Daniel Boone and fast horses. In 1827 he located on a farm in Patterson Township, this county, near the town of Patterson, then called Wilmington. This was the father of Alderman Charles Rogers of this city, who inherited his father’s name and many of his noble traits of character.
The subject of our sketch was born on his father’s farm near Patterson, February 25, 1854. His father died when he was seven years of age. His mother, having four children to care for and educate, rented the farm and moved to Piasa, Illinois, in order that the facilities for an education might be improved. It was in this little town that Charles Rogers received his education and grew to manhood. At the age of 21 he completed his school days and entered the field of business. In the fall of 1876 he engaged in the dry goods and grocery business of Woodson, Illinois. After remaining with this three years, he concluded to try farming and moved to a farm in Morgan County, near Jacksonville. For two years he followed the plow and looked after other things incident to a farmer’s life. Then he concluded to try railroading and came to Roodhouse in 1881 and took the position of night ticket agent for the Chicago and Alton Railroad. He served in this capacity for one year and then took charge of the Railway Y.M.C.A Reading Room as Secretary. After four years in the reading room he accepted a position as passenger brakeman. This was in 1889 and he has been in the continuous service of the company ever since, though for the past year he has been holding the position of flagman, which pays a better salary than that of brakeman.
December 3, 1876 Mr. Rogers was married to Miss Jennie McMahon, who at that time lived near Nilwood in Macoupin County. They have two children living – William E. and Nellie Golden. Mr. And Mrs. Rogers are members of the Baptist Church in this city and active participants in all Christian work and especially that which pertains to their church.
Mr. Rogers was elected to the City Council from the Third Ward in the spring of 1896. He beat his opponent one vote at the regular city election. It was contested and the Council decided the election a tie and a special election was called which resulted in his winning by two votes. He is a Democrat and a member of the Odd Fellows’ and Woodmen lodges of this city.
Mr. Rogers is affable, courteous and a thorough gentleman. He enjoys the esteem and good will of all his acquaintances. He owns a nice little home on Randolph street, which he as bought with his savings, and enjoys life to the fullest extent of his ability.
Transcribed 25 Oct 2006 by Linda Jones Craig from Souvenir of Roodhouse, 1897.
