Person:John Rogers (231)

Biography

Source: Glasgow, KY., Daily Times, August 4, 1999 Submitted by Elaine Porter Bagby:.

Born in Barren County in 1835 to a farmer whom hard work had made wealthy, young Rogers was educated locally until reaching his late teens. A few years spent as a teacher were unsatisfactory and in 1856 the young man went to Missouri where many of his relatives and acquaintances were living.

He lived for two years in that place but followed no serious pursuits. Rather, he seemed to live solely to enjoy himself; his cheerful, often mischievous disposition endearing him to all who made his acquaintance. He began to practice law and threw himself whole-heartedly into the Studies of that profession, showing great ability and skill. He had not long settled himself into his new occupation when State Guards began to be formed and Rogers turned his attention to the military, immersing himself in a copy of Hardee's tactics until he felt confident to join a company at Hiseville. As an officer of that company, he continued to excel in his military duties as he had in any other field he had set his mind to. In July of 1861, he joined with them Captain [later Colonel] Joseph Nuckols to cast his fortune with that of the South and was voted 1st Lt. of Co. A., 4th Kentucky Inf., CSA Since Nuckols was often needed on a regimental level, Lt. Rogers frequently commanded the company. He led them in their first battle at Shiloh, were they were deployed as skirmishers for the right flank of the regiment. Their conduct and that of their gallant leader was noticed by their superiors and Co. A was often called upon to perform that hazardous duty in later battles. Lt. Rogers saw his brother William killed early in the fight at Shiloh and later he himself was dangerously wounded. By the end of May he was able to return to duty with the rank of Captain, although his wounded arm was useless, he led his men at Vicksburg and at Baton Rouge and his ability as a soldier as well as his courage became well known. At Murfreesboro; George Walter, another brother, fell mortally wounded on the field. He was taken to a hospital in the town and just before the Kentucky troops moved southward, Captain Rogers sought him out to say a last good bye. Afterwards, the noble Captain was unable to speak of that interview with out blinding tears. During the Atlanta campaign, Captain Rogers was promoted to Major and less than a month after assuming that rank, he disappeared while preparing to retake some captured rifle pits near Kennasaw, GA. A federal prisoner who was captured a few days later told of a Confederate office who has stumbled into Yankee lines ordering them to "hold their pit to the last man," before realizing he was among the enemy. From that point it was hoped that Major Rogers was a prisoner, but time passed with no further word and his comrades and family had to accept that he was likely dead. Years later his friend Ed Porter Thompson would write that they who loved John Rogers suffered never-ending suspense, for we can not persuade ourselves of anything the fate of Major John Byrd Rogers, like so many soldiers of that tragic war, remains unknown Memorial Marker: John B. Rogers Major 4th Reg. Ken. Inf. S.S

Son of Wm. B. and N. E. Rogers

Born June 11, 1835

Killed at Kennesaw Mountain June 20, 1964

1. ↑ ^1.0 1.1 .

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