The subject of this sketch was born in Waterford, Conn., Jan. 31, 1808. He was the third of six children born to Ephraim and Chloe Rogers, all of whom he survived. He came in early life with his father's family to their new home in Allegany county, New York.
He was married to Lydia Stillman, Oct. 12, 1833, who died in 1845, leaving him with four sons, Orra F., Albertus C., William H., and Orville M. Rogers, all of whom he sent out in the day of our country's peril to defend its life and freedom. He would gladly have taken the ranks with his sons, but probably rendered equal service by his zealous and patriotic labors at home. His son Orra, gave up his life in Andersonville prison; the other three, named above, survive their father, and faithfully represent his spirit.
After the death of his wife he traveled in the Southern States extensively, and then spent a few years in California. Returning to his former home he was married to Mrs. Emma Stillman Langworthy, a sister of his former wife, with whom he lived a most happy and peaceful life, till his final departure. To this marriage was born one son, Frank L. Rogers, who with his half sister, Mrs. Amanda Clawson, came home to share with the elder sons, in their ministries of tender affections to their father in his last days. He passed from this life, after a lingering and painful sickness, August 13, 1889, aged 81 years.
The funeral services were held in his late home, and were attended by a very large assembly of friends, besides the mourning relatives. His surviving companion and children have much to comfort them in the memory of his kind and gentle spirit in all his home life.
His home has been a temporary home for many a stranger student, who very soon learned to appreciate the easy, homelike thoughtfulness that was always intended for their welfare. In the years of his physical strength he was one of the most devoted nurses, if there were any sick ones in the school, or in the community, never wearying so long as skillful nursing was needed.
Mr. Rogers was, for 32 consecutive years, an active, earnest, and influential member of the Board of Trustees of Alfred University, being one of the corporate members in 1857. Previous to this time, he had been financial agent for the Academy Company, to which he gave faithful service. After the incorporation of the University, he was made treasurer, which position he faithfully held two years, when he resigned and was succeeded by the late Elisha Potter.
"From the incorporation of the University, on through its whole history of struggle and triumph, of adversity and prosperity, he has been one of its honored custodians, always faithfully at his post of duty with wise counsels in times of difficulty, and words of cheer in times of danger." His was one of the courageous souls, who have done very much to build up and sustain Alfred University in the days of its greatest need.
He was not a man of great wealth, but of his moderate resources he bestowed with liberal hand, to meet the necessities of the young institution. Nor was his beneficence confined to Alfred University. The cause of missions, and of church building, found in him a willing heart and a liberal hand. But most especially did he carry on his heart the financial necessities of Alfred University.
In early life he made profession of religion, and those who knew him in that period of his life testified to a very radical change in his life. In his early married life he was a member in good standing in the First Genesee Church, from which he never removed his connection. Not being accustomed to express himself touching personal religious experience during his later years, but few persons came to know his inner thoughts and religious feelings. But during the last few months of his life he frequently gave expression to cheerful and confident hope of a happy home beyond this, where he would be with the loved ones who have gone before. T. R. W.
