James Rogers occupies a place of prominence among the citizens of Woodbine Township as one of its early settlers, and one of its successful farmers and stock-raisers. And he is also prominent in its social and religious circles. He was born in Cornwallshire, England, in 1819, and his parents, Walter and Mary (Richards) Rogers, were natives of the same shire, born in St. Martin's Parish. They had seven children, three of whom are living: our subject, John, and Priscilla. The latter is now Mrs. William Ripper, and lives in Saline County, Kan. John lives in Scales Mound Township, this county, near White Oak Springs, Wis., his home being on the State line, and he owns some land across the line in Wisconsin.

He of whom we write grew to man's estate in his native land; but becoming dissatisfied with his prospects in life in the old country, be determined to emigrate to America, and see what life held for him in the New World. Accordingly, in 1846 he embarked on board of an American-bound vessel, crossed the Atlantic, and has ever since been a resident of the United States. He made his way to this State, and, settling in Scales Mound Township, was employed there the following four years in tbe mines. In the spring of 1865 he came to this township, and subsequently turning his attention to agriculture, became the owner of his present farm on section 14. in 1869. This comprises 140 acres of land, which Mr. Rogers has placed under a high state of cultivation, and he has erected commodious buildings, including a handsome, wcll-appoiuted house, fine barn, etc.. and has the farm supplied with stock of excellent grades, lie has been highly prospered in all his undertakings, and is regarded as one of the solid, substantial men of the township, from financial as well as other points of view.

Mr. Rogers' success in life is partly due to tin; fact that he has been blessed with a good wife, who has sympathized with him in his aims, and has been of great practical service to him in the establishment of a home. Mrs. Rogers' maiden name was Eliza Roberts, and she was a native of Cornwallshire, England, as were her parents, George and Jane (Pope) Roberts, both of whom are now deceased. They had three children, two of whom are living—Mrs. Rogers and George, tbe latter in Scales Mound Township, this county. Mary was married to our subject in January, in the year 1842, and their union has been blessed to them by the birth of seven children, of whom four arc living: Jane R., Walter, George, and John J. C, the latter being named for Elder Cassidy. Jane married Martin L. Potter, of Dickinson County, Kan., and they have seven children: Elmer W., Eliza J., Delilah A., Lillie, James W.. Irena, and Martin L. George married Arabella Eaton, and has four children: Anuie J., Eliza P., Walter M. R., and Raymond H.

As the snows of age fall across the pathway of our subject he can look hack with pride on a blameless life well spent, wherein he has always striven to do his duty according to the highest Christian principles. During his residence in this township of nearly twenty-five years his neighbors have ever found him faithful and trustworthy, and always genial and helpful toward those about him. He is a man of deep reiigious nature, and has exerted a good influence in elevating the moral tone of this community. As a child be was reared in the Episcopal Church, but when quite young broke ft way

from the traditions of his family in regard to religions beliefs, and united himself with the Wesleyan Methodist Church. After coming to this country he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has ever since been identified with it, and with his wife, who has been a church member since 1842, is one of the most zealous workers in the church and Sunday-school. He was for many years Class-Leader of the class here. He hel|>cd to organize the Methodist Church at Scales Mound in 1851, and also assisted in the organization of the Methodist Church at Jewell's Prairie, to which church he and his wife belong.

Transcribed by Christine Walters - Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889)