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| Mecosta Co (MI) Bios, Chapman Bro. 1881 Edward C. Rogers, farmer, sec 11, Grant Twp, was born Jan 4, 1841, in Orwell, Addison Co., VT. He is a son of Robert H. and Abigail Rogers, both of whom are now living at Middlebury, VT. The father is a native of NY, and is of Spanish and German extraction; the mother was born in Connecticut, and is English in both lines of descent. When he was nine years old, Mr. Rogers was placed in a situation as assistant in a furniture store, where he operated four years. He then engaged as a farm hand, and was thus employed until he was 20 years old. He was a few months past that age when he enlisted in defense of the Union flag. He enrolled Aug 4, 1861, in C. F, Fifth Vt. Inf., under Capt. Stowell, of Cornwell, and was discharged De. 15, 1863, to enable him to veteranize, which he did the same day. A sufficient number of C. F were remaining to preserve the name and organization, and the entire force veteranized. Mr. Rogers served until the close of the war, receiving his discharge June 29, 1865. He was engaged in nearly 100 battles and skirmishes, as is proven by the record of his regiment. Among the most important were Lee's Mills, Williamsburg, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, Bull Run (2nd), South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Funkstown, Rappahannock, Wilderness, and at Spottsylvania, where he was the only man of his company uninjured, all save him being killed or wounded. He became Color bearer, and so continued until the end of the war. His next recorded fight was at Cold Harbor, and after that at Petersburg, where in the final advance the brigade to which he belonged led the charge, and he was the first man to plant the Union colors on the rebel fortifications. Throughout his entire period of service he was wounded but once - a saber cut from a rebel cavalryman at Bull Run. In the fall of 1864, a general order was issued granting a furlough of 35 days to one man in every 1000 who could fulfill the specifications on which the permit was granted. He must bear inspection as to drill, care of arms and accountrements, and in the matter of personal cleanliness. On examination, the furlough and money for the necessary traveling expenses going home and returning to his regiment, were award to Mr. Rogers, and when he once more rejoined his command he received a certificate of honor, running as follows: CERTIFICATE OF HONOR, Awarded to Corporal Edward C. Rogers, of Co. F, Fifth Vt. Vet. Vols., for bravery and good conduct as a soldier in the cause of his country. Mr. Rogers was married April 24, 1868, to Nellie B., daughter of William C. and Mary A. Smith, of Champlain, NY, who was born oct. 21, 1850, at Mooers, Clinton Co., NY. Her father was of Scotch, and her mother of English extraction. Mr. Smith was a soldier in the 10th N.H. Vol. Reg., and died of fever contracted in the army. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were born in the order named: Arthur W., April 25, 1871, Robert W., Sept 20, 1872, Willard C., Nov. 15, 1874. Mr. Rogers came to Michigan in 1877, and settled in Grant Tp., buying 40 acres of land, his homestead. He is Republican, and a member of Post French No. 28, G. A. R. He is serving his second term as Justice of the Peace, and his third term as School Inspector. |