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| James H. Rogers, lumberman and farmer, resident on sec. 14, Mecosta Tp., was a native of Broome Co., N.Y. His father, abraham Rogers, was of English-Dutch descent and was born in Canada. His mother, Hannah D. (Stickney) Rogers, was of pure English descent and born in New Hampshire. Mr. Rogers remained at home until he was 21 years of age and received as good an education as possible at the common schools, and attended a term at the Alfred Academy in Allegany Co., N.Y. On arriving at his majority he left home and went into the lumber business, which he prosecuted until the fall of 1854. At that date he came to Newaygo County and purchased a tract of land, including 500 acres of heavy timber, lying on the Big Muskegon. Soon afterward he engaged in the business of locating land, with occupied him until 1856 and was a lucrative pursuit. He abandoned it after two years, and came to Mecosta Township to locate 100 acres of land. Here he hired men and their families, established lumber camps and gave a large amount of attention to the trade in lumber, which was at that date the germ of nearly all settlements made in this section of the Peninsular State. During this time the State road was in process of building, and Mr. Rogers was appointed Commissioner by Gov. Blair, and held the post three years. He has been appointed special Commissioner several times since. From 1865 to 1870 Mr. Rogers was actively engaged in the joint pursuit of managing a country store and hotel, in which was also established the local postoffice, and in connection, a large lumber interest. The store of Mr. Rogers was opened in 1865, and was the first mercantile establishment in the township. On the completion of the railroad to Big Rapids in 1869 Mr. Rogers closed his mercantile operations and hotel business, and as the lumber trade diminished he devoted his attention almost exclusively to farming. His homestead includes 350 acres of land, with 120 in fair tillable condition. He has always been active in politics and is a zealous Republican. At the organization of the township he was made Clerk, and held the post several years. He has been School Superintendent and Inspector, and has held various other official positions. Mr. Rogers was married Feb. 14, 1867, to Sarah B., daughter of Willard and Lois (Roberts) Salisbury, natives of New York and of English descent. She was born in Broome County, N.Y., May 9, 1842. She went to McHenry Co., Ill., where she remained until the fall of 1866, at which time she came to this county. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have two children: Carrie E. born May 8, 1869, and Edgar E., born Sept. 25, 1873. |