Biography - Oscar F. Rogers
OSCAR F. ROGERS, a farmer and stockraiser residing on section 20, Oconee
Township, Shelby County, was born in Hamilton Square, Mercer County, N. J.,
March 6, 1826. The same county was the birthplace of his father, Jacob
Rogers, and his mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Wall, was born in that
State and grew from early childhood in Mercer County. There were five
brothers and six sisters, of whom Oscar was the eldest. Following him came
Ferdinand, who resides at Hamilton Square, N. J., and is engaged in the
manufacture of rubber goods; Ezekiel and Humphrey (twins), both living in
Monmouth, N. J.; Amanda, now Mrs. Gordon, residing in Mercer County; Anna
E., the widow of Charles Cole, residing in Windsor; Jacob, living in Mercer
County; George, was a member of the First Louisiana Cavalry in the
Confederate army, and died during the Civil War; Phoebe, was twice married,
her present husband being Mr. Johnson, of Pemberton, N. J.; Edith, wife of
John Tyndall, residing at Windsor, N. J.; and Mary, who is unmarried and
resides in New York City.
Oscar F. Rogers and Mary J. Allen were united in the holy bonds of matrimony
December 27, 1849. She was born in Mercer County, December 14, 1832, and of
her family there were three — Harris, Mrs. Rogers and Margaret. Her brother
and sister make their homes at Princeville and Asbury Park, N. J. Mr. Rogers
came to Oconee Township in the spring of 1857, and buying one hundred and
twenty acres of land, engaged in farming, which has been his principal
occupation through life, although he has also found opportunities for
considerable dealings in real estate in connection with his farming for the
last seventeen years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Rogers seven children were born, three of whom are now
living. Their eldest, Elvina, who was born in New Jersey, married Mr. Wesley
T. Elliott and resides at Oconee, Ill., with her husband and nine children;
Adelaide was born in New Jersey and died in that State when about two years
old, as did also Harris. Allen married Addie Hamlin and resides on a farm in
Oconee Township, where he was born, with his wife and one child. Mary passed
away when she was a lovely girl of thirteen summers, and Frank died in
childhood; Bert is unmarried and lives at home. The parents of this family
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Oconee.
The Civil War called our subject to the defense of his country and enlisted
m Company H, Fifty-third Illinois Infantry, and was assigned to duty in the
Seventeenth Army Corps, serving under Gen. Sherman. This was one of those
sad cases of brother being arrayed against brother, as our subject was in
the Union Army and his brother George in the Confederate service. He passed
through many hardships and dangers, but lived to return to his rejoicing
household. He has connected himself prominently with the Grand Army of the
Republic and belongs to Coplin Post. No. 168, at Oconee. He takes an active
part in political affairs and thoroughly endorses the party which made so
noble a record as the stanch supporter of the administration during the
Civil War. His neighbors, who appreciate his many excellent qualities and
believe heartily in his integrity and good judgment, have placed him in the
offices of School Trustee and Tax Collector. He has two hundred acres of
finely improved land within sight of the village of Oconee, and upon it he
is content to pass the remainder of his days, surrounded by his affectionate
children.
Extracted 09 Apr 2018 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 492-493.
