Job A. Rogers

JOB A. ROGERS, one of the pioneer settlers of Sheridan township, and one of its most highly respected men, died on his farm of 160 acres, situated in section 13, township 32, range 32, on September 30, 1903. Mr. Rogers was born in London, England, April 23, 1825, and lived in that great metropolis until he was 21 years of age.

In 1846, after the death of his mother, Mr. Rogers accompanied his father and sisters to America. The family settled in Des Moines County, Iowa, and there Job learned the first principles of farming. Prior to this his work had been in the city fish markets, where he had acquired business methods but no knowledge of tilling the soil. He was pleased with the new mode of life, learned every detail of farming, and, at his death, was considered one of the best farmers of his township. After his marriage, Mr. Rogers and wife decided to seek a home on the beautiful rolling prairies of Cherokee County. Kansas, and with their household goods drove across the country and settled in Sheridan township. They found the country wild and unimproved, but this they had expected, and they cheerfully went to work to clear and improve their land and make a good home. In the course of time, through Mr. Rogers' industry and good management and his wife's assistance and encouragement, the 160-acre farm was all cleared and placed under cultivation, a comfortable dwelling sheltered them and barns and other necessary buildings were erected, fences made and shade trees and orchards set out. For many years Mr. Rogers successfully carried on general farming and stock-raising here, becoming one of the substantial men of his township.

In Des Moines County, Iowa, November 29, 1854, Mr. Rogers was married to Martha E. Barnes, who was born February 29, 1838, and is a daughter of Uriah and Pauline (Barnhill ) Barnes. Her parents were natives of Kentucky, who went as pioneers to Indiana, and later settled in Des Moines County, Iowa. By trade Mr. Barnes was a carpenter. Both he and his wife died in Des Moines County, highly respected by all who knew them. Five of their eight children still survive. The four children of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are: James, a carpenter by trade, residing at West Mineral, who married Sarah Goldie; Sarah, who married Nathan Spencer, and has nine children; Martha, who married James Groves, of Sheridan township, and has 10 children; and Robert, residing at West Mineral, who also follows his grandfather's trade,—he married Mollie Duncan and has one son. All the children are comfortably settled and are respected members of society.

Mr. Rogers was a very intelligent man and took an interest in public affairs, but would never consent to hold any office, although being a man of such reliable character, he was often approached on the subject. In political views he was a Republican. For many years he was a consistent member of the Baptist Church. He was well known and was highly esteemed. In his death, the community lost a good citizen, his neighbors a kind and helpful friend, and his family a devoted father and loving husband. He will long be recalled for his many virtues.

After the death of Mr. Rogers, Mrs. Rogers rented ller farm and removed to West Mineral. where she now resides. She has pleasant companionship here in the midst of her children and grandchildren, and, in the ease and comfort which now surround her, she can almost forget the hardships of her early days in Kansas. She is a worthy and valued member of the Baptist Church.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 3/11/97.