WI BIO - Kenosha Co - ROGERS, William

History of Kenosha and Kenosha County, Wisconsin. Lyman. Chicago: Clarke 
Publishing, 1916, vol II, pp 506-507

William ROGERS, Somers Township, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, was born 15 
August 1840 in Cornwall, England, a son of William and Ann (JOHNS) ROGERS, 
who in 1850 crossed the Atlantic with their family to the United States. 
They first settled in northern Michigan, and afterward removed to Kenosha 
County, Wisconsin, where their remaining days were passed. Mr. [William] 
ROGERS [the father of the subject] died in 1892, having for a decade survived 
his wife [Ann (JOHNS) ROGERS], whose death occurred in 1882. Both were laid 
to rest in one of Kenosha's cemeteries.

William ROGERS was a lad of ten years when he accompanied his parents to the 
New World, and was employed in the mines of northern Michigan for about 
twelve years. In the spring of 1866 he came to Kenosha County, and for three 
years was engaged in farming in Somers Township in connection with his father 
[also named William ROGERS]. On the expiration of that period he [William, 
the subject] went to Colorado, and for three years worked in the mines, after 
which he again came to Wisconsin, and once more resumed agricultural pursuits 
in connection with his father on Section 22, Somers Township. Later, 
however, he purchased eighty acres of land known as the NEWMAN place, and to 
this tract he has added, as his financial resources have permitted, until he 
is now the owner of 157 acres. He has brought his farm under a high state of 
cultivation, and it is an attractive property by reason of its well-tilled 
fields, its excellent buildings, and the high grade of stock seen upon the 
farm.

On 22 May 1876 the subject [William ROGERS] was united in marriage to Miss 
Mary S. BUSWELL, daughter of Moses C. and Lucy Jane (GARDNER) BUSWELL, who 
were early settlers of Kenosha County, arriving here in 1843 [when Kenosha 
County was still part of Racine County, and in the Territory of Wisconsin]. 
The father [Moses C. BUSWELL] was born in 1823 in New Hampshire, and the 
mother [Lucy Jane (GARDNER) BUSWELL] was born in 1821 in New York State. 
They [Moses C. and Lucy Jane (GARDNER) BUSWELL] were married on 03 September 
1843, and became the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are yet 
living, although only Mrs. [William] ROGERS [Mary S. nee BUSWELL] resides in 
Kenosha County. A son, Otto F. BUSWELL, died in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, 
in April 1916. The father [Moses C. BUSWELL] was a Republican in his 
political views, and was a member of the Freewill Baptist church. His was a 
well-spent life, and his many sterling traits of character endeared him to 
many friends who gave him their confidence and warm regard.

Mr. and Mrs. ROGERS [William and Mary S. (BUSWELL) ROGERS] have become the 
parents of nine children: (1) Lottie, who gave her hand in marriage to John 
W. HANSCHE, by whom she has two children; (2) William C., at home; (3) 
Malvina Bess, who wedded Marion DAVIS, by whom she has two children; (4) 
Harry; (5) John, at home; (6) Lucy Jane, at home; (7) Walter, deceased; 
and (8) Alvin, who is also yet under the parental roof. [Note that only 
eight of the nine children are named.]

In religious faith the parents [William and Mary S. (BUSWELL) ROGERS] are 
Methodists, loyal to the teachings of the church. Mr. ROGERS casts an 
independent local ballot, but supports the Republican party in state and 
national elections. For years he has been a member of the school board, and 
the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion, for he has done 
everything in his power to advance the interests of the schools. In business 
affairs his record is also creditable, for he started out to earn his own 
living when but a young lad, and since then has depended entirely upon his 
own efforts for success. He has worked diligently and persistently, and his 
indefatigable energy, combined with sound judgment and honorable dealing, has 
gained him a place among the substantial farmers of Somers Township.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly