He was a farmer residing near Holstein, Iowa, in Battle Township in Ida County, 1883. He was a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, born December 21, 1835. His limited education was received in a log schoolhouse, built with puncheon floor and slab seats. He came to Ida County in 1883. He married Agnes Miller of Pa., a daughter of Michael and Jane (Currey) Miller of Pa. They had 5 children: Samuel L. of Holstein, Ia.; Jacob E.; Leila; Henry C.; and Nora (a teacher in Ida County, Ia.).
Henry Rogers, his father, was born in Pennsylvania, son of Robert Rodman Rogers. He went to Ohio as a young man and married Fannie Bixler of Ohio. In 1836 they came West as far as Illinois, and 2 years later came to the Territory of Iowa, locating in Linn County in 1838. There were 20 Indians there to every white man.
Henry Rogers’ home was headquarters for the traveling pioneer preachers. From his primitive cabin home, hospitality was extended to all. They had 5 sons and 4 daughters: Mary Thompson of Boone County; Robert of Lenox, Iowa; James J. Rogers of Battle Township; William D. of Greenfield; Ia., Elizabeth Miller of Battle Township, Ida County; John J.; Emaretta Clark of Benton County; and Semantha A. (wife of C. B. Conover of Battle Township, Ida Co.).