James John Bogert, Rector of Napanee, and one of the Rural Deans of Lennox and Addington, is a native of this Province, being born in Brockville, August 2, 1835. His father, John Bogert, Barrister, was a Captain of Cavalry during the “Patriot War” of 1837-38, and practiced his profession in Brockville, being known as the “honest lawyer,” dying in 1842. The father of John Bogert lived at one time in the United States. The mother of our subject, Mary Radcliffe before her marriage, was a native of Wales.
Mr. Bogert was educated at Trinity College, Toronto; graduated BA. in 1835; received the degree of M.A, three years later, and was ordained Deacon by Bishop Strachan, in 1858, and Priest the following year.
Mr. Bogert was curate at Prescott two years; was appointed Rector of Napanee in May, 1862, and is still serving this parish with the most cordial acceptance. Since he settled here, a fine gothic house of worship, built of blue limestone, with white limestone facings, has been erected, also a handsome rectory; and the numerical and financial strength of the church has been greatly increased. A few years ago the parish was divided, and his younger brother, Rev. David Ford Bogert, assumed the pastorate of the rural part of it.
In March, 1879, the Bishop of the Diocese of Ontario appointed eight Rural Deans, selecting Mr. Bogert as one of them, thus adding to his labors, cares, and responsibilities. It is almost needless to say that he is “diligent in business, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” His greatest joy is in the success of the Master’s cause.
Part of the years 1857 and 1858 Mr. Bogert spent in the Old World, visiting more than half of the countries of Europe, and returned with his mind enriched with the fruits of careful observation and research. Material for illustrations, etc., then and there gathered, often embellish his literary and religious discourses. He is polished in mind and manners, and a pleasant speaker.
The wife of Mr. Bogert was Miss Elizabeth Grant Atkinson, daughter of the late Rev. Dr. A. F. Atkinson of St. Catharines, Ontario, their marriage being dated May 31, 1860. They have seven children, three sons and four daughters.