Was born in Greenbrier county, West Virginia, September 18, 1826. His parents, Charles and Margaret Rodgers, were also natives of Virginia. He was educated in the common schools of his native State, and when twenty years old, began clerking in a dry goods store and was so employed for a few years. In 1857 he moved to Knox county, Illinois, and while there was en-gaged in farming and milling. In 1866 he came to this county and has given his attention to farming and stock-raising since. He was one of the first justices of the peace of the township after the organization in 1872, which office he has held four terms, and still fills the position with credit to himself and the county.
Mr. Rodgers was united in marriage, March 30, 1840, to Miss Tabitha McClung, who was born April 14, 1827. This marriage has been blessed with five children; namely, Tabitha A., born January 15, 1849-is dead; Martha J., born July 6, 1850; John F., born March 15, 1853; Charles F.,. born September 17, 1854; and Mary E., born February 2, 1858.