My Genealogy Hound

REV. ALFRED H. ROGERS, pastor of the Congregational Church at Green Ridge, Pettis County, is a faithful shepherd in the Master’s vineyard, and endeavors to the best of his ability to satisfy the spiritual wants of his flock. A native of this state, he was born in Springfield, October 14, 1863. He is the fifth in order of birth of the parental family, his parents being Louis S. and Elizabeth (Hester) Rogers.

The father of our subject was born in Pennsylvania, and was of Scotch and German parentage. He left his native state at the age of eighteen years, going to Bedford County, Tenn., and on the outbreak of the Civil War enlisted in the Union army, serving creditably for four years. During that long period he participated in all the battles and skirmishes in which his regiment was engaged, and was captured at the battle of Belmont. Some time later he succeeded in making his escape, but in so doing injured his eye, so that the sight was impaired for a time and finally he lost the use of it entirely. He was mustered out at the close of the war, and shortly after his return home removed to Illinois, settling in Saline County. There he became the owner of a good farm, in the cultivation of which he was engaged until 1880, when he went south to Bennett, Tex., his death occurring there in March, 1886. His good wife, the mother of our subject, departed this life January 25, 1875.

Alfred H., of this sketch, received his primary education in the common schools of Illinois, and at the age of eighteen entered Bellevue College in Missouri, taking a three-years course in that institution. He then became a student in the Theological Training School, and after completing the prescribed course of four years was ordained as a minister of the Congregational Church, January 1, 1893, although he had preached off and on since 1888. For one year he was pastor of the Russell Avenue Church in St. Louis, and organized and built a church at St. Clair, this state, where he remained for two years and a-half. In August, 1892, he was called to Green Ridge, and has ever since been in charge of the congregation here.

Rev. Alfred H. Rogers was married, October 11, 1885, to Miss Mary J., daughter of James and Julia (Tucker) Lakin. The father was a native of Illinois, while the mother was born in Kentucky. The birth of Mrs. Rogers occurred in Missouri in 1864, and she was reared and educated in St. Clair, Franklin County, this state. To them has been born a daughter, Effie, a beautiful child of nearly six years.

Socially our subject is connected with Orion Lodge No. 59, K. of P., at Poplar Bluff, this state, and with Green Ridge Lodge No. 300, I. O. O. F. He also belongs to the order of Maccabees, and to the Royal Tribe of Joseph. In politics he uses his ballot in support of the Republican party.