My Genealogy Hound

REV. GEORGE ROGERS, rector of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, Verona, was born in 1851, in London, England, eldest son of George and Phyllis (Shakespeare) Rogers. His father was born on the family estate, in Western England, and in early life was taken to London, where he now resides. His mother, now deceased, was the daughter of Joseph Shakespeare, a prominent London designer of artistic iron and wood-work. According to the custom, Mr. Rogers was taken from school at the age of fourteen, and began his legal education. For several years he applied himself closely to the study of law, and for the greater part of his time was in the law office of the well-known firm of Skilbeck & Griffith. In 1872, having a desire for a change and rest, he came to America. He traveled in the United States until 1878, when he decided to study for the ministry, and entered the theological seminary at Gambier, Ohio. In June, 1879, he was ordained a deacon in the Episcopal Church. Leaving the seminary in March, 1880, he went into the diocese of Kentucky, and in May following was ordained a presbyter in Grace Church, Louisville, Ky. He labored two years in missionary work, and in 1882 was called to the rectorship of Grace Church at Paducah, Ky., where he labored very hard for three years. Owing to the climate his health failed, and, being desirous of rest, he took a small charge in Mercer, Pa., from May, 1885, to April, 1886. He was then called to St. John’s Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh. In May, 1887, he was called to St. Thomas’ Church at Verona, taking charge May 22d. June 21, 1887, he was united in marriage with Capitola Edna Wilson, a lady of culture and refinement, educated in Pittsburgh Central high-school. She is a daughter of the late James P. Wilson, a native of Pittsburgh, who was a carriage-manufacturer there in early days. He retired from business in 1867, and died November 11, 1886. Mrs. Rogers’ mother is a descendant of Gen. Gates, and her great-grandfather was associated with the first glasshouse of Pittsburgh.