C.W. ROGERS, Rogers’ namesake

Charles Warrington Rogers (1834-1887) was a merchant sailor and Union Navy officer before signing on with the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad in 1871. As a general manager of the St. Louis & San Francisco (Frisco), his support for the railway coming through this area resulted in the town of Rogers being named after him. He was aboard the first train as it pulled into town on May 10, 1881, considered the town’s birthday. The honorary title “captain” referred to Rogers’ seagoing days. Rogers’ wife, Mary, showed a special interest in her husband’s namesake and used her influence and resources to help establish Rogers’ first church (Congregational) and its first educational facility (Rogers Academy).