William R. Felker

William R. Felker (1855-1929) was one of the leading financiers in Rogers in its early days. Felker came to Benton County in 1883 and founded the town’s first bank,
the Bank of Rogers. As a pioneer railroad builder, Felker promoted the Arkansas & Oklahoma Railroad out of Rogers and established the Rogers Southwestern Railroad. Although he also served as president of the Rogers Light & Water Company and was active in civic affairs, Felker was no stranger to manual labor; he might be found unloading railroad crossties or carrying water to laborers. Out of respect, all downtown Rogers stores were closed for his funeral.

William R. Felker, circa 1900. Neg. #N008214.