Nebraska State Historical Society

 

Authors

Samuel Maxwell

Date of this Version

1887

Comments

Published in TRANSACTIONS AND REPORTS OF THE NEBRASKA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, vol. 2 (Lincoln, NE, 1887).

Abstract

Among the pioneers of this state entitled to honorable recognition, who assisted in the formation of its laws and the founding of its institutions, was E. H. Rogers. The subject of this sketch was the second son of a Methodist minister, and was born at Litchfield, Herkimer county, New York, January 12, 1830.

We have but few incidents of his early life. The meager compensation accorded to ministers generally seems to have taught him the necessity of care in the expenditure of money, and also that true happiness does not depend upon the possession of wealth. It is worthy of note that the most successful business men, and those who feel most keenly the misfortunes of others, and extend a helping hand, are those who themselves, in boyhood or youth, have felt the pinchings of poverty. In the year 1851 Mr. Rogers married Miss Lucy Goff, and soon thereafter removed to Wisconsin. In 1856 he moved to this state, and settled at Fremont. No person who has not himself suffered the inconveniences and privations of pioneer life in a new state can fully appreciate its hardships. The open houses through which the wintry winds penetrate; the want of adequate facilities for heating, and consequent inability to render them comfortable; the want of variety in food, and in some cases, the insufficient supply; the coarse and rude furniture and utensils of those accustomed to better things, would discourage any but the bravest. Even those with sufficient means to purchase articles deemed to be necessary, suffer; while the very poor are frequently compelled to submit to the most severe hardships.

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