My Genealogy Hound

MANNING E. ROGERS, an enterprising business man and successful farmer of Cass County, Mich., was born in Ontwa Township, upon the old homestead where he now resides, April 27, 1857. His parents were George and Elizabeth (Manning) Rogers. The paternal grandfather, John Rogers, named in honor of his father, John Rogers, was a man of resolute character and sterling integrity. He was a long-time resident of the Empire State, where he was widely known and highly respected. The father of our subject, George Rogers, was a native of Palmyra, Wayne County, N. Y. He was born June 7, 1829, and was reared and attained to manhood in his early home. In 1852 he located in Michigan, and for one year clerked in Coldwater. He then spent one year in the post-office in Elkhart, Ind. He purchased in 1853 a farm in Mason Township, Cass County, upon section 12, the homestead containing one hundred and fifty-five acres, to which he removed in the succeeding year. He improved this land, and at the time of his death, December 28, 1879, owned over two hundred acres of valuable farming property. He gave considerable attention to insurance, and was one of the largest shippers of fruit in the State. He purchased land in several States, and was an extensive dealer in agricultural implements, and was regarded as a liberal man, of energy and public spirit.

The mother of our subject was born in Miami County, Ohio, and was the daughter of Elias and Sarah (Frost) Manning. The maternal great-grandfather, John Manning, was the son of James Manning, who came from England to America in early days. John Manning was born in England, and with his brother Edwin made his home in the United States and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was by trade a millwright and ran one of the first mills built in the Buckeye State. He removed later to Piqua, and laid out the city. He built the first mill erected there. In religious belief, this ancestor of our subject was a Universalist. He passed away in Piqua after a long and useful life. He married four times. His first wife was Sarah, who bore him two sons and two daughters. H. Elizabeth was the second wife. The third wife was the mother of eight sons and four daughters. The fourth wife became the mother of one daughter. Elias Manning, the maternal grandfather of Mr. Rogers, was the first white child born in Piqua, Ohio, the day of his nativity being May 22, 1800. He was one of twelve children, ten of whom survived to adult age. The sons were: John, Enos, Edward, Amos, Nathaniel, Benjamin and Elias. The daughters: Sarah, Nancy and Margaret. Three of the sons were present at the surrender of Hull, having patriotically participated in the struggles of the Revolution.

Elias Manning was a millwright, and in 1833 journeyed to Elkhart, Ind., where he built a mill and boated, floating down the Elkhart River and by lake to Buffalo. He lived in Elkhart until the time of his death, which occurred January 15, 1847. He was a Whig in politics, and in religious belief a Universalist. His wife was Miss Sarah, daughter of Dr. William Frost. Mrs. Manning passed away in November, 1872. She was born May 3, 1806, and spent a life of usefulness. She was the mother of twelve children, eight of whom survived to manhood and womanhood. These sons and daughters were: John, William, Oliver, Elizabeth, Mary (deceased at eleven years of age), Susan, Ebenezer, Nancy, Margaret, and three little ones who died in infancy. Dr. Frost came from North Carolina and was a soldier of 1812. He resided near Piqua and actively participated in pioneer experiences. The maternal great-grandmother, Mrs. William Frost, was Elizabeth Reed, a daughter of James Reed, who served bravely in the War of the Revolution. He removed from North Carolina to Ohio, between 1795 and 1800. The pleasant home of the father and mother of our subject was blessed with the presence of two sons, Manning E. and Charles. The latter was born September 28, 1862. He was married in Milton Township, where he follows the occupation of farming. His wife was formerly Miss Mary Houseworth, of Mason Township, and they have three children, Minnie, George and John.

Manning E. Rogers, born and reared where he now resides, was educated in the public schools of his home locality, and received a course of instruction in the institutions of Aurora, Ill., and Valparaiso, Ind. He now has charge of the insurance business formerly managed by his father, and in 1887 bought the store building in Adamsville, and conducts a general business, handling a variety of merchandise and buying produce. Mr. Rogers and his wife were united in marriage October 1, 1854. Mrs. Rogers is a native of Piqua, Ohio, and is a daughter of Elias and Sarah Manning. She is a most estimable lady, a member of the Christian Church, and is widely known and esteemed. Mr. Rogers is in political affiliation a sturdy Democrat and interested in local and national issues. He is a valued member of the Knights of Pythias, and has for many years been one of the important factors in the social and business enterprises of Cass County. Possessing excellent business attainments, he has achieved success and is numbered among the prosperous and substantial citizens of Ontwa Township.