My Genealogy Hound

Ben K. Rodgers, Jr., is the junior member of the firm of J. B. Evans & Co., dealers in general merchandise at Russellville, Ark. This firm is well known and highly honored throughout this section, for the members composing it are men of principle, who endeavor at all times to follow the teachings of the Golden Rule. Mr. Rodgers was born in West Point, White County, Ark., November 3, 1868, and with his parents emigrated to this county when twelve years of age, the former being a successful dealer in general merchandise. It may truly be said that the subject of this sketch was reared to mercantile life, for, as soon as old enough he was put to work in the store, and on this account did not receive much schooling. At the age of thirteen years he left home by consent of his parents, and from that time up to the present has been doing for himself. He entered a store in Little Rock, as cash boy, which position he filled for thirteen months, at the end of which time he came to Russellville and obtained a position as clerk in the grocery store of P. L. Bottoms & Son, where he remained one year, then entered the general mercantile establishment of Humphrey & Evarts, in which he was a clerk for four years. Since that time he has been a junior member of the firm. Upon Mr. Humphrey selling his interest in the store, the other members of the firm purchased this interest, and now do an annual business of $20,000. They are also extensive cotton dealers, shipping annually about 800 bales. In addition to this, Mr. Rodgers is associated with Mr. Rankin in the livery business, under the firm name of Rankin & Rodgers, theirs being the only establishment of the kind within a number of miles. They keep an excellent class of horses and vehicles, and their annual business amounts to between $4,000 and $5,000. Mr. Rodgers was married on August 15, 1889, to Miss Minnie Rye of Fort Smith, Ark., a daughter of J. C. Rye, one of the prominent grocers at that place. Mr. Rodgers has never joined any church, but his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this place. He is a Democrat, and socially belongs to Lodge No. 535, of the K. & L. of H. of this place, in which he holds the office of treasurer. He is one of the self-made men of the county, and is a very prominent and enterprising young business man. He has the respect of all who know him, and has established a reputation for square dealing which has become widespread. He is liberal in his support of worthy enterprises.