Sunday's Obituary - Irvin W. Rogers

Irvin Wise Rogers

10 Dec 1863 - 12 May 1912

This is the obituary of my husband's great grand-uncle, Irvin Wise Rogers, who was a well known and respected businessman in Trenton, NJ.  He was born 10 Dec 1863 in Edgewood, Bucks County, PA to Levi H. Rogers and Jane Eliza (Slack) Rogers.  He was also the brother of Dr. Elmer H. Rogers of Trenton, NJ and Dr. Benjamin H. Rogers, of Patterson, NJ.

He was married to Ida May Tallman of Bucks County, PA about 1882.  Sometime around 1890 they moved to Trenton, New Jersey where for many years he was the secretary of the Standard Fire Insurance Agency. They had four living children, Dr. Lawrence H. Rogers, Norman Tallman Rogers who later became an attorney and Superior Court Judge of New Jersey, Irvin W. Rogers, Jr. and one daughter Helen M. Rogers.

Sunday's Obituary - Helen Rogers - Trenton, NJ

I wrote last week about the short life of Ellerslie Wallace Rogers, son of Dr. Elmer H. and Mary (Bowers) Rogers.  Sadly, they were to lose another child two and a half years later, their four year-old daughter Helen.  I would have never known about Helen, except I came across this short notice in the Trenton Times:

Trenton Times 21 Jul 1897

Once again, no mention as to the cause of death and I can only guess at the sadness and despair the parents felt, especially the father being a doctor and unable to save his own child.

Just this week I received notification that a Find-A-Grave contributor had added these pictures of Ellerslie and Helen's headstones and I am very grateful to have both of these pictures.

Riverview Cemetery, Trenton, NJ

Rogers Children, Main Stone, Riverview Cemetery

Sunday's Obituary - Ellerslie Wallace Rogers - Trenton, NJ

I have written before of the sad, short life of the first-born son of Dr. Elmer H. and Mary (Bowers) Rogers, Ellerslie Wallace Rogers.  He was my husband's grand-uncle.  Although his father was a respected Trenton, NJ physician, he was not able to save his own child from dying.  I have not been able to find out why Ellerslie or Wallace as it appeared he was called died, the only mention of his death is this short mention in the Trenton Times on 20 Feb 1895:

Although some months ago I had requested via Find-A-Grave, a photograph of his headstone at Riverview Cemetery in the family plot, I was very disappointed to be told there was none.  However, just this week out of the blue I received notification that another Find-A-Grave contributor had added these pictures of Ellerslie and his sister Helen's headstones (who I will write about also) and I am so grateful to have these pictures.

Riverview Cemetery, Trenton, NJ

Main Headstone - Rogers Children

Tombstone Tuesday - Rogers' Plot Riverview Cemetery Trenton, NJ

Dr. Elmer H. Rogers 

Born 10 Nov 1858 Bucks County, PA

Died 11 Apr 1907 Mercer County, NJ

Mary Olivia (Bowers) Rogers

Born Jul 1864 Maryland

Died 10 Apr 1934 Mercer County, NJ

I was very happy when I discovered the burial place for my husband's great-grandfather Dr. Elmer H. Rogers.  I also discovered at the same time that his great-grandmother, Elmer's wife, Mary Olivia (Bowers) Rogers was buried at the same cemetery.  I set both of them up in Find-A-Grave and requested pictures of the headstones.  The picture you see is what I received.  The person who took the picture is also the cemetery historian - Riverview Cemetery is a very old, large cemetery with over 14,000 burial sites.  He pulled the lot card for Dr. Rogers and reported to me that there were five burials in his plot and supplied the death years for the additional burials, Dr. Elmer Rogers, his wife Olivia, their son Ellerslie (1895), daughter Helen (1897) and daughter Olivia R. (1940).  I already knew about Ellerslie having discovered his death in an old newspaper, but did not know where he was buried so was excited about this find.  Helen, I did not know about, as she was born about 1892 and died in 1897 so was never shown in any census, that I had previously found.  I did go back and find a small obituary in an old edition of the Trenton Evening Times and then later found her listed in the 1895 New Jersey State Census.  I was able to find daughter Olivia's obituary in Trenton Evening times - she died in 17 Jan 1940 at age 42 of a heart attack.

Sadly, Elmer is the only one whose name is etched on the stone.  There are no smaller stones for his children.  The cemetery historian told me that the lots were purchased with "annual care" and have been in arrears since 1934 which would be the year Mrs. Rogers died.  For the small fee of $2479 the lots could be placed in "perpetual care" and the names of the remaining family etched on the stone.  Evidently, even though Dr. Rogers was quite wealthy at the time of his death, he did not prepare for this circumstance.  It saddens me that there are no markers for the other members of this family.  I'll just add this to my list of things to buy when I win the lottery!

Tombstone Tuesday - Jane Eliza Slack Rogers

Name:  Jane Eliza "Jennie" Slack Rogers
Wife of Levi H. Rogers
Daughter of Cornelius Slack & Eleanor H.VanHorn Slack


Born:  April 1838
Died:  15 Aug 1918

Cemetery:  Riverview, Trenton, Mercer County, NJ
Photo courtesy of Leigh Miller for Find-A-Grave

Top of Stone says "Mama"
Her stone is next to her husband's.  She was greatly loved by her family.

Tombstone Tuesday - Levi H. Rogers

Name:  Levi H. Rogers

Born:  Aug 9, 1827
Died:  Feb 4, 1892

Cemetery:  Riverview, Trenton, Mercer County, NJ
Photo courtesy of Leigh Miller for Find-A-Grave

Top of Stone say "Papa"
He was obviously well-loved by his family.

Olivia R. Rogers Obituary

Miss Olivia R. Rogers

Funeral Services for Miss Olivia R. Rogers, daughter of the later Dr. Elmer H. and M. Olivia Rogers, who died suddenly yesterday morning at Mercer Hospital, will be held Saturday morning at 11 o’clock at the Poulson & Van Hise Home for Services, 408 Bellevue Avenue.  Interment will be in Riverview Cemetery.  Friends may call tomorrow evening between 7 and 9 o’clock.

Miss Rogers was stricken shortly before 11 A.M. yesterday at her home, 126 North Warren Street.  She was rushed to the hospital in a police ambulance, where she was pronounced dead five minutes after arrival.

She is survived by a sister, Miss Florence A. Rogers, and an uncle, William A. Bowers, of Washington, D.C.

Source:  Unknown – Trenton Evening Times

Date:  18 Jan 1940

Rogers –

Entered into rest on January 17^th, 1940, Olivia R., daughter of the late Dr. Elmer H. and M. Olivia Rogers.  The relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral from The Poulson & Van Hise Home for Services. No. 408 Bellevue Avenue, on Saturday morning at 11 o’clock.  Interment at Riverview Cemetery.  Friends may call on Friday evening from 7 to 9 o’clock.

Dr. Elmer H. Rogers Obituary

DR. ELMER H. ROGERS DIES SUDDENLY

North Warren Street Physician Martyr to His Profession

Dr. Elmer H. Rogers, one of Trenton’s leading physicians, died suddenly of heart disease at 4 o’clock this morning at his home, 126 North Warren street.

While his health has been poor of late his death was unexpected and came as a shock to his many friends.  He retired feeling as well as usual last evening, but in a short time he was awakened with pains about his heart.  He took the accustomed remedies, but seemed to realize that the ailment was of a serious nature and advised Mrs. Rogers to send for physicians.  Drs. Morton Kent and L. D. Tompkins arrived in a few minutes, but their ministrations were unavailing.

Dr. Rogers enjoyed one of the largest practices in Trenton and was practically a martyr to his calling.  At some seasons in the year he made as many as 100 sick calls in one day and was kept busy late into the night.  The strain first began to show upon his health about a year ago when he complained about his heart.  He remained in his home Monday and Tuesday of this week, but was around the centre of the city yesterday although he did not make any sick calls.

SKETCH OF HIS LIFE

Dr. Rogers was born in Dolington, Pa., forty-seven years ago.   He was educated in the public schools there and then entered the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia.  Upon his graduation he came to Trenton, twenty years ago.  He established an office at Perry and Warren streets, where the Central Restaurant now is and remained there five years, after which he removed to his late home.

He continued his studies after graduation and took special courses in foreign colleges.  He was abroad three times.  He was awarded certificates by the Metropolitan School of Medicine in London, and the Medical Graduates’ College and Polyclinic in London.  The former certificate permitted him to practice in the Charing Cross, Guys, King’s College, Middlesex, St. George’s, St. Mary’s, St. Thomas’s, University College and Westminster Hospitals.  In the Medical Graduates’ College the course was in Ophthalmology and Clinical Pathology, while in Berlin two years ago he studied special branches of surgery.  He also attended the Philadelphia Hospital for Skin Diseases in Philadelphia, and took special training on the eye, ear and throat in institutions in New York.

Dr. Rogers was unusually successful in his profession and was frequently called to surrounding cities.  He had a blunt manner but forceful character and immediately won the implicit confidence and trust of his patients.  He devoted all of his energy to his work, and was untiring in his efforts.  Public life never appealed to him.

He is survived by his wife, who was Miss Olivia Bowers, of Fallsington, and three children, one son and two daughters.  His son, Alvin, is a student at the State Schools.  His daughters are Florence and Olive.  Mrs. Jane Rogers, his mother and Irvin W. Rogers, his brother, who is secretary and general agent of the Standard Fire Insurance Company, live in this city.  Another brother, Dr. B. H. Rogers, resides in Paterson.

Dr. Rogers was a member of the Trenton Medical Library Association, the Mercer County Component Medical Society, Trenton Circle, Brotherhood of America, the Alumni Association of Jefferson Medical College, Trenton Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Shepherd’s Delight Lodge, Ancient Order of Shepherds, Century Council, Junior Order of United American Mechanics and Royal Oak Lodge, Sons of St. George.  He attended the meetings of the Hicksite Friends.

The arrangements for the funeral have not been completed.  The interment will be under the direction of Ashmore & Margerum.

Source:  Trenton EveningTimes

Date:  11 April 1907

Dr. Rogers Buried In Riverview Today

Many Professional and Personal Friends Attend Funeral Services

Funeral Services of the Society of Friends were conducted this afternoon over the body of Dr. Elmer H. Rogers at his later home, 126 North Warren street.  There was also a short eulogy by the Rev. A.J. Welsley, pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church.

The funeral was largely attended, there being an exceptionally large representation of members of the medical profession present.  Lodges of which Dr. Rogers was a member were represented by large delegations.  The lodges which were represented at the services were Trenton Circle of Brotherhood of America, Trenton Lodge of Knights of Pythias, Shepherds Delight Lodge of The Ancient Order of Shepherds, Century Council of Jr. O. U. A. M., and Royal Oak Lodge of Sons of St. George.  There were also representatives of the Trenton Medical Library Association, Jefferson Medical College Alumni Association, Mercer County Component Medical Society.

Interment of the body of Dr. Rogers was made in Riverview cemetery at the convenience of the family and under the direction of Ashmore & Margerum.

Dr. Rogers died Thursday after a short illness.  He was 48 years of age and was one of the best known physicians in New Jersey.  He had been in poor health for some time, but his death was sudden and unexpected, heart trouble being the cause.

Source:  Trenton Times

Date:  15 April 1907

Obituary for Mary Olivia Bowers

Funeral on Friday for Mrs. Rogers

Mrs. Mary Olivia Rogers, widow of Dr. Elmer Rogers, and niece of John P. Stackhouse, died last night at her late residence following a lengthy illness.

She is survived by two daughters, the Misses Florence and Olivia Rogers; a son Dr. Alvin S. Rogers; two grandchildren; a brother William A. Bowers, of Washington, D.C., and a sister, Mrs. Rosamond Gold, also of Washington, D.C.

The funeral will be held from the Poulson and Van Hise Home for Services, 408 Bellevue Avenue, Friday morning at 11 o’clock.  Interment will be made in Riverview Cemetery under the direction of Poulson and Van Hise.

Friends may call Thursday evening from 7 to 9 o’clock.

Source :  Trenton Evening Times
Date:  11 Apr 1934

Mary Olivia Bowers Rogers

Bucks County PA Orphans' Court Records 1852-1900 by Thomas G. Myers

Mary Olivia Bowers Rogers, mother of Alvin Stackhouse Rogers, Sr., my husband's great-grandmother is one of those people that fascinates me for some reason.  I keep coming back to her trying to solve all the mysteries of her existence.  On the surface it sounds as if she lived a charmed life.  She descended from several prominent families, the Bowers', the Lowers and the Stackhouses.  She was born in July of 1864 in Maryland, oldest child of Thomas Lamb and Lydia (unknown) Bowers.  She had a younger sister Rosamond Lower Bowers and brother William A. Bowers.  Apparently her mother died when she was a girl, probably between 1870 and 1880,  and she and her sister became the wards of their great uncle John P. Stackhouse of Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  I have not found these guardianship papers yet.  I have found no documentation, or census records, but I believe her brother must have gone with his father to live at least for a few years.  I can find no record of Thomas' death, but William is mentioned in numerous records and newspaper articles and obituaries up to 1943.  John Stackhouse died 18 Jul 1883 (Bucks County PA Orphans' Court Records 1852-1900 - Thomas G. Myers) and on 15 Sep 1884 Elmer H. Rogers of Lower Makefield Twp. was appointed guardian of Mary.

Mary and Elmer probably married the same month and around 1885-1886 they moved to Trenton, NJ where Elmer took up his medical practice.  Their first child, Ellerslie Wallace was born in in 1886 and their second son Alvin was born in 1889.  A daughter Helen was born in 1892.  Unfortunately, being the child of a doctor could not save Ellerslie who died 20 Feb 1895.  Another daughter Florence was born in October 1896, but sadly their daughter Helen died on 20 Jul 1897.  Their last child, a daughter, Olivia R., was born in January of 1898.  Ellerslie and Helen are buried in the family plot at Riverview Cemetery in Trenton.

After Elmer's untimely death in 1907, Mary continued raising her children. Alvin Jr. went to medical school, Florence and Olive never married and lived with Mary until her death on 10 Apr 1934.  She was buried in Riverview Cemetery next to her husband, but sadly her name was never inscribed on the stone.

Dr. Elmer H. Rogers

Dr. Elmer H. Rogers, father of Alvin Stackhouse Rogers, Sr.  was born 10 Nov 1858 in Dolington, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the first child of Levi H. Rogers and Jane Eliza (Slack) Rogers. 

He attended and graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia.  He was awarded certificates by the Metropolitan School of Medicine in London, and the Medical Graduates' College and Polyclinic in London.  He also attended the Philadelphia Hospital for Skin Diseases in Philadelphia, and took special training on the eye, ear, and throat in institutions in New York.

In September of 1884 he accepted Guardianship of Mary Olivia Bowers, daughter of Thomas Lamb and Lydia (unknown) Bowers.  She had been the under the guardianship of her great-uncle John P. Stackhouse along with her sister Rosamond Lower Bowers.  Elmer and Mary were married most likely the same month, September 1884.  The whereabouts and guardianship of their younger brother William A. Bowers, born about 1869 is still a mystery, but documents show his existence, living in Washington, DC until at least 1943.

Elmer Rogers was the county physician for Mercer County for a number of years affiliated with Mercer Hospital.

According to his U. S. Passport Application of July 1905, Elmer was 5' 10", dark complexion with a mustache and long face, gray hair, straight nose, and round chin.  On 11 April 1907 after a short illness, he died at the age of 48 of angina pectoris and was buried in Riverview Cemetery in Trenton.