Clement V. Rogers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clement Vann Rogers
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| Born | January 11, 1839 Westville, Goingsnake District, Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory
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| Died | October 28, 1911 (aged 72) Chelsea, Rogers County, Oklahoma
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| Nationality | Cherokee-American |
| Other names | Clem Rogers, C. V. Rogers |
| Occupation | Cattleman, soldier, politician |
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Notable work
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Oklahoma Constitutional Convention |
| Relatives | Will Rogers (son) |
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Clement Vann Rogers (born January 11, 1839 – died October 28, 1911) was an important leader and judge in what was then called Indian Territory. His parents were part Cherokee and moved to this territory in 1832. This was before the sad journey known as the Trail of Tears. Before the American Civil War, Clem joined a group called the "Treaty Party." This group believed in signing the Treaty of New Echota. When the Civil War began, Clem joined the Confederate Army and served under General Stand Watie. After the war, he became very involved in Cherokee politics. He was first elected as a judge and then served five terms in the Cherokee Senate. Later, he helped write the Oklahoma Constitution. Clement Rogers was also the father of the famous entertainer Will Rogers.
When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, the old Cherokee districts were changed into new counties. One of these new counties, Rogers County, Oklahoma, was named after Clement Rogers to honor him.
Contents
Clem Rogers' Family History
Clement Vann Rogers's parents were Robert Rogers, Jr. (born 1815) and Sallie Vann (born 1818). They moved from Georgia before most Cherokees were forced to move in 1838. Sallie Vann was the sister of David Vann, who was related to the Cherokee chief James Vann.
Clem's grandfather was Robert Rogers Sr., who came from Scotland and Ireland. He was a trader who settled in what is now West Virginia around 1800. He married a woman named Lucy Cordery, who was half-Cherokee. Their first son, Robert Jr., was born in 1815. This son married Sallie Vann in 1835. Sallie also came from a mixed-heritage family and was about three-eighths Cherokee.
Moving to Indian Territory
After some Cherokee leaders signed the Treaty of New Echota in 1830, many Cherokees realized they would have to move west. So, in 1832, Robert Jr. and Sallie moved to land near the border of Arkansas Territory and Indian Territory. They built a two-story, five-room house near Westville, in the Goingsnake District of Indian Territory. Robert started a successful farm there. Their first child, Margaret, was born in 1836. Their son, Clement Vann, known as "Clem," was born on January 11, 1839.
Clem's Early Life and Work
Clem wasn't a big fan of school. His mother had to make sure he went to school instead of going off to play! He first went to a Baptist missionary school near his home. Later, he attended the Cherokee Male Seminary in Talequah. But he soon left school to work on a ranch owned by Joel M. Bryan.
A Long Cattle Drive
On May 15, 1855, Clem and 15 other cowboys started a big adventure. They drove 500 longhorn cattle to sell in Kansas City. When they couldn't find buyers there, they kept going to St. Louis, which was another 250 miles (400 km) away! This long journey took four months and showed how strong and determined Clem was.
Marriage and Starting a Family
Clem was very confident and wanted to achieve great things. He decided to start his own ranch. He convinced his mother and stepfather to give him twenty-five cows, a bull, four horses, and some farm workers. In 1856, Clem and his group moved west. They settled near a river called the Caney River, close to where the town of Talala, Oklahoma is today.
Clem and Mary
In 1858, Clem Rogers married Mary America Schrimsher. Clem had met Mary when he was in school in Talequah. They were both born in 1839 in the Cherokee Nation West. Both were also of mixed Cherokee and European heritage.
Clem and Mary were different in some ways. Mary had dark hair and a broad face, showing her Cherokee background. Clem looked more European with his sandy hair, blue eyes, and bushy mustache. He was quiet and a bit serious, while Mary was lively, sweet, and funny. She was also a great musician and dancer. Clem wasn't very religious, but Mary was a strong Methodist. Despite their differences, they were a very loving couple.
Clem Rogers During the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Clem, like many Cherokees of mixed heritage, supported the Confederates. At first, the Cherokee Chief John Ross tried to keep the tribe neutral. However, many full-blood Cherokees quietly supported the Union.
Joining the Confederate Army
One day, Clem's ranch was attacked by a group called Jayhawkers, who stole all his cattle. Clem sent his wife, Mary, and their baby daughter, Elizabeth, to stay with his mother for safety. Sadly, his daughter became ill and died during the trip. After this, Clem joined the Confederate Army as an officer. He served in a unit led by Stand Watie.
Clem also became friends with another important Cherokee leader, William Penn Adair. Clem later named his famous son, Will Rogers, after him.
Clem's Political Life
Clem Rogers was very active in Cherokee politics and community life.
- He served as a member of the Cherokee Senate in 1862–63.
- In 1891, he became President of the Cherokee Livestock Association.
- His political career really took off in 1877 when he was elected as a Judge for the Cooweescoowee District.
- He served as a Senator for his district for five terms in the years: 1879, 1881, 1883, 1899, and 1903.
- In 1890, he was President of the Vinita Fair Board.
- In 1894, Clem Rogers became the Vice President of the First National Bank of Claremore. He held this important position until he passed away in 1911.
- In 1899, he was elected President of the Claremore School Board.
- The part of his beloved Cooweescoowee District where he lived was later renamed "Rogers County" in his honor.
Clem Rogers' Children
Clem and Mary had several children:
- Elizabeth Rogers (born 1861 – died 1862)
- Sally Clementine Rogers (born 1863 – died 1943)
- Maude Ethel Rogers (born 1869 – died 1925)
- May Rogers (born 1873 – died 1909)
- Will Rogers (born 1879 – died 1935)
