Sion Hart Rogers facts for kids

Sion Hart Rogers (September 30, 1825 – August 14, 1874) was a important person in North Carolina history. He served as a U.S. Congressman and also as the Attorney General for North Carolina.

Early Life and Education

Sion Hart Rogers was born in 1825 near Raleigh, North Carolina. He went to local schools in Wake County. Later, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he finished his studies in 1846. After college, he studied law. In 1848, he became a lawyer and started working in Raleigh.

Political Career and Public Service

Rogers began his political journey as a member of the Whig Party. This was one of the main political groups in the United States at that time. In 1852, he was elected to the 33rd United States Congress. He served one term, which lasted two years, from March 4, 1853, to March 3, 1855. He decided not to run for re-election in 1854.

After his time in Congress, Rogers worked as a solicitor for the Raleigh district's superior court. A solicitor is like a lawyer who represents the government in court cases.

Service During the Civil War

During the American Civil War, Sion Hart Rogers joined the Confederate States Army. In 1861, he was a lieutenant in the Fourteenth Regiment of North Carolina State Troops. A lieutenant is a junior officer rank in the military. On April 8, 1862, he became a colonel, which is a higher military rank, leading the Forty-seventh North Carolina Infantry. He left the army on January 5, 1863, because he was elected to a new important role.

North Carolina Attorney General

After leaving the army, Rogers became the North Carolina Attorney General. This is the chief legal officer for the state. He held this position until 1866.

Return to Congress

In 1868, Rogers tried to get elected to Congress again, but he was not successful. However, in 1870, he was elected to the 42nd United States Congress as a Democrat. His term was from March 4, 1871, to March 3, 1873.

His election was challenged by his opponent. Rogers was initially not allowed to serve because of a rule in the Fourteenth Amendment. This rule was about people who had supported the Confederacy. Eventually, the challenge was dropped, and Congress voted to allow him to serve. He was officially sworn in on May 23, 1872. Rogers served one term and did not win re-election in 1872.

Later Life and Legacy

Sion Hart Rogers passed away in Raleigh on August 14, 1874. He was buried in the City Cemetery in Raleigh.

Rogers built a house around 1855, which is now known as the Rogers-Bagley-Daniels-Pegues House. This house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, recognizing its historical importance.

Images for kids

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  Rogers as a major in the Confederate States Army