William Findlay Rogers facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Maj. Gen. William Findlay Rogers
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 32nd district
In office March 4, 1883 – March 3, 1885
Preceded by	Jonathan Scoville
Succeeded by	John M. Farquhar
29th Mayor of Buffalo, New York
In office 1868–1869
Preceded by	Chandler J. Wells
Succeeded by	Alexander Brush
Personal details
Born	March 1, 1820 Forks Township, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	December 16, 1899(1899-12-16) (aged 79) Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouses	Caroline Waldron ​ ​ (her death 1847)​ Phoebe Demony ​ ​ (m. 1849; her death 1890)​
Children	4
Parent	Thomas Jones Rogers
Military service
Allegiance	United States Union
Branch/service	Union Army
Years of service	1861-1863
Rank	Colonel Bvt. Brigadier General
Commands	21st New York Infantry
Battles/wars	American Civil War

William Findlay Rogers (born March 1, 1820 – died December 16, 1899) was an important American politician. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives for New York. This means he was a lawmaker who helped make decisions for the country.

Rogers is best known for his work in Buffalo, New York. As mayor and parks commissioner, he hired Frederick Law Olmsted. Olmsted was a famous landscape architect who designed Buffalo's beautiful park system. This included the well-known Delaware Park. Rogers also helped start the Buffalo Zoo.

Early Life and Education

William Findlay Rogers was born on March 1, 1820. His birthplace was Forks Township, Pennsylvania. This town is close to Easton, Pennsylvania. His father, Thomas Jones Rogers, was also a U.S. Representative. His mother was Mary Winters.

When he was young, William moved with his parents to Philadelphia. There, he went to local schools. In 1832, he returned to Easton and started working in a printing office. Two years later, he went back to Philadelphia. He continued to work in the printing business.

Career in Printing and Journalism

In 1840, Rogers started his own newspaper in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Six years later, in 1846, he moved to Buffalo, New York. He became a foreman at the Buffalo Daily Courier newspaper.

Rogers continued his career in journalism. In 1850, he started and managed another newspaper. This paper was called the Buffalo Republic.

Military Service in the Civil War

Before the war, Rogers was a member of the Buffalo City Guard. This was in 1846.

Later, he served in the American Civil War. He was a colonel in the 21st New York Volunteer Infantry. He served until 1863.

Political Achievements

Rogers had a successful political career. In 1867, he became the comptroller for Buffalo. This role involves managing the city's money.

Mayor of Buffalo

In 1869, William Findlay Rogers became the mayor of Buffalo. During his time as mayor, he made important decisions for the city. He also served as secretary and treasurer for the Buffalo park commissioners in 1871. He helped develop the city's parks.

Serving in Congress

Rogers was elected to the Forty-eighth Congress. He represented New York as a Democrat. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1883 to 1885. He did not seek re-election in 1884.

After his time in Congress, he continued public service. From 1887 to 1897, he was the superintendent. He worked at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home in Bath, New York. This home cared for veterans.

Family Life

William Findlay Rogers was married twice. He had four children. His first wife was Caroline M. Waldron (1821–1847). They had one son:

• Franklin Rogers, who also became a printer.

After Caroline passed away, he married Phoebe Demony (1830–1890) in 1849. They had three children:

• Mary Rogers, who married William C. Brown.
• Florence R. Rogers (1861–1932), who married Charles N. Armstrong.
• Thomas J. Rogers, who became a successful civil engineer.

William Findlay Rogers passed away in Buffalo on December 16, 1899. He is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Images for kids

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  William Findlay Rogers

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  Colonel rank insignia

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  Brigadier General rank insignia