Thomas Rogers

Taken from Ann D Zugelder's book, Rogers Family:

Thomas Rogers, with his wife and family of nine children, moved to Fayette County, Pennsylvania around 1784. New Jersey had been overrun by the armies in the war, leaving land in poor shape. The first deed issued to property in Pennsylvania was from Henry Beeson to Thomas Rogers, Edward Cook, Robert Adams, Theophilis Phillips and James Daughterty. This property was described as Lot #36, was Publick Ground, lying along Redstone Creek, further defined in relation to Elbro and Peters Streets in the town of Union. Altogether, the name of Thomas Rogers appeared on 21 deeds. His son, Abraham Zephaniah's name was on 2, and their friend Job Rossell on 6. A German, by the name of George Kroft (changed to Craft), settled on 800 acres in1771, in what is now Redstone Township of Pennsylvania. The town, which is now Union Town, was then called Beesontown. The first deed issued to Job Rossell was in the town of Perropolis. Job's family consisted of his wife, Huldah Kindle Rossell, children, Job, James, John, Mary, and Hope. The Rogers' son, Thomas II, married Hope Rossell and the Rogers' daughter, Elizabeth, married Job Rossell II.

Thomas farmed and he and his sons built flatboats for river traffic. They made their home in German Township, Fayette County from 1784 until 1817. Some of the sons remained as land owners in this part of Pennsylvania.

When Ohio was opened for settlement by Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Rogers I and his family applied for patents to sections of Ohio.

Thomas I was a Quaker and wore the traditional Quaker garb all of his live.

It was said that the family of Thomas and Anne was a close one. Thomas provided a home for the large family and helped both sons and daughters to establish homes. Family lore says that he gave each son s farm and $20,000 in cash. There is no proof. He did own numerous pieces of property during his lifetime.