1789- 1850s
Among the worthy industrious persons whose arduous toils and severe privations helped to make our county what it is, deserving of respectful mention was the late James Rodgers, Senior. He was a native of Madison County, born February 13, 1789. His first
marriage was with a Miss Jackson of Madison County. The issue of this marriage was seven children. The sons were Robert, whose wife was a daughter of John Smith, one of the pioneers of Stoney Creek, Joseph, and Drury. The daughters were Sarah, Elizabeth,
Mary, and Tabitha. Respecting these children we have virtually no particulars in hand.
[See my notes below.]
James Rodgers came to Pocahontas in 1824 and settled in the woods on Lewis Ridge, at a spot overlooking the Buckeye Cove. Thus he and his family became identified with the county almost from its organization.
His second marriage was with Nellie Lewis, of the Little Levels, a grand daughter of Alexander Waddell, whose descendants are so numerously represented by prosperous and influential citizens in our county at this time. By the second marriage there were six
children: Margaret, who became Henry Adkinson�s first wife. Rebecca, who became Mrs. Fillren. William Rodgers married Polly Fleming, daughter late James Fleming of Swago, and settled on part of the Fleming homestead near Buckeye, where his widow and two daughters now reside. He was a Union pensioner for service in the Union army. Chesley Rodgers married Mrs. Sally Morrison and settled near Jacox. John Rodgers married a Miss Harter.
James L. Rodgers, Junior, was married twice. The first wife was Eliza Burgess. There were ten children in the first family: Justice N.C. Rodgers of Buckeye; the late Mrs. Hannah Wade; G.W. Rodgers on Beaver Dam; Davis Rodgers, deceased; John H. Rodgers, also dead; Maggie became Mrs. William Adkinson of Buckeye; Eliza became Mrs. Olie Auldridge and lives at Hillboro, Mary, and Alvin W. near Buckeye.
By the second marriage with Mrs. Mary Kellison there was a son Lewis, who is now dead, and a daughter Laura.
Thus the writer has endeavored to present the available information concerning this worthy old citizen and his family, aided by his grandson, A. W. Rodgers.
In his time James Rodgers had the reputation of being one of the most industrious of working men. He tried to train his sons and daughters to habits of industry and strict economy. Soon as they became old enough for service they went from home and
found ready employment as field hands and house keepers. This venerable man was a zealous and devoted adherent of the Methodist Protestant Church. He was one of the first members of the Buckeye society, and probably one of the first in the county. His prayers and experience talks were in good language, interspersed with allusions to the parables
and quotations of the promises. All this indicated that in early, impressible youth he must have been familiar with persons of more than ordinary culture, such as Madison County was distinguished for. In his speech he had the tone and style that characterized the old Virginia gentry, as the writer learned to know in subsequent years from actual acquaintance with east Virginians.
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My notes: Elizabeth M. married William Griffin, my ancestor, migrated west to KS, OK..
Sarah Ann married Adonijah Harris, migrated west to Kansas.
Tabitha married James McAvoy of Braxton Co.
We have no information about Mary, twin of Tabitha.
Joseph married 1) Susannah Cochran 2) Frances B. Adkisson Silvey
Drury married Eve Ann Miller.
Return to William Griffin web page.