Civil War Veteran
160 OH Infantry Co. A
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The Hooper Sentinel
September 13, 1928

Final Summons Come to Civil War Veteran

Another of Hooper's few remaining Civil War Veterans answered the final roll call when on Friday evening at 7:10 Comrade Hiram Rodgers was mustered out of this earthly life leaving only the following three of the Grand Army of the Republic men in this community, E.W. Hooker, B. F. Hancick and Levi Thorndike. James Hyde and wife having gone a few weeks ago to make their home at the old soldiers home at Milford.

Mr. Rodgers had been ill some three weeks prior to his death, having in some unknown way fallen to the floor when he was alone in the house, thereby sustaining a fracture of his hip. This was followed by complications due to his advanced age with pneumonia setting in during the last days of his illness. A trained nurse was in constant attendance and at times it seemed hopeful that he might rally and regain a measure of health but such was not the Lord's will. Mr. Rodgers' death occurred a the home of his son, Will who with his wife, had carefully and tenderly watched over his declining years, particularly since the death of Mrs. Rodgers nearly two years ago.

Hiram Rodgers was born September 15, 1844 at Hemlock, Perry County, Ohio, and died at Hooper, Nebr., on September 7, 1928. Had he lived but eight days longer he would have been exactly 84 years of age. He was married to Mary Jane Jennings at Shawnee, Ohio, on March 3, 1864. To this union fifteen children were born, six sons and nine daughters, and of these children eleven are living to mourn the death of their aged and beloved father. He is also survived by thirty-two grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren, and by one brother and four sisters living in the east. Mrs. Rodgers departed from this life on the 5th day of January 1927, after being a true and faithful companion to her husband through almost 63 years of wedded life. Just three months after their marriage the young husband was called into active service in the Civil War, being a member of the 160th Ohio National Guards which served with the Army of the Potomac.

After being mustered out of he army, he engaged in farming taking charge of his father's farm. In the spring of 1866, he moved to a farm in Macon County, Missouri and two years later to a farm near Bloomington, Ill. where he lived for two more years.

About this time word of he wonderful opportunities of Nebraska began to reach the east and in 1870 Mr. Rodgers emigrated with his family to Admah, Washington County, Nebraska, where he purchased a relinquistment of a homestead and on this farm he lived for the next eighteen years, becoming widely known for his success in farming and stock raising.

In 1888, over forty years ago, Mr. Rodgers traded his Admah farm for a larger acreage just outside the east corporation of Hooper. Here , in addition to extensive farming operations, he engaged in the business of raising cattle, high grade draft horses and mules, in all of which occupations he was financially successful.

As his years began to decline he turned over the active management of his farm to his son Will and took life more easily as befitted his years. Mr. Rodgers was interesting and congenial in conversation, with a fund of anecdotes of pioneer days and a shrewd insight, into present day life and the constantly changing times

Funeral services were held from the home Monday afternoon. The local post of the American Legion having charge and according this veteran of a former war an impressive military funeral service. Rev. Peter Jacobs of Perry, Iowa, an old time friend of the Rogers family, was the minister who conducted the sacred service, speaking the words of comfort to the large assemblage of relatives and friends.

All the children except Mrs. Harzke of Schuyler who could not come on account of illness, were present at the funeral, many arriving before their father's death on Friday. They are; Mrs. Abner (Laura) Martin and Perry Rodgers of Fremont; John, Crookston; Jess of Raid City, S. D.; Mrs. Geo. (Myrtle) Harzke, Schuyler; Mrs. J. H. (Clara) Moyer, Genoa; Mrs. Ira (Floma?) Baker, Nebraska City; Will, Nickerson, Mrs. Sorn (Belle) Nelson, Mrs. W. E. (Lucy) Hite of Hooper.

Many old friends and former neighbors of the deceased were also present to pay their last respects to a departed friend. The floral offerings were profuse and very beautiful.

Interment was made by the side of his wife on the family lot in Hooper cemetery.

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Obituary provided by FAG Contributor Harry Wagner
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Admah was a very small town in Washington County in the late 1880s to abt 1922.

Admah, NE

More info on Admah at the Wahsington County Genealogical Society
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1880 US Federal Census, Sheridan pct, Washington Co, Neb Hiram Rogers, 34; wife Mary J. 32; daus: Arvilla 15; Amanda 12; Isabella 11 b Missouri; Laura 10 b Ill; Lucy 4; & sons: John 8; William 7; Comadore 2; Perry 1; from John down b NE
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1885 Nebraska Census Sheridan pct, Washington Co, NE H Rodgers 40; wife Mary 38; daus: Arville 19; Amanda 18; Isabell 16; Laura 15; Lucy 9; Myrtle 4; Clara 1; sons: John 13; William 11; Commodore 8; Perry 6; Nelson 3
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1900 US Federal Census, Hooper, NE Hiram Rodgers 56; wife Mary J 54 (mother of 15, 14 living); Lucy 24; Clara 17; Emma 14; Minnie 12
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15 Children:
Arvilla Minerva (Gus Stenzel) 1864-1924; George 1865-1870; Amanda (John W Smith), 1867-1923; Isabelle (Soren Nelson) 1869-1957, Laura (Abner Martin) 1870-?, John (Maggie Jabens) 1871-1960, William (Emelia Dreessen) 1874-1961, Lucy Edith (Wm E Hite) 1875-1945, Jesse [Commodore] 1877-?, Perry Scott 1878-1955, Myrtle Mae (George Harzke) 1880-1932; Dick Nelson (Maude) 1882-1972; Clara Edith (Jcaob H Moyer) 1884-1955, Emma (Ira Baker) 1886?, Minnie (Frank G Artley) 1888-1923
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