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Rogers, William Franklin, the subject of this sketch, was born in Grafton, Rensselaer county, April 29, 1829.
His education was obtained in the district schools of Berlin, to which place the family moved in 1831, and have
since resided there. At an early age he began to learn the jeweler's trade in his father's shop. He manifested
a talent for music when quite young; and, having advantages soon developed into an excellent musician, the violin
being his favorite instrument. He, as an orchestra leader, has a wide reputation, Mr. Rogers was one of three gentlemen
to organize and incorporate the Berlin Water Supply Company, which has proven an enterprise of much importance.
The water, which comes from a reservoir on the hillside, being used to run motors in shirt factories, and for general
town supply. In 1856 Mr. Rogers purchased the mill known as the "Bentley mill" which he conducted for
ten years, when he purchased a woolen factory which he converted into a larger mill; this he conducted until 1876
when he purchased the Hammond mill and converted into a cider and grist mill; this he still owns and conducts.
In 1855 he was married to Louise Dimond, who was born in Stephentown, daughter of Captain William and Malvinnia
A. (Johnson) Dimond. To them were born two children: Wallace, who died young, and Van Vechton, whose ability as
a musician is acknowledged in the leading musical circles of America. Mrs. Rogers father was born in Grafton, December
11, 1790, and was a preacher, and jeweler; his mother was born in Petersburgh, Rensselaer county; their children
were; Joseph, Carey, Amos, Dorothy, Deborah, Samuel, Sullivan, Justin, William; Dorsey, and an infant who died
without being named. Of these but three are living. Mr. Rogers' father was a Restricted Communion Baptist and for
nine years was pastor of the Berlin Baptist church. He died Juiy 27, 1860, aged sixty nine, and his wife in 1842,
aged forty five. Rev. Carey Rogers, the grandfather of William, was born in the town of Hoosick. He was a farmer
as well as preacher, and his father was one of three brothers who were pioneers in that town.
From:
Landmarks of Rensselaer County
BY: George Baker Aaderson
Published By: D. Mason & Co. Publishers
Syracuse, NY 1897
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