Note: I have put my sources on the bottom of this post, in the order that I referred to them. Each source is numbered. I have included some links to Ancestry.com that links directly to the image, but you must have a subscription to be able to view it. I tried to include as must information and be as specific as possible in this post.
My biggest brick wall in my genealogy has always been my great grandfather, George M. Rogers. My hope is that by writing this out, I will get new ideas as to other places to search. I also hope that anyone else out there looking for George will be able to connect with me and we can share information. I’d also be happy to take any suggestions or comments – I am here to learn!
Back Story
I know very little about George and the few stories I have from family members haven’t helped me at all – and truthfully, I am not even sure if they are true. Unfortunately, my dad’s side of the family does not talk much about family and no one seems to know much. There aren’t many older people alive on my dad’s side of the family – only my aunt and my dad.
George’s Story
George M. Rogers was born about 1882 in James County, Tennessee (Sources 1-5)
I don’t have George in the 1900 Census. My guess is that he might be in Tennessee (he was born there) or Arkansas (he enlisted into the army in Little Rock, Arkansas.
However, I have George enlisting in the Army in Little Rock, Arkansas on the 7 of November 1904 (Source 3). His occupation before signing up is listed as farm hand, which makes me wonder if his family lives on a farm. Here is where it gets interesting though: under the remarks section of his enlistment record, it says “Disclid Nov 6, 07 at Fort Mott, NJ ???????”. I can’t read most of what it says in this section, so if anyone wants to help me out by telling me what this section says I would greatly appreciate it (click here to see the image on Ancestry.com)
George reappears in 1908 by enlisting in the army in Missouri. (Source 4)
George then appears in the 1910 U.S. Census at Fort Casey, King County, Washington. He is a soldier. (Source 2)
George reenlists into the army in 1911 in Missouri. According to this source, he is honorably discharged on Sept 26, 1914. (Source 5)
I believe George served in WWI (that is what I’ve been told by family members and I have some old notes my grandma wrote that correspond to this). But I have yet to find a service record for this. However, I think it will just take me longer to find his service record since his name is so common.
I have not been able to find George in the 1920 census. To be honest, I have no idea where he would be.
I believe George married my great grandmother, Julia Margaret Morris around 1923 (Source 1).
George and Julia’s daughter, Nancy Jean Rogers (my grandmother) is born on 13 Dec 1924.
George, Julia, and Nancy appear on the 1930 U.S. Census in Seattle, King, Washington (Source 1).
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When was George born exactly?
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Did George have any siblings?
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Find George in the 1900 U.S. Census.
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What was the names of George’s parents?
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Find a marriage record for Julia and George.
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Where is George buried?
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When exactly did George die?
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Why was he in Arkansas when he first enlisted with the military?
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He was a postal worker in 1930 – are there any records that come from this?
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Did he serve in WWI?
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Did he recieve a pension for his service in WWI (assuming he served)?
Closing Notes
As you can tell, I do not have much on him. I know I have not exhausted all avenues of possible records – which is half of the reason I wrote this post. I wanted to lay everything out – be able to see what I have and what I don’t in an attempt to lead me to other possible sources. Still, if anyone has any ideas, suggestions, or comments I would love to hear them. I am open to everything.
To be honest, I think George intimidates me because he has such a common name and so little is known about him. I need to break this cycle of fear and learn to face these brick walls head on.
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