Long overlooked by historians, Rogers played an intregal part in the early education of Abraham Lincoln. Rogers served as colonel of the 54th New York Infantry during the War of 1812 and eventually settled near present day Athens, IL in 1821 and established a tree nursery. Rogers post office was established in his home with the colonel being named post master.
The Rogers family brought with them a large library which Lincoln would often make use of. Rogers daughter, Arminda, tutored Ann Rutledge and to an extent Lincoln at the family home.
In 1832 Rogers built a general store in Athens and the post office was moved there and the name changed to Athens. Lincoln, while post master at New Salem, would often pick up that town's mail at Athens.
On August 3, 1837 a banquet was held in the upper story of the Rogers store to celebrate Sangamon County's famous "Long Nine", the nine legislatures (who all stood around 6' tall) who had successfully lobbied to relocate Illinois' capital to Springfield. Lincoln toasted the citizens of Athens for their support at this banquet.
In 1841 Rogers retained Lincoln in his lawsuit against Josiah Francis for not making payment on his note to buy the store. Lincoln was successful and payment in land titles was made to the Colonel. Throughout his life Col. Rogers and his family were among the political and social leaders in Athens and vicinity. Rogers died at his home in Athens leaving behind his third wife and eight children.
The Rogers family brought with them a large library which Lincoln would often make use of. Rogers daughter, Arminda, tutored Ann Rutledge and to an extent Lincoln at the family home.
In 1832 Rogers built a general store in Athens and the post office was moved there and the name changed to Athens. Lincoln, while post master at New Salem, would often pick up that town's mail at Athens.
On August 3, 1837 a banquet was held in the upper story of the Rogers store to celebrate Sangamon County's famous "Long Nine", the nine legislatures (who all stood around 6' tall) who had successfully lobbied to relocate Illinois' capital to Springfield. Lincoln toasted the citizens of Athens for their support at this banquet.
In 1841 Rogers retained Lincoln in his lawsuit against Josiah Francis for not making payment on his note to buy the store. Lincoln was successful and payment in land titles was made to the Colonel. Throughout his life Col. Rogers and his family were among the political and social leaders in Athens and vicinity. Rogers died at his home in Athens leaving behind his third wife and eight children.
Long overlooked by historians, Rogers played an intregal part in the early education of Abraham Lincoln. Rogers served as colonel of the 54th New York Infantry during the War of 1812 and eventually settled near present day Athens, IL in 1821 and established a tree nursery. Rogers post office was established in his home with the colonel being named post master.
The Rogers family brought with them a large library which Lincoln would often make use of. Rogers daughter, Arminda, tutored Ann Rutledge and to an extent Lincoln at the family home.
In 1832 Rogers built a general store in Athens and the post office was moved there and the name changed to Athens. Lincoln, while post master at New Salem, would often pick up that town's mail at Athens.
On August 3, 1837 a banquet was held in the upper story of the Rogers store to celebrate Sangamon County's famous "Long Nine", the nine legislatures (who all stood around 6' tall) who had successfully lobbied to relocate Illinois' capital to Springfield. Lincoln toasted the citizens of Athens for their support at this banquet.
In 1841 Rogers retained Lincoln in his lawsuit against Josiah Francis for not making payment on his note to buy the store. Lincoln was successful and payment in land titles was made to the Colonel. Throughout his life Col. Rogers and his family were among the political and social leaders in Athens and vicinity. Rogers died at his home in Athens leaving behind his third wife and eight children.
The Rogers family brought with them a large library which Lincoln would often make use of. Rogers daughter, Arminda, tutored Ann Rutledge and to an extent Lincoln at the family home.
In 1832 Rogers built a general store in Athens and the post office was moved there and the name changed to Athens. Lincoln, while post master at New Salem, would often pick up that town's mail at Athens.
On August 3, 1837 a banquet was held in the upper story of the Rogers store to celebrate Sangamon County's famous "Long Nine", the nine legislatures (who all stood around 6' tall) who had successfully lobbied to relocate Illinois' capital to Springfield. Lincoln toasted the citizens of Athens for their support at this banquet.
In 1841 Rogers retained Lincoln in his lawsuit against Josiah Francis for not making payment on his note to buy the store. Lincoln was successful and payment in land titles was made to the Colonel. Throughout his life Col. Rogers and his family were among the political and social leaders in Athens and vicinity. Rogers died at his home in Athens leaving behind his third wife and eight children.
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In
Memory Of
Mathew Rogers
Born March 26th 1770
Died Aug. 11th
1847
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