* Olive Christina Rustine (Rogers)

Born 1823 in NY. Married 1842 in Milo, NY, 8 children. 1845 to MI. Died 1903 in Hanover, Michigan.

BIRTH

Family story is that Olive Christine Rustine was born 10 March 1823 in Steuben County, New York. This appears to be confirmed by her death certificate.

Her parents were William Rustine and Elisabeth “Betsy” Morehouse (Rustine).

The children of William and Betsy may be the following:
This has not been verified
Mary 1818
Joe 1820
Olive Christine 1823
Patience 1827
Clarissa Jane 1830
Sarah 1831
Jeremiah A 1841
Katie 1842

1830 FEDERAL CENSUS

1840 FEDERAL CENSUS

MARRIAGE 1842

William H Rogers married Olive Christina Rustine 17 February 1842 in Milo, Yates, New York.

This is documented by sworn statement in Civil War application Olive submitted to the US government.

Source: Affidavit of Olive Rogers from
Civil War pension application file for Olive Rustine Rogers from National Archives

The above document reports that marriage was performed by an Elder West. Research finds an Elder West was a Baptist minister in this area at that time.

As William’s parents were reported to have relocated to Michigan in 1835, they were most likely not at the wedding.

CHILDREN

Children of William H Rogers and Olive Christina Rustine (Rogers):
Sanford G Rogers born 11 March 1843
William R Rogers born 19 November 1844
George W Rogers born 10 November 1846 DIRECT LINE ANCESTOR
Mariah Elizabeth Rogers born 11 June 1851 (died 1853)
David K Rogers born 29 January 1855
Edson James Rogers born 13 March 1858
Mary Christina Rogers born 11 November 1859
Franklin Benjamin Rogers born 2 September 1863

NEW YORK TO MICHIGAN

About 1845 William and Olive along with sons, Sanford and William, relocated from New York to Michigan. The family story is that they came by boat. “A terrible storm came up which drove the boat three times back to Buffalo until finally they landed in Detroit.” They traveled west to initially settle near Kalamazoo, then to Hillsdale, then to Jackson.

OLIVE BAKES

The family story is that “William was a shoemaker and got work, they moved in an upper room just across from where the new railroad depot in Jackson. There were only two trains a day came through, those were emigrants, and the woman all wore red handkerchiefs over their heads. Olive was clever in cooking, so William made a slab table in front of the house which she supplied daily with buns, cookies, fruitcakes and bake beans. They went like hot cakes.”

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST

The following was written by their daughter, Mary Rogers Kellogg Pickell to Dorothy G Pickell Horton

“This is February 17, 1939, 98 years ago today my father and mother was married. Both are sleeping in Hanover Cemetery. Married 1851. Dorothy, I must tell you how my father and mother became Seventh Day Adventist. They had never made any profession they were living for a short time in Hillsdale just before they moved to Jackson. There was an old town hall, my father was repairing shoes in a little shop. A man came told him he wanted him to go to the town hall that night as two men were doing many strange things there. It took much urging to get my mother to go but finally did. They were spiritual mediums, doing all sort of curious things. Bringing to their sight their dead friends, shaking hands with them, writing on slates to them. It finally went on week after week it is hard to be convinced that it was only the works of evil spirits, my father and mother really believed that they were conversing with their dead friends. Not knowing their Bibles and what that teaches it sure was a problem to solve. Just down by the race that run through Hillsdale, two men came and put up a little tent, a man came to father and wanted him to go down and hear them. Mother had got so infatuated with these other Wizzards that it took some time to persuade her to go but finally went. That night they presented the Bible as the word of God and what it taught about man and death, just the opposite of what they had been hearing, these men began from the beginning that sin brought death and when man died he was dead, only his breath went back to God, before God breathed in his nostrils he was a deal soul. Every organ was made perfect, heart, lungs, eyes, ears but no breath to set this machine a going. God then breathed in his nostrils the breath of life then man became a living soul, he could see, hear, feel his heart beat in the Garden of Eden. God told man if he disobade God he would die but Satin said you will not die but become a god but how quick after man sinned death was brought in the world.”

1850 FEDERAL CENSUS

Before 1850 the family had moved from Jackson, to Hillsdale, to Hanover, Jackson, Michigan and built a log cabin.

George (1846), Mariah (1851), David (1855), James (1858), Mary (1859), and Franklin (1863) were eventually born here.

1850 Census:
Hanover, Jackson, MI
William Rogers 33 (b abt 1817 NY) Farmer
Olive Rogers 27 (b abt 1823 NY)
Sanford Rogers 7 (b abt 1843 NY) [Civil War soldier later] William Rogers 5 (b abt 1845 NY)
George Rogers 3 (b abt 1847 NY)
Next door
Wm Rustin 48 Farmer all born in NY [father of Olive Rustine Rogers] Elisabeth Rustin 50 [mother of Olive Rustine Rogers] Jeremiah Rustin 9 [Civil War soldier later] Olive Morehouse 71 [grandmother of Olive Rustine Rogers/ mother of Elizabeth Morehouse Rustine)

1850 US Federal Census: US; Michigan; Jackson; Hanover
William Rogers (33); Olive Rogers (27); Sanford Rogers (7); William Rogers (5); George Rogers (3)

Source: 1850 US Federal Census; Hanover, Jackson, Michigan; Roll: M432_352;
Page: 244A; Image: 243; FHL film from The National Archives; Ancestry.com

1860 FEDERAL CENSUS

Hanover, Jackson, Michigan
Wm Rogers 42 b NY 200 value of personal property
Olive Rogers 37 b NY
Sanford Rogers 17 b NY
William Rogers 15 b NY
George Rogers 13 b MI
David Rogers 6 b MI
Edson Rogers 3 b MI
Mary Rogers 1 b MI

1860 US Federal Census: US; Michigan; Jackson; Hanover
Wm Rogers (42); Olive Rogers (37); Sanford Rogers (17); William Rogers (15);
George Rogers (13); David Rogers 6; Edson Rogers (3); Mary Rogers (1)

Source: 1860 US Federal Census; Hanover, Jackson, Michigan; Roll: M653_547;
Page: 2458; Image: 462; FHL film 803547 from The National Archives; Ancestry.com

1870 FEDERAL CENSUS

Hanover, Jackson, Michigan
William Rogers 57 b NY farmer 1000 450
Olace Rogers 47 (s/b Olive) b NY
David Rogers 15 b MI
James Rogers 12 (s/b Edson James) b MI
Mary Rogers 10 b MI
Franklyn Rogers 6 (s/b Franklin) b MI

1870 US Federal Census: US; Michigan; Jackson; Hanover
Williams Rogers (57); Olace Rogers (47); Dewiel Rogers (15);
James Rogers (12); Mary Rogers (10); Franklyn Rogers (6)

Source: 1870 US Federal Census; Hanover, Jackson, Michigan; Roll: M593_678;
Page: 108B; Image: 221; FHL film 552177 from The National Archives; Ancestry.com

1880 FEDERAL CENSUS

Hanover, Jackson, Michigan
William Rogers 67 b NY farmer
Olive Rogers 57 b NY
William Rogers 32 b NY farming
David Rogers 25 b MI peddler
James E Rogers 22 (s/b Edson James) b MI farm laborer
Franklin Rogers 15 b MI

1880 US Federal Census: US; Michigan; Jackson; Hanover
Williams Rogers (67); Olive Rogers (57); William Rogers (32);
David Rogers (25); James E Rogers (22); Franklin Rogers (15)

Source: 1880 US Federal Census; Hanover, Jackson, Michigan; Enumeration District: 102;
Roll: 585; Page: 78A; Image: 0157; FHL film 1254585 from The National Archives; Ancestry.com

ROGERS PROPERTY

It is interesting to track the various places that William and Olive lived in Michigan, based on the research uncovered to date. Not all data is consistent.

The 1850 US Federal census shows William and Olive and three boys living in Hanover, Jackson, Michigan. Neighbors included George Snow, Marshall Fisher, Warren Sprague, William Rustine, Matthias Calkins, Mason Richards, and Major Humphrey.
The 1860 US Federal census shows William and Olive and five boys and one girl living in Hanover, Jackson, Michigan. Neighbors included Julius Stow, Abram Jurkus, Richard Mitchell, John Butcher, Jeremiah Rustine, Millings Abbot, Leonard Rogers, Elias Allen, and Amos Truman.
Jackson County assessment in 1863 shows $40 personal property and no real estate property.
In the spring of 1864, when son Sanford enlisted in the Army, he left what he owned with his father. It is reported that this was used to purchase a house and lot in the Township of Hanover, Jackson, Michigan. This appears to be partially incorrect. Probably the funds were used to purchase the 1/4 acre.
Purchased 1/4 acre of land in Township of Hanover, Jackson, Michigan in 1864 and sold February, 1866 for $250.
Jackson County assessment in 1864-1865 shows 1/4 acre land $120.
Purchased 27 acres of land in North East quarter of the South East quarter of Section 35 in Township of Hanover, Jackson, Michigan in 1866 and sold March, 1880 for $700 (with mortgage of $300). It is reported that these 27 acres were “very poor land.”
Jackson County assessment 1866-1880 shows 27 acres with highest valuation at $300.
The 1870 US Federal census shows Willian and Olive and three boys and one girl in Township of Hanover, Jackson, Michigan. Neighbors included Joseph Snider, Reuben Horath, Nathan Shaw, Thomas Soul, and Harrison Fitts.
When the 27 acres were sold, the house and lot purchased in the Village in Hanover were valued at about $700-800.
Purchased Lots 16 and 17 in Village of Hanover, Jackson, Michigan in March, 1880 for $200.
The 1880 US Federal census shows William and Olive Rogers in the Village of Hanover, Jackson, Michigan. Neighbors included George Snow, Jennie McIrvain, James Vanalstine, John Rynex, James Pullem, George Parker, Charles Ford, Ansel Hayes, Oliver Jones, James Mitchell, William Moore, Martin Luttenton, Coburn Armstrong, Matthias Calkins, Elias Lige, Urea Ryon, Myron Clark, John Skutt, Augustus Greiner, Ensign Johnson, Daniel Morehouse, Calvin Weldon, and Fredrick Woolsey.
Jackson County assessment 1880-1882 shows two village lots with highest valuation $600.
When William Rogers died, it is reported that there was $100 in personal property, plus the real estate property in Hanover.
It is reported that in 1882 widow Olive Rogers moved to rented space in Litchfield, Hillsdale, Michigan, and rented out the Hanover property for the income.

SOURCES: The census data from the U.S. Federal Census Collection from the National Archives; Ancestry.com
The rest comes from documents from Civil War pension application file for Olive Rustine Rogers from National Archives

HUSBAND DIED

On Olive Rogers’ Civil War pension application (based on death of her son, Sanford Rogers) there are two sworn statements that William H Rogers died 30 December 1881 in Hanover, Michigan.

#1 – Sworn statement of Olive Rogers, wife of William H Rogers, that he died 30 December 1881.

#1 – Sworn statement of James A. Wilson, MD, a practicing physician in Township of Hanover, was that William H Rogers died 30 December 1881 of spinal meningitis. Further stated that William was a person of weak constitution and unable to perform manual labor to any great extent. That he, James A Wilson, was called upon to treat said William H Rogers several years since for hemorrhage of the bowels caused by an attack of dysentery.

Source: Four pages including statements of James A Wilson, MD (of the 71 pages) of Olive Rogers Civil War
pension application paperwork on file with National Archives based her son, Sanford Rogers.

CIVIL WAR PENSION

In 1969, Suzan Calvert Verry (Walter), great great granddaughter of William H. Rogers and Olive Rustine (Rogers), was visiting a friend on the East Coast who was interested in genealogy. When they were sightseeing in Washington, DC, they found themselves in a government building with access to the index of the contents of the U.S. National Archives. On a lark they decided to check to see if any of Suzan’s ancestors might have family papers in the Archives. They found in the Civil War Pension Index that the mother of soldier Sanford Rogers had applied for a pension in 1882.

SOURCE: U.S., Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934 from U.S. National Archives; Ancestry.com

So, Suzan filled out the form to have the file retrieved from the Archives. Returning that afternoon she was instructed to store all of her belongings into a locker, then was granted access to a large locked room. There she was handed the folder of the Olive Rogers pension application file with 79 pages of original documents. What excited Suzan the most was discovering fifteen letters from Sanford home to his family. First-person descriptions of his experiences as a Civil War Union soldier! She used the Archives’ antiquated copier to photocopy all of the letters. That Christmas Suzan’s history buff son, Brian Scott Walter, received a gift of the transcriptions of the letters and a book on the Battle of Petersburg VA (where the soldier was wounded).

By 2010 Suzan was deep into her work on the full family history and realized that she needed all of the data in the pension file. She was fortunate to be able to work through a professional genealogist, who had an agent in Washington, DC, to get the pension file pulled and all of the pages photocopied. They are shared below.

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is an independent agency of the United States government charged with preserving and documenting government and historical records and with increasing public access to those documents, which comprise the National Archives.

The U.S. government Pension Office was placed under the Department of Interior in 1839, where it remained until the 1930s. Civil War pensions could be awarded to the soldiers or sailors or their survivors, primarily widows and dependent children under the age of 16. If the deceased soldier did not leave a widow or children, other survivors could also apply, namely parents and orphaned siblings under 16. These applicants had to provide evidence that the son or brother had contributed to the survivor’s livelihood.

This last option is what was used by Olive Rustine Rogers, mother of soldier Private Sanford Rogers, when she applied for a pension. Sanford, oldest son of William H. Rogers and Olive Rustine Rogers, died of his wounds in the Civil War. His mother, Olive Rustine Rogers, applied for a Civil War Pension in 1882 based on the fact that his father, William, had been in poor health and Sanford had contributed to the support of the family before he enlisted in the Civil War. After William’s death in 1881, Olive applied for a pension. However, it took five years for her application to be fully processed.

Documents:

6-27-82 declaration received by Pension Office
#1 6-21-82 Original Declaration from Olive Rogers
#2 6-27-82 Form (3-218) filed by Olive Rogers

9-19-82 affidavits received by Pension Office
#3 7-11-82 Affidavit from James A. Wilson, MD
In this 1882 affidavit James A. Wilson, MD of Hanover, Jackson, Michigan swears that he attended William Rogers during his last sickness and that he died December 30, 1881 of cerebral spinal meningitis. He further swears that he is a practicing physician in the Township of Hanover. That he was acquainted with Wm Rogers in his lifetime, who was a person of weak constitution and unable to perform manual labor to any great extent. That Dr Wilson was called upon to treat Wm Rogers several years since for hemorrhage of the bowels caused by an attack of dysentery.
Our research found Jas A Wilson 34 physician in 1880 census in Hanover, Jackson, Michigan.

#4 7-13-82 Affidavit from Warren Sprague
In this 1882 affidavit Warren Sprague of Quincy, Branch, Michigan swears that he knew Olive Rustine Rogers for 40 years. He was at her marriage to William H Rogers and at their home shortly after the birth of their son, Sanford. That he was acquainted with Sanford until his enlistment into the Army (1843-1864).
Our research found Warren Sprague 34 b 1817 in 1850 census in Hanover, Jackson, Michigan with his wife Catharine Sprague 33 b 1817 (children Jane 10, Matilda 8, William 5 — no Warren) living next door to William and Olive Rogers. Noted that on the other side of the Rogers were found Olive’s parents, William and Elizabeth Rustine. In 1860, 1870 and 1880 census Warren Sprague and Catharine are found in Butler, Branch, Michigan.
Our family research shows that Olive Rustine (Rogers) b 1823 had a sister, Katie Rustine b 1842, who married a Warren Sprague b 1840. Have not documented how Olive Rogers’ sister’s husband might be related to the affidavit Warren Sprague.

#5 7-21-82 Affidavit from Levant S. Dunham
In this 1882 affidavit Levant S. Dunham of Pulaski, Jackson, Michigan swears that he was acquainted with Sanford Rogers during his lifetime before he joined the Army. That Sanford worked for his father as a farm laborer and gave the money to his parents for their support.
Our research found Levant Durham in the 1880 census in Pulaski, Jackson, Michigan. In the 1860 census in Pulaski, Jackson, Michigan there is a Harry Dunham 44 farmer with property valued at 5000, wife Emily Dunham 43, and son Levant Dunham 9.

#6 7-24-82 Affidavit from Mary Sprague
In this 1882 affidavit Mary Sprague of Hanover, Jackson, Michigan swears that she was acquainted with mother of Sanford Rogers. That Sanford was born the 16th day of March 1843.
Our research found Mary Sprague 62 b 1818 (and her husband, Amasa Sprague 63 b 1817 stone mason) in the 1880 census on page 11 for Hanover, Jackson, Michigan.
Our family research shows that Olive Rustine Rogers b 1823 had a sister, Mary Rustine b 1818, who married a Amasa Sprague.

# 7 8-16-82 Affidavit from Edwin Smead
In this 1882 affidavit Edwin Smead of Jackson, Jackson, Michigan swears that 20 years ago Sanford Rogers worked for him doing farm work for about a year and six months. That the wages were paid to Sanford’s father for the family’s support.
Our research found Edwin Smead 60 b 1820 farmer and Cordelia Smead 54 b 1826 in 1880 census in Jackson, Jackson, Michigan. In the 1860 census in Spring Arbor, Jackson, Michigan there was Edward Smead 44 farmer and Cordelia Smead 35 that may be Edwin.

#8 9-6-82 Affidavit from Daniel Morehouse
In this 1882 affidavit Daniel Morehouse of Hanover, Jackson, Michigan swears that he was acquainted with William Rogers the last 25 years of his life and used to work for and with him. That William could never do a full days work doing manual labor due to poor health.
Our research found Daniel Morehouse 47 b 1833 laborer and wife Esther A Morehouse 44 in the 1880 census on page 13 for Hanover, Jackson, Michigan. William and Olive Rogers are found on this same census page.
Our family history finds that Olive Rustine Rogers had a cousin named Daniel Morehouse born in 1833, child of John Ephraim Morehouse, brother of Olive Rustine Rogers’ mother, Elisabeth Morehouse Rustine.

#9 9-6-82 Affidavit from Amasa Sprague
In this 1882 affidavit Amasa Sprague of Hanover, Jackson, Michigan swears that he was acquainted with William Rogers and met with him every three to four days for the last 30 years of his life. William was always complaining of his poor health and he was unable to do more than half a days work.
Our research finds Amasa Sprague 63 b 1817 stone mason and his wife Mary Sprague 62 b 1818 in the 1880 census on page 11 for Hanover, Jackson, Michigan. In the 1850 census we find Amasa Sprague 33 b 1817 farmer and Mary Sprague 32 b 1818 in Hanover, Jackson, Michigan.
Our family research shows that Olive Rustine Rogers b 1823 had a sister, Mary Rustine b 1818, who married a Amasa Sprague.

#10 9-20-82 Certification of Property Transfer
In this 1882 affidavit Anson Townley, Register of Deeds for County of Jackson, Michigan, swears the following land that was conveyed by William H Rogers.
• 1/4 acre of land in Township of Hanover in Jackson County on February 9, 1866 for $250.
• 27 acres of land in North East quarter of the South East quarter of Section 35 on March 10, 1880 for $700 (with mortgage of $300).
• Lots 16 and 17 in Village of Hanover in Jackson County on March 5, 1880 for $200.
Our research finds Anson Townley 64 b 1816 Register in Jackson, Jackson, Michigan in 1880 census.

11-1-82 affidavits received by Pension Office
#11 10-3-82 Affidavit from OliveRogers
In this 1882 affidavit Olive Rogers of Hanover, Jackson, Michigan swears that she and her deceased husband have resided in Hanover since 1863. That they possessed the following properties during this period and no others – 1/4 acre of land in 1864, which they sold in 1866 and purchased 27 acres. In 1880 they sold these acres and purchased two lots in Village of Hanover, which she currently occupies. The members of her family in 1863 were her husband, her son Sanford aged 20, her son Wm R aged 18, her son George born Nov 10, 1846, her son David born Jan 29, 1853, her son Edson born March 13, 1858, her daughter Mary born Nov 11, 1859, her son Franklin born Sept 2, 1863. Her husband’s health was very poor and to the time of his death was unable to contribute to any great extent to the support of his family. The son David died in 1880.

#12 10-3-82 Affidavit from Charles E. Snow
In this 1882 affidavit Charles E. Snow, Supervisor of the Village of Hanover, Jackson, Michigan, swears that he is the custodian of the assessment books for Hanover. That he examined these books for the years 1863 through 1882 and found the following valuations assessed to William Rogers, deceased husband of Oliver Rogers: 1863 personal $40; 1864-1865 1/4 acre land $120; 1866-1880 27 acres highest valuation at $300; 1880-1882 two village lots highest valuation $600. Olive Rogers has lived in township since 1863 and William Rogers from 1863 until his death.

5-25-83 Pension Office request for military records
#13 5-25-83 Requests from Pension Office

8-8-83 response to Pension Office with military records
#14 8-8-83 War Department Answers

8-13-83 Pension Office request for full medical history
#15 8-13-83 Requests from Pension Office

11-13-83 War Department response with medical history
#16 11-13-83 Surgeon General’s Report

11-19-84 Pension Office received responses for latest requests
#17 7-24-84 Affidavit from Edwin Smead
In this 1884 affidavit Edwin Smead swears that Sanford Rogers worked for him on his farm the summer prior to Sanford’s enlistment in the Army at the rate of $14 per month. That Sanford gave a large portion of his wages to his parents and that they were dependent to a great extent on his help for their support. Edwin paid the wages directly to the father. He heard that Sanford sold his horse and gave the money to his parents.
As shared previously – Our research found Edwin Smead 60 b 1820 farmer and Cordelia Smead 54 b 1826 in 1880 census in Jackson, Jackson, Michigan. In the 1860 census in Spring Arbor, Jackson, Michigan there was Edward Smead 44 farmer and Cordelia Smead 35 that may be Edwin.

#18 4-8-84 Affidavit from Mary & Edwin Jerry Sprague
In this 1884 affidavit Mary Sprague of Hanover, Jackson, Michigan swears that Sanford Rogers was never married and left no wife or children. And that his mother is living and his father is dead.
In this 1884 affidavit Edwin Jerry Sprague of Hanover, Jackson, Michigan swears that he has been acquainted with Sanford’s mother and father for 30 years. They has a small village lot in 1864 valued about $300, which they traded for 27 acres of very poor land. They managed to make a living with the assistance of their sons until the father’s death. The sons are all married and have families of their own to support. So the mother, Olive Rogers, has no support. The 27 acres were sold and a house and lot in the Village in Hanover purchased, valued at about $700-800. At the time of the father’s death [in 1881], there was $100 in personal property. The mother has been living on this and it is about all gone.
Our research finds Edwin J Sprague 38 farmer b 1842 and Mary 33 b 1847 in 1880 census on page 16 in Hanover, Jackson, Michigan. At this time we have not linked these Spragues with other Spragues mentioned previously.

#19 4-10-84 Affidavit from Levant S. Dunham
In this 1884 affidavit Levant S. Dunham now of Concord, Jackson, Michigan swears that Sanford Rogers in 1861 worked as a farm hand for his father for eight months for $120. This was paid out $15 per month directly to Sanford’s father for the family’s support. The $40 balance was paid at the end to Sanford.
As shared previously – Our research found Levant Durham in the 1880 census in Pulaski, Jackson, Michigan. In the 1860 census in Pulaski, Jackson, Michigan there is a Harry Dunham 44 farmer with property valued at 5000, wife Emily Dunham 43, and son Levant Dunham 9.

#20 4-16-84 Affidavit from Rowland Powell
In this 1884 affidavit Rowland Powell of Hanover, Jackson, Michigan swears that he has been acquainted with the father of Sanford Rogers for 20 years. The father had not been in good health. He suffered with chills and fevers and rheumatism, which was the cause of his disability.
Our research finds Rowland Powell 49 b 1831 farmer and Lucelia Powell 40 b 1840 in 1880 census on page 4 of Hanover, Jackson, Michigan. Living with Rowland are his parents, John Powell 81 and Eunice 77. Next door we find Edward Dodd 63 b 1817 farmer and Lovinia Dodd 52 b 1828. Note that Edward’s first wife was Sarah Rustine (who died young in 1859). Sarah Rustine was sister to Olive Rustine Rogers. Interesting that their father, William Rustine, had a sister, Julia Rustine, who married a John Powell.
In 1860 census there is a Rollin Powell 29 b 1831 and Lucelia Powell 21 b 1839 on page 96 for Hanover, Jackson, Michigan.

12-10-85 Pension Office received more affidavits about soldier’s father’s health
#21 12-3-85 Affidavit from James H. Baker
In this 1885 affidavit James H. Baker of Vermontville, Eaton, Michigan swears he lived in Hanover, Jackson, Michigan from 1863 to 1881. He was acquainted with father of Sanford Rogers from 1863 until his death and attended his funeral. The father’s health had been poor and it was said he had a liver complaint. James did not know what the father’s income was during that time, but it was very small. He barely made a living for himself and his family, though he was always a temperate and industrious man.
Our research did not find a James H Baker in the 1880 census in Hanover, Jackson, Michigan. We did find a James H Baker buried in Hanover Cemetery with tombstone that says he was born in 1828 and died in 1898.

#22 12-5-85 Affidavit from OliveRogers
In this 1885 affidavit Olive Rogers swears that the reason why she cannot provide medical testimony for her husband, William Rogers, is that he did not employ a physician, other than Dr James A Wilson (and his affidavit has already been submitted). Olive doctored her husband herself by digging roots and making medicine out of them.

11-27-86 Pension Office received another affidavit about soldier’s father’s health
#23 11-18-86 Affidavit from Amos Atkinson, MD
In this 1886 affidavit Amos Atkinson, MD of Litchfield, Hillsdale, Michigan swears that it is impossible for Olive Rogers to furnish any direct positive evidence from any medical man, as to the locality of the disease or diseases with which her husband suffered for a good many years prior to his death. Dr Atkinson has been informed by Olive Rogers and others, who were well acquainted with William Rogers, that he did[sic] employ any doctors during these aliments up to this last sickness, which was cerebral spinal meningitis, with which he died in December 1881. During his last sickness he had a physician. His death occurred at his residence in the town of Hanover in Jackson Co, Mich. At his death he left a small house and lot. With no means with which to support herself, in this house, or rather a part of it, she lived until this fall when she moved to this village [Litchfield] into the house with her son, Frank. During the time she lived in part of her house she rented part of it, and with the little rent money which she received supported herself the best she could. After she came to this place [Litchfield], she has received $4.00 per week rent for her house with which she is supporting herself. William Sprague of Butler informed me that he was at Wm Rogers’ in 1865 and was well acquainted with him for many years and that he very often heard him complain of his side and back, and of having dizzy spells and that he was so debilitated as not to be able to perform much manual labor. This was after said Sprague came out of the service in 1865. That he [William] said he had liver complaint. [Add on] Mr. Frank Rogers, in the part of whole house his mother Mrs. Olive Rogers lives, is a renter, and she has to pay 50 cents a week rent, for the part of the house she lives in. From what I can learn from those best acquainted with the Rogers family, the house and lot in Hanover came to them at the death of their son from him. And they had no property of their own outside of this house and lot.
Our research finds Amos Atkinson 66 physician in 1880 census in Jonesville, Hillsdale, Michigan.

4-25-87 Pension Office received another affidavit about soldier’s father
#24 4-25-87 Affidavit from Alonzo Hutchins
In this 1887 affidavit Alonzo Hutchins talks about Sanford Rogers leaving his property in the hands of his father when he left for the Army. That the father was in poor health. And that the mother did not remarry after the death of her husband.
Our research finds Alonzo Hutchins 52 b 1828 farmer in the 1880 census in Hanover, Jackson, Michigan.

Pension Office tracking requests for additional information
#25 Tracking Requests From Pension Office
#26 Form (3-143) with list of documents submitted to Pension Office

5-3-87 pension approval by Pension Office
#27 Form (3-130) noting pension approvals

1-4-1903 notice of death of pensioner
#28 1-29-1903 Form (3-1081) notice of death of Olive Rogers

1-29-1903 discontinued pension due to death of pensioner
#29 1-20-1903 Form (3-232) dropping pension

File containing ALL above files

Letters:
15 handwritten letters from soldier
Transcriptions of 15 letters from soldier
Note that in Letter #11 this Union soldier from Company A 2nd Regiment Michigan Infantry Volunteers describes his four day march to the battle area and his June 17 interaction with the rebels.

Handwritten letter from fellow soldier in hospital
Transcription of letter from fellow soldier in hospital

Handwritten letter from hospital wardmaster informing of soldier’s death
Transcription letter from hospital wardmaster informing of soldier’s death

SOURCES: Documents from Civil War pension application file for Olive Rustine Rogers from National Archives
Census location verifications from the U.S. Federal Census Collection from the National Archives; Ancestry.com

In the trenches before the Battle of Petersburg (VA)

SOURCE: Mathew Brady Photographs of Civil War-Era Personalities and Scenes, 1921 – 1940; Digital Public Library of America

The Battle of Petersburg
June 15-18, 1864
Marching from Cold Harbor, Meade’s Army of the Potomac crossed the James River on transports and a 2,200-foot long pontoon bridge at Windmill Point. Butler’s leading elements (XVIII Corps and Kautz’s cavalry) crossed the Appomattox River at Broadway Landing and attacked the Petersburg defenses on June 15. The 5,400 defenders of Petersburg under command of Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard were driven from their first line of entrenchments back to Harrison Creek. After dark the XVIII Corps was relieved by the II Corps. On June 16, the II Corps captured another section of the Confederate line; on the 17th, the IX Corps gained more ground. Beauregard stripped the Howlett Line (Bermuda Hundred) to defend the city, and Lee rushed reinforcements to Petersburg from the Army of Northern Virginia. The II, XI, and V Corps from right to left attacked on June 18 but was repulsed with heavy casualties. By now the Confederate works were heavily manned and the greatest opportunity to capture Petersburg without a siege was lost. The siege of Petersburg began. Union Gen. James St. Clair Morton, chief engineer of the IX Corps, was killed on June 17.

SOURCE: Civil War Trust http://www.civilwar.org/

The Struggle of Petersburg: The lines of rebel entrenchments carried by our troops June 15-17, 1864

SOURCE: Library of Congress Geography and Map Division

Why did Private Sanford Rogers later die as the result of a 17 June 1864 bullet wound in his thigh at the Battle of Petersburg, VA?
Timeline and Clues:
• June 17, 1864 Private Sanford Rogers received gun shot flesh wound in right thigh (just above knee) at Battle of Petersburg (VA). Was picked up on a stretcher and carried to a hospital where wound was dressed.
• June 18-26, 1864 Sanford was transferred to the city front landing, then to a boat that transported him to Long Island, New York. Sanford reported to his parents that this two week period was the hardest of his life.
• June 26, 1864 Sanford arrived at DeCamp General Hospital at David’s Island New York Harbor, New York. He describes as a “good nice cool place” where he got plenty to eat and good care. Sanford reported to his parents that he was alive and doing well, but could not walk around. He said the wound just above right knee was pretty bad, but no bones were broken.
• July 3, 1864 Sanford writes that he is doing well except for his wound.
• July 5, 1864 Sanford writes that he is not feeling as well as he had previous day. Wonders if because he only eats and sleeps and doesn’t have any exercise.
• July 6, 1864 Sanford writes that he was very sick the previous night with awful headache and sick to his stomach. (called it the ague) He reported that his leg ached, but he thought it was because he had been walking around. Felt his wound was finally getting better.
• July 7, 1864 Sanford reports he is feeling better that day then he was the day before.
• (no date but before July 17) Sanford reports he is in good health and his wound is healing nicely. He mentioned hoping it continues so that in a few days he will be able to walk around.
• July 17, 1864 Sanford reports he had quite a walk on his crutches. He noted he was expecting to soon not need the crutches. He mentioned his fear of gangrene, as almost everyone was getting it.
No further letters from Sanford were in the pension application folder.
• Here is report from Sanford’s sister that describes Sanford when his leg was swollen. “When Sanford was a little boy he had to go through a marsh after their cows and was bitten by a rattlesnake. As there was only one doctor then in Jackson, Dr. Lewis, they sent for him and he did all he could and said he could do nothing more. Sanford’s foot, leg and body was swelled full. There was an old woman living east about one mile that heard about it. She came, took the large kettle made it full of strong lye, Pa went to the mill and got a bag of brand and made poultice, done his whole leg up in it. Soon it began to see the swelling go down, soon it was gone. After Sanford grew to manhood he enlisted in the Civil War and was wounded in hip. He wrote home and said his leg and body was swollen just as it was when he was bitten with that snake. When word came that he could not live he was in Long Island Sound. William, his father, started out, when he got there they had just removed him for his bed and he had died just before his father got to him. He was buried beside the water’s edge.” – Written by Mary Roger’s, his sister. [SOURCE: From Robin Estes, descendent of Mary Rogers] • July 29, 1864 Letter from another soldier in same hospital reports that Sanford had an operation performed on his leg. The doctors cut a gash 8 1/4 inches long above the knee and removed a pint of clotted blood. This soldier goes on to say that Sanford is out of his mind and probably will not live very much longer.
• July 30, 1864 Letter from Edwin H Jaques, ward master of the hospital, notifying Sanford’s parents of their son’s death. He reported that Sanford’s leg began to swell about two weeks prior. [This would have been about July 16, but at that time Sanford had been walking on the leg and feeling all was well.] July 27 the doctors held a consultation and found Sanford had an aneurysm. They opened his leg and removed a pint of clotted blood. Jaques reported that Sanford could not have lived, as a major artery was broken. Jaques sat with Sanford until he died just after 12 midnight July 30.

SOURCE: Documents from Civil War pension application file for Olive Rustine Rogers from National Archives

Analysis:

The official cause of Sanford Rogers death was reported as an aneurysm. In reviewing the six weeks between his being shot in the thigh to his death, the progression needs explaining to understand exactly what was going on.

We have reports that one month after Sanford’s gunshot wound in his thigh it was healing very well. He was walking around extensively on crutches and very happy with his progress. However, at this point he did mention that most of the soldiers were getting gangrene.

During the next two weeks we have multiple reports that his leg and whole body became swollen. And that near the end surgery removed a pint of clotted blood from his thigh. And that his artery was reported to have “broken.”

Does the reported extensive swelling indicate edema? Or might this have been a wet gangrene bacterial infection? This latter condition can develop rapidly as the result of blockage of of arterial blood flow. The affected part becomes saturated with stagnant blood, which promotes the rapid growth of bacteria which can spread quickly throughout the body. Or were there types of staphylococcus bacteria around during the Civil War years?

It is quite evident that the artery was damaged. Did the original trauma weakened the artery wall resulting in an aneurysm that finally ruptured? However, if this was the problem, the symptoms of a typical aneurysm are more apt to result in extensive localized swelling, not the entire body.

The other option to consider is a penetrating trauma, like a gunshot, causing a disruption in the arterial wall, leading to a pseudoaneurysm or false aneurysm, as blood fills in between the layers of the blood vessel.

The biggest mystery of all may be understanding the source of the pint of clotted blood.

Or was what happened to Sanford a combination of multiple things?

74th BIRTHDAY PARTY

Newspaper item from November 30, 1897: “Sunday a family reunion occurred at the home of Mrs. Frank Pickell, at Hanover. Those present from out of town were F. B. Rogers and little son of Toledo, O, William R. Rogers, of Galesburg; G. W. Rogers and daughter, Olive, of Albion, and E. J. Rogers of Litchfield. Mrs. Olive Rogers (mother) is 74 years old, and in good health and enjoyed very much the pleasure of joining all her children in the family circles.”

Identification of children and grandchildren of Olive Christina Rustine Rogers at this event:

William R Rogers [son of Olive Christina Rustine Rogers]
G W Rogers (George W Rogers) [son of Olive Christina Rustine Rogers]
Olive Rogers (Olive Rustine Rogers) [age 19 in 1897; daughter of George W Rogers; She later married Frank J. Calvert; granddaughter of Olive Christina Rustine Rogers]
E J Rogers (Edson James Rogers) [son of Olive Christina Rustine Rogers]
F B Rogers (Franklin Benjamin Rogers) [son of Olive Christina Rustine Rogers]
Irving Rogers [age 3 in 1897; son of Franklin Benjamin Rogers; granddaughter of Olive Christina Rustine Rogers]
Mrs. Frank Pickell [Mary Christina Rogers, daughter of Olive Christina Rustine Rogers; married to Frank Pickell]

in 1897 Mrs. Olive Rogers (Olive Christina Rustine Rogers would be age 74, widow of William H. Rogers, and living with Mary & Frank Pickell in Hanover, Jackson, Michigan.

SOURCE: Jackson Citizen (Jackson, Michigan) newspaper; 30 November 1897; page 8; GenealogyBank

1900 FEDERAL CENSUS

Hanover Township, Jackson, Michigan
Frank Pickel b Dec 1849 MI 51 Farmer Owns property/ mortgaged
Mary Pickel wife b Nov 1859 MI 41 6 children 6 living [daughter of Olive Rogers] Oliver/Elvin Pickel son b Dec 1882 MI 17
Earl Pickel son b Jan 1884 MI 16
Orville Pickel son b Nov 1886 MI 13
Olive Pickel daughter b May 1894 MI 6
Olive Rogers mother-in-law b May 1823 NY 77 8 children 5 living [widow of William H Rogers]

1900 US Federal Census: US; Michigan; Jackson; Hanover
Frank Pickel Family with Oliver Rogers

SOURCE: 1900 US Federal Census; Hanover, Jackson, Michigan; Enumeration District 0005; Roll: 719; Page: 8A; FHL film 1240719 from The National Archives; Ancestry.com

DEATH

Death Certificate for Olive Rogers
Died 4 Jan 1903 Hanover, Jackson, MI
Pneumonia/ Heart failure/ Old age
Widowed age 79 yrs 9 dos
Burial 5 Jan 1903 Hanover Village Cemetery
Married at age 20 Housewife
Birthplace Steuben Co New York
Father William Rustine b New York
Mother Betsy Morehouse b New York
Signed by ____ Pickel of Hanover Mich

Death certificate for Olive Christina Rustine Rogers

SOURCE: Seeking Michigan

BURIAL

Olive Christina Rustine Rogers
Burial: 5 January 1903 Hanover Village Cemetery, Hanover, Jackson, Michigan

SOURCE: FindAGrave Memorial #53329372

OBITUARY

Highlights of obituary…

Olive Rustine
Born in Steuben County, NY
Died 4 Jan 1903 in Hanover Village (home of daughter Mrs. Marv Pickell (nearly 80 yrs)
at 20 yrs married to Wm Rogers of NY
1845 NY to MI & settled near Kalamazoo for 5 yrs
1850 moved to Hillsdale County for 2 yrs
1852 moved to Hanover Township
8 children (6 boys & 2 girls)
Daughter #1 died at 2 yrs
Sanford died in 1861 in war
David Drowned in Bibbins’ Lake in 1880 while bathing with a number of other boys
Surviving children:
William R of Galesburg
George W of Albion
Edson J of Litchfield
Frank B of Toledo
Mary Pickell of Hanover

Husband William Rogers died in 1882 in Hanover
Religion:
Age 13 joined Baptist church
In 1853 joined Adventist demonimation

Surviving relatives:
Mrs. Amasa Spaague sister
5 children
16 grandchildren
4 great grandchildren

Burial next to husband in church yard in Hanover.
Thank you from surviving children:
Wm Rogers
Geo M Rogers (s/b Geo W)
E J Rogers
F B Rogers
Mrs. Frank Pickell

SOURCE: Newspaper article from family historians, Dorothy Gertrude Pickell Horton and Betty Lou Horton Sparks

WILL

ADDRESSES

CHILDREN OVERVIEW

Sanford G Rogers b 11 Mar 1843; d 30 Jul 1864
William R Rogers b 19 Nov 1844; m Emma Oatman; d 25 Mar 1911
George W Rogers b 10 Nov 1846; m 19 Mar 1874 Elizabeth Terpenning; d 6 Jun 1920 DIRECT LINE ANCESTOR
Mariah Elizabeth Rogers b 11 Jun 1851; d 1853
David K Rogers b 29 Jan 1855; m Eliza Beetle; d 9 Aug 1880
Edson James Rogers b 13 Mar 1858; m Ella Yinger; d 19 Oct 1930
Mary Christina Rogers b 11 Nov 1859; m#1 1875 William Henry Kellogg/ m#2 1880 Frank Edwin Pickell; d 9 Jan 1956
Franklin Benjamin Rogers b 2 Sep 1863; m Bessie Gentschichler; d 11 Feb 1962

ONGOING RESEARCH

Research to verify date and location of Olive’s birth.
Get photo of Olive’s tombstone.
Learn more about Milo, Yates, New York
Research more about Baptist minister Elder West.
Find someone with medical training to help us understand why soldier Sanford Rogers’ wound progressed to being fatal.

Please share with us any stories, photos, documents, etc. that could add to the stories of any of these ancestors. Send to suzan@genealogynirvana.com