Rising above Circumstances: The Rogers Family in Colonial America

By Robert J. Rogers

Softcover: $21.95

Reviewed by Chris Matheney

Who better to write a book on the Rogers’ family than a direct descendent of that very same famous Colonial family? Robert J. Rogers, a native Canadian, has not let down his famous family predecessors with his recent book tracing their history. Rising above Circumstances: The Rogers Family in Colonial America, is a must-read for any reenactor, researcher or student of the French and Indian War-period. Rogers’ book, which "started out as a small project to update the history of the family," took more than twenty years of research to compile. In the book’s preface, Rogers states "In 1995 a fellow researcher recommended that the first two chapters [of his family history] be published as a separate document." This book is the result.

The book is carefully divided into three sections: the first focuses on James Rogers (c. 1700–1753), the father of James and Robert; the second deals with son James Rogers (1728–1790); and the third with his more famous brother Robert (1731–1795.

Important in the first section is the origin of the Rogers’ family. The author discusses two different theories of how the original Rogers’ family became established in Ireland. Admittedly the author points out that these theories are based on family traditions and oral history. Historical records are very difficult to come by because of the time period and geography, yet the author points out that the family came to live in Ireland and was part of the first Ulster Scot migration to America (1717–1735). This section goes on to deal with James Rogers settling his family on the frontier of the Massachusetts Colony. Raising his children amidst war parties, James Rogers exhibited the strength and force of will to endure the hardships of a turbulent Colonial America. Many original letters and documents relevant to the Rogers’ family’s first years in America help round out the reader’s understanding of their background.

Many Rogers’ family enthusiasts have been waiting for a definitive piece of work on James. In the second section, which focuses on James, the author points out, "James was often eclipsed by his younger and more famous although somewhat erratic brother Robert." It is clear from the 82 pages that the author dedicates to James that he led a life full of ups and downs and very nearly as adventurous as his brother Robert. In his early life, we learn that James stayed home rather than volunteering for military service, like brothers Robert and Samuel, during King George's War (1744–1748). However, living on the frontier during the French wars, one could not go long without hearing the call to arms. So James followed his brother Robert to war in 1755. James didn't join up with the Rangers initially, but by the fall of 1756, he was an ensign in one of brother Robert's companies.

All of this and more is carefully documented in Robert J. Rogers' book. In particular, all of the battles and engagements in which James was involved during his time with Rogers' Rangers are diligently set forth for the record, from the frozen "1st Battle on Snowshoes" in 1757, to the deadly Freshwater Cove landing at Louisbourg in 1758. James Rogers and his company of rangers were extremely active in Nova Scotia, even after the fall of Louisbourg. The author points out that after the surrender there were at least 24 actions and scouts that James Rogers' company was involved in. The reader also learns of the raising of Maj. Scott's Provisional Battalion. This was a combined effort of Regular British soldiers and rangers brought under one command to become a truly effective and successful fighting force.

The author continues to document James' life well after the French and Indian War with topics including purchasing a schooner and outfitting it as a privateer (named The Major Rogers), entering into a land speculation company with brother Robert, an illustrious service with the British during the American Revolution, and finally helping with the founding of Canada. One thing that is evident from these pages is the strong bond that existed between the two brothers James and Robert. They possessed skills and ideals that complimented each other and that undoubtedly led to their many rewards. The differences between James and Robert are best pointed out by the author, who states, "James Rogers was a reluctant soldier in that family and farming were far more important to him than exploration and fighting, so unlike his brother Robert." This section again is full of original documents such as land petitions, military letters and the like, which give the reader greater insight to the many conflicts (both military and personal) that James Rogers had to surmount.

The third section, dealing with the more famous brother Robert, goes into greater detail regarding Robert’s life and times than most authors have done in the past. Combining family history along with research that wasn't available years ago, Robert J. Rogers breathes new life into his famous and controversial predecessor. The author traces Rogers’ illustrious service during the French and Indian War, his marriage and subsequent divorce from Elizabeth Browne, his farsighted but never realized plan for discovering the Northwest Passage, his ups and downs during the American Revolution and finally his death. In summing up the life of Robert Rogers, the author is fair and honest in his appraisal, stating "He, [Robert Rogers], would probably have reached greater heights had not the hardships of debt, alcohol and the jealousy of lesser men beset him." Perhaps my favorite line from Rising above Circumstances is, "Robert was not a saint, but there is no evidence that he was an extraordinary sinner." Truly, Robert J. Rogers has a very good feel for the subject and proves it in this book.

Besides original documents, divorce decrees, newspaper accounts and so forth, there are also excellent illustrations by famed Rogers’ Rangers artist and historian Gary Zaboly. Eleven sketches of historical figures and events, combined with 16 maps, truly help the reader fully understand the text and territory. The author was also able to use photographs from the collections of French and Indian War author and researcher Timothy J. Todish, and Horst Dressler, an historical reenactor of James Rogers' Company and the King’s Rangers.

Rising above Circumstances: The Rogers Family in Colonial America, is available from: Sheltus & Picard Inc., PO Box 1321, Bedford, Quebec, Canada JOJ lAO. Tel. 450‑248‑7319, fax 450‑248‑2057 or email cpjas.rm@acbm.qc.ca. Shipping and handling are included in the price.