Georgia and Georgians - the Digital Library of Georgia

2890 GEORGIA AND GEORGIANSthis union there were two children: William A., a railroad man, now residing in Birmingham, Alabama, and James Franklin, whose name appears atthe head of this review. The mother of these children died in 1862 and Mr.Rogers subsequently married her sister Margaret, who bore him six children,as follows: Seaborn E., a pastor in the Baptist Church and farmer of WaltonCounty, Georgia; Thomas, also a farmer of "Walton County; Ella, wife ofAugustus Studdard, of Monroe, Georgia; Lela, wife of Charles Cocroft, ofBostwick, Morgan County, Georgia; Pauline, wife of John Mayo, a farmerof Walton County, Georgia, and Boykin, a farmer and trader, who resideson the old home place with his mother. Perry S. Rogers, the father, died in1900 at the age of sixty-six years, his loss being deeply regretted by all whoknew him.James Franklin Rogers, after acquiring his elementary education in theWalton County schools, in the fall of 1875 entered the University of Georgia,where he was a student until 1876. He then went to Emery College, wherehe continued his studies, being there graduated Bachelor of Arts in the classof 1878. He then applied himself assiduously to the study of law under thementorship of Gov. Henry D. McDaniel of Monroe and made such rapidprogress that he was admitted to the bar by Hon. Alexander S. Erwin, judgeof the Superior Court, in 1879. Beginning the practice of his profession atSocial Circle, Walton County, he remained there five years, during whichtime he gained much valuable experience and gave evidence of marked ability. In 1885 he came to Covington, where he has since remained in activepractice. The thirty years that he has spent in this community have beenyears of hard work but notable achievement, leading to his present distinguished position as the most prominent advocate in the county. He hasbeen honored at different times by election or appointment to importantoffices. At one time he served as city attorney, and for twelve years he wassolicitor for the county court, practicing in the city courts. He is attorneyfor the Central Railroad of Georgia and also for the Covington Mills, bothresponsible positions, which no man of inferior capacity could fill. Hiscomprehensive understanding of the principles of jurisprudence and hismasterly presentation of a cause before the courts have long marked himout as a leader in his arduous and difficult profession, success in which isnot to be gained without superior merit. Mr. Rogers' fraternal affiliationsinclude membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knightsof Pythias and the Masonic Order, in which last mentioned he has advancedas far as the chapter. In religion he is a Methodist.Mr. Rogers was married April 10, 1879, to Miss Lessie Ray, a native ofWalton County, Georgia, and daughter of James A. and Julius Woods Ray.She died in 1887, leaving one child, Emery Ray Rogers, who was born inWalton County, Georgia, and is now general manager for the NunallyCompany of Atlanta, Georgia, and resides in New York City. Some timeafter his first wife's death, James Franklin Rogers contracted a second marriage with Mrs. Belle Knox (Wadsworth). She is a lady of culture andrefinement, a leading member of the Presbyterian Church and prominent inclub and society work. As a relaxation from the regular duties of his profession, Mr. Rogers takes a keen interest in horticulture, the floral displayin his tastefully laid-out gardens eliciting the admiration of every visitorto his hospitable mansion. He is also fond of automobile excursions andspends much of his leisure time in driving. A life thus devoted to the faithful performance of high duties, the cultivation of home ties and the enjoyment of refined and innocent diversions may be regarded as ideal by everylover of all that is best in human nature.HON. JULIUS EUGENIUS F. MATTHEWS. Eighteen years of distinguishedservice as ordinary of Upson County entitle Judge Julius Eugenius F.