The Rogers family was active in Asotin County in Eastern Washington. They were involved with real estate, mining, abstracts of title, conveyancing, timber, and other business matters related to land ownership and use. G.A. (George Arthur) Rogers, nicknamed Al, was born March 31, 1864, in Elgin County, Ontario. He journeyed to British Columbia and then to Washington, settling near the current town of Asotin. He took a pre-emption near Anatone and later a homestead. G.A. Rogers operated a steam shingle mill for a time but eventually moved into the town of Asotin. In 1884 he opened a notary public office and took filings on government lands, heard final proofs, and did virtually all the property conveyance business in Asotin County. He was also a general agent for various lines of goods. G.A. Rogers also promoted a new town near the mines he operated on the Snake River. He owned copper and gold mines at the mouth of the Grande Ronde River in Asotin and Wallowa Counties. White Bear, Harrison, and Amber Crystal are listed as names of claims in mining records.
After moving to the town of Asotin, G.A. Rogers held the office of deputy sheriff, and in 1884 he also handled the county clerk's office. In 1887 he was elected probate judge of Asotin County and held the office until Washington achieved statehood in 1889.
Other members of the family were involved with local government as well. W.S. Rogers was listed as treasurer of Asotin County in 1897. S.S. (Samuel Scott) Rogers served as auditor of Asotin County until his brother, G.A. Rogers, took over the office.
The papers are arranged by type of document.
The Rogers family papers concern real estate and mining ventures in Asotin County, Washington. Most of the papers are those of G.A. (George Arthur) and his brother S.S. (Samuel Scott) Rogers, but a number of real estate documents bear no Rogers name. Other real estate information is in the form of letters or inquiries and hand-drawn maps. Much of the correspondence is between G.A. Rogers and S.S. Rogers. Most of the letters include information about family and business matters. Some documents have no connection to the family but were notarized by G.A. Rogers.
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Rogers family papers, 1880-1916. Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries, Seattle, Washington.
Source and date of acquisition unknown.
Processing completed in 2004 by Emily Inlow.