Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 393-394

WILLIAM S. ROGERS. This skillful artist, who occupies a leading place among the photographers of Kansas, and who holds a high rank among the prominent and influential citizens of Wichita, is justly entitled to a worthy mention in this volume as one of the important factors in developing the resources of Sedgwick County. He was born in Wisconsin in 1853 and passed his earlier years in that State, receiving a good common-school education, and a thorough training in those principles so essential to the making of a good citizen.

      After leaving school our subject learned the photographer's business, for which his artistic talent peculiarly fitted him. In 1872 he came to Wichita and followed his previous employment, being for several years engaged in galleries where superior workmanship was required. In 1879 our subject opened his present studio, at No. 116 East Douglas avenue, where he has been very successful in his business. He employs first-class talent, and his gallery is fitted up with the finest and most modern instruments, one of which is worth $500.

      Mr. Rogers' work is well known throughout the county and State, wherein he has established an enviable reputation for satisfactory and artistic work. His specialties are free-hand crayon, bromide crayon, and India ink portraits, life size photographs, and large family groups. He began in Wichita in a small way, and by skillful ability in his profession gradually built up a good business, having now the best custom of the city and commanding the highest prices. His natural talent, aided by his many years of experience, has given him a strong hold on the vast possibilities of the future, which every artist, worthy of the name, is striving to seize, and his work compares favorably with that of any of the guild of any of the large Eastern cities. A fine and life sized portrait of the late Commodore Woodman is to be seen in Mr. Rogers' studio; this is a perfect specimen of art and the best picture of the Commodore ever taken. The portraits of leading citizens of Wichita attest the high estimation in which his work is held, especially the crayon life size pictures, which are true to life and finished in the best manner. Among other pictures we notice those of Mr. Charles Walker, Vice President of the Citizens' Bank, and of Mr. John Moffet. Mr. Rogers also deals in the finest and most beautiful frames of chaste and elegant designs; they are manufactured in Cincinnati and Chicago, and have solid corners. The most modern designs in gold metal and silk plush are carried in stock.

      In 1878 Mr. Rogers was united in marriage with Miss Susie M. Coggeshall, a pleasant and accomplished lady, and of their union three children have been born, namely: Pearl, Albert and Guy. Their home, a beautiful residence on the corner of Fourth and Central avenue, is a model of refinement and hospitality. Our subject also owns a large amount of real estate, including sixty-eight lots in the city, and is probably worth from $75,000 to $100,000. He is a public-spirited man, and has contributed liberally of his means to assist the different enterprises of Wichita, and has donated generously to its various educational and charitable organizations. Socially, Mr. Rogers is a member of the United Workmen, and in political opinions is a Republican.

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