Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan : 1830-1930
Author: Heath, May Francis
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Mich: 1930

CAPT. REUBEN T. ROGERS

Reuben T. Rogers was born in Rochester, N. Y., Oct. 28, 1940, and died at the Masonic Hospital at Alma, Oct. 1, 1927, at the good old age of 86.

As a young man he came to Saugatuck where he was engaged in sailing on the lakes, and soon rose to the position of Captain, his last boat being the Bon Voyage at Rochester and One Thousand Islands, a Pleasure boat Carrying many tourists.

He was of the firm of Rogers and Bird who built many large steamers for lake traffic, including the Bon Voyage, Bon Ami, Pilgrim, A. B. Taylor, General Hancock and the tug, Pup. Mr. Rogers later built and owned the Cuckoo.

Capt. Rogers was married Aug. 3, 1863, to Miss Sarah Snyder to whom were born three sons, Frank, who died at the age of eighteen, and who for five years had served as purser on the Taylor, and had such a bright future, his death was a crushing blow to his parents. Hosea, the second son had the record of being the youngest lake captain, and when he, too, was taken in 1900, just arriving on the threshold of manhood, their cup was full of sorrow. Van, the youngest son, still survives with the mother, and resides at Chicago.

Capt. Rogers was a charter member of Saugatuck Masonic Lodge, one of the first Worshipful Masters, and this lodge conducted the funeral obsequies.