William L. Rogers was born December 22, 1898 in Missouri, son of Noah Tolman & Cora (Venso) Rogers. He died September 28, 1918 in France. Private William Loren Rogers, son of Mr. and Mrs. Noah T. Rogers of Newton, was wounded on the fourth day of the battle and died in a field hospital on September 30, 1918. He was a member of Co. K, 139th Infantry, Newton’s own company.
William Rogers Killed In Action. Another home in Newton has been saddened because “taps” has been sounded for the loved son and brother, and friends and all those who are kindred in the common cause for humanity will sympathize with Mr. and Mrs. N.T. Rogers, who received a message last evening conveying the sorrowful news that their son, William, had been killed in action September 28, in the great 5 days’ drive.
This is the first intimation they were given that their son was not among the survivors of this battle, and while they have the satisfaction of knowing that his life was glorously in defense of all that democrracy stands for, yet their loss is a keen one, and one that is shared by the community.
William L. Rogers was a member of Company K. having enlisted in Newton, and so was a member of the 139th Infantry, which had won reknown for its bravery in France.
His brother, Ray Rogers, of the 314th Engineers in France, did not know of his death when he wrote the letter to his parents here, which they received the same day as the message from Washington. Ray mentioned not haaving heard from William for some time. The boys had not met while in France, but corresponded with each other. The Newton Weekly Kansan-Republican, Newton, Kansas. Thursday, November 14, 1918. Page 8. (c) Harvey County Genealogical Society.
William’s HCGS Memorial Tribute page can be found here: William Rogers
