Daniel Rogers (politician)

Daniel Rogers (January 3, 1754 – February 2, 1806) was an American miller and politician from Milford, in Sussex County, Delaware. He was a member of the Federalist Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly and as Governor of Delaware.

Rogers was born on a farm in Accomack County, Virginia, near Pungoteagu, son of James and Patience Rogers. The family came from England to the Virginia Eastern Shore in 1665. His first wife was Esther O. Crapper, the wealthy wife and heiress of Mouton Crapper of Milford, Delaware. They had five children, James, Thomas, Betsey, Moulton and Daniel, and lived at the Causey Mansion in Milford, which named for a subsequent Governor of Delaware who lived there later. After her death, Rogers married Nancy Russum, with whom he had seven more children, John, Samuel, Clement, Hannah, William, Mary and Henry. They were members of Christ Episcopal Church in Milford.

Rogers came to Cedar Creek Hundred, in Sussex County, Delaware about 1775, and acquired a farm there. Following his first marriage in 1778 and his inheritance of the Crapper property, he bought various milling operations in the area, including the Haven Mills which were north of Milford in Kent County. He also bought a brick granary at Argo's Corner and a tavern at Cedar Creek Village.

He was elected to the State House of Representatives for the 1791-92 session and then was elected twice as the Speaker. He served from 1793 until he became Governor of Delaware and was Speaker the entire time. On September 30, 1797 Governor Gunning Bedford, Sr. died and Rogers succeeded to the office. He served as Governor from that date until January 15, 1799. He returned to the State Senate in 1802 and served two terms until his death which occurred while he was still in office.

Rogers died at his home in Milford and was buried on his property there, facing the plaza at Causey Avenue and South Walnut Street. In 1917 the state moved his remains to the Odd Fellows Cemetery at Milford.

His oldest son, James Rogers, moved to New Castle, Delaware, and later served as chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas, Attorney General and Secretary of State of Delaware.

There is no known portrait of Daniel Rogers.

• Delaware Historical Society; website; 505 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801; (302) 655-7161
• University of Delaware; Library website; 181 South College Avenue, Newark, Delaware 19717; (302) 831-2965