Roger's childhood and young manhood were spent in Mississippi.

At an early age, the future Col. Rogers graduated from a medical
college. However, he preferred the study of law.

In the War with Mexico in the 1840's, then Capt. Rogers commanded
a company of infantry under Col. Jefferson Davis of the Mississippi
Rifles. Capt. Rogers was the second man to scale the wall at the
Battle of Monterey. After the war he served two years as counsel at
Vera Cruz, Mexico. After resigning Rogers moved to Washington County,
Texas and pursued his profession as a criminal lawyer. He moved to
Houston, Texas, in 1859.

When the Civil War commenced in 1861, the 2nd Texas Infantry
Regiment was organized in Houston. J. C. Moore was elected colonel and
Rogers lieutenant colonel. On March 12, 1862, the Confederate troops
of the 2nd Texas marched from Houston and arrived at Corinth on April
1st.

After one day in camp, the unit marched to Shiloh and fought in
the two-day battle. Col. Moore in his report of the battle stated that
many of his men were completely barefooted.

After the Battle of Shiloh the 2nd Texas returned to the Corinth camp.

At Corinth the Confederate Army was re-organized, Col. Moore was
promoted to Brigadier General, and Lt. Col. Rogers was promoted to
colonel and commanded the 2nd Texas in Moore's Brigade.

At the Battle of Corinth (October 3 & 4), Moore's Brigade was on
the extreme right of Maury's (Confederate) division. The 2nd Texas
participated in the fighting at Battery F during which the Federals
were defeated, and also at Battery Robinett where Col. Rogers was
killed. Federal General Rosecrans said Col. Rogers was the bravest man
he ever knew and wanted him buried where he fell with military honors.