Lucinda Benson (Gibbs) Rogers Grave
James O. PeaveyWalker County Historical Commission (2018 post on FB)
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Lucinda Benson (Gibbs) Rogers is buried at Oakwood Cemetery - Huntsville, TX among three of her children, her mother, and various other members of her family. She was born March 28, 1818 in Union District, South Carolina to Hiram and Sabra Ann (Wilbourn) Gibbs.
She married Col. George Washington Rogers, a Mexican War hero, on September 14, 1848 in Bienville Parish, Louisiana. His name is inscribed in the Gillaspie Monument across the street from Sam Houston's grave. They settled in Huntsville, Texas where they became one of the wealthiest couples in town. The Rogers home was built in 1845 on a magnificent hill on as many as 600 acres that Rogers had purchased from Huntsville founder, Pleasant Gray. The home was considered one of the finest homes of its day and entertained Huntsville's most prominent citizens with its magnificent ballroom. Sam Houston was a neighbor and personal friend. This home, located at what is now 1418 University Avenue, has been preserved and is the oldest surviving home in Huntsville. (Link to my photo of the Rogers home:
The five acre hill that was the original site of the Rogers home was donated by the Rogers to serve as the location of the new state capital, but instead became the home of Austin College. Today, the Austin College building, built in 1851-52, is the oldest building on the Sam Houston State University campus. The Rogers raised five children: William Sandford, Laura Terrissa, Alice Luella, George Henry, and George Washington Jr. A sixth child, Jasper Gibbs, died as an infant. Col. Rogers died in 1864 in Cotton Gin, Texas, at just 44 years of age and was buried there. Two years later, his remains were re-interred near his previous home in LA. Mrs. Rogers remained in Huntsville where she passed away in 1884 at age 66.
Such a fascinating historical snapshot! Lucinda Benson Rogers and her family clearly played an important role in Huntsville's early days, and the preservation of their home adds so much character to the town’s history. The connection with Sam Houston and their wealth and influence must have made a significant impact on the area.
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