The Newtown bee., 1908-08-28
The NeWtOWn Bee.
Warren.
COL M. H. ROGERS.
Newtown, Friday, August 2s. 1905.

Col Rogers, who IS a candidate for secretary of state on the republican ticket, is a brother. in-law of Select man Forestelle. Col Matthew H. Rogers is one of Bridgeport's leading republicans and successful business men. He is Litchfeld county boy, born in Cornwall, June l9, 1861. He is a self-made man. In the district schools of his native town he secured his edu- cation, and when IS years of age left Cornwall to accept a position with his brothers in Waterbury. Owing to sick ness he returned to his native town un- til he recuperated his health, and then went to Bridgeport where he accepted a position in 1880 in the iron and steel business. Two years later he purceased the business from his employer and since that time has conducted a large and successful business in Bridgeport. His first presidential vote was cast for James G. Blaine. Ever since his set ting in Bridgeport he has taken deep interest in public affairs and has been a close student of politics. In 1893 he entered the common council of Bridge pert as an alderman, where he remained for two years, serving the city in a mostIcapable manner. He declined. a re nomination. In 1896 Col Rogers was elected as representative from Bridgeport to the General Assembly, receiving the largest majority over his opponent ever voted for in Bridgeport for a state office. His opponent was Hon Archibald McNeil, one of the strongest nominees the Democratic party had. While in the General As sembly Col Rogers was member of the committee on Interpretations, fill ing the exacting position of clerk of this very important committee. Col Rogers was also the house chairman of the Excise committee. In 1898 he ran for the senate, but was defeated by a majority of a little over 100 votes. His defeat at this time can be accounted for by the fact that ex United States Treasurer Daniel N. Morgan of Bridge port was that year the democratic nominee for governor. He was ap- pointed in 1900 by Gov George P. Mclean as an aide on his staff with the rank of scolonel. In 1902 Gov Abiram Chamberlain appointed him on his staff as paymaster general. He was elected a member of the republican state cen tral committee in 1900, filling the posi- tion for eight years, and during that time was powerful factor in working for the success that has attended the republican party. At the present time he is the town chairman of the repub- lican party of Bridgeport. Both polit- ical parties of Bridgeport have time and again shown their confidence in Col Rogers ability by appointing him on important commissions which had to do with extensive public improvements. In his capacity as member of these commissions he has always shown a public spirit and a regard for the fu- ture of the city which won for him the respect and admiration of lis col leagues. He is member of the promi- nent clubs in his home city, as well as clubs in Hartford, New Haven and | New York City. Col Rogers is mar ried, having wed on January 10, 1883, Miss Nellie A. Forestelle, daughter of J MT and Mrs William and Catherine Forestelle of Warren. His home at 172 Washington avenue is one of the finest private residences in that exclusive residential section of Bridgeport. So- cially Col and Mrs Rogers have enter , tdined on numerous occasions state and national men of political distinction and financial prominence.