Edmund Rogers, surveyor who coined the name "The Barrens."
By GAGE WILSON
Glasgow News 1
As the Harvest of History draws closer, each of its actors brings a historical figure in Barren County to life and, for spectators, the chances to make a connection to the past. This connection is most apparent when dealing with families, and what better way than to have a decedent portray their ancestor.
Attorney Ben Rogers is the fifth generation grandson of Edmund Rogers, a figure integral to the formation of Barren County and also Metcalfe County as Edmonton was derived from his name.
Barren County, and all of Kentucky, was built on the exploration that traversed from the east coast westward. These pioneers charted the unknown wilderness so that they may stake their claim. The expanse of uncharted land was of interest to both England and its colonists.
Colonial surveyors established tract, manor, township, and county boundaries, laid out city streets and lots, determined borders between neighboring provinces, located the likeliest routes for roads connecting the hinterland, and established inland navigation routes. As no surprise, one such surveyor was tied to Barren County.
Edmund Rogers was born in 1762 in Virginia into a family steeped in martial history. Following tradition at the age of 19 he enlisted in the Army with his brother.
He began business as a surveyor in the fall of 1783 with George Rogers Clark, his cousin, on the north side of the Ohio River, opposite Louisville. In the spring of 1784, his operations were changed to the military district of Kentucky, on the south side of the Green River. He made most of the surveys on the Little and Big Barren rivers and their tributary streams. He expanded and set the boundaries for most of the southern part of Kentucky. He is credited with naming “The Barrens” from which Barren County takes its name.
Ben Rogers has talked about the respect he feels to his ancestor stating an admiration from his service in the Revolutionary War, and his dedication to the importance of living in a free country.
The Harvest of History this year is in conjunction with the 225th anniversary of Barren County. Proceeds for the Harvest go to the South Central Kentucky Cultural Center, a non-profit that has a mission to help the community learn and preserve its history.
For more information, or to reserve tickets for the tour, call 270-651-9792.
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