WILLIAM JOHN ROGERS

William John Rogers

William John Rogers

William John Rogers

William John Rogers (04/06/1862 – 09/09/1944) was an important member of the Katanning community and a very successful retailer who began with modest premises and expanded into his larger Central Store. Rogers was also a major influence in the move to buy the Roller Flour Mill when it ran into trouble in the mid-1920s.

Other important contributions Rogers made to the town was his assistance (along with Robert Richardson) in helping the Katanning Silver Band keep their new instruments, which were under threat of repossession with the advent of the Depression. Rogers was also involved in the establishment of the Country Women’s Association [2] in Katanning.

Born in Colchester, United Kingdom, on 4 Jun 1862. William John married Hannah Mary Pinkerton and they had seven children; Frederic Arthur, John Stanley, Margaret Hannah, May Pinkerton, Grace Marion, Ellen Boronia, and Muriel Irene. He passed away on 9 Sep 1944.

In 1901, William arrived in Katanning and set about establishing his store. He purchased C. A. Harris’s Central Store in Clive Street and, by 1904, Rogers was ready to build his own much larger premises. In July 1904 tenders were called for the new Roger’s Central Store, the architect being F. W. Burwell of Fremantle. [GSH, 23/7/04]. The new two-storey brick building had two entrances from Clive Street and three big windows for the drapery, boots, ironmongery and groceries. There was also provision for a big storeroom on the ground floor and on the top floor, there were an extensive showroom and spacious living quarters for the family. [GSH, 30/07/04]

His store has historical significance and social significance, being one of the largest retailers in the Great Southern at the time and the building still adds to the streetscape of Clive Street, with its various retail stores.

Hannah Mary Rogers

William John Rogers

Hannah Mary Rogers (nee Pinkerton)
09/12/1860 – 13/05/1941

Behind every successful man there is a dedicated and hardworking wife or life partner…
Hannah Mary Rogers (nee Pinkerton) was born in Perth, Scotland, and died in Katanning on 13 May, 1941.
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