Representative George Frederick Rogers

George Frederick Rogers (March 19, 1887 – November 20, 1948) was an American businessman and Democratic politician from New York who served one term in the United States House of Representatives from 1945 to 1947. Over the course of his public life he held local and state offices before representing his district in Congress during the closing phase of World War II and the beginning of the postwar era.

Rogers was born on March 19, 1887, in Harwood, Ontario, Canada. He spent his early years in Canada before immigrating to the United States in 1899. His formative education took place both in Canada and in Rochester, New York, reflecting his family’s relocation and his eventual establishment in western New York. This binational upbringing laid the groundwork for his later career as a businessman and public official in the Rochester area.

After settling in Rochester, Rogers entered the business world and became a merchant in the city. He built a career in retail trade and emerged as a leader among local business owners. Demonstrating organizational and leadership skills, he served for three years as president of the Monroe County Retail Food Merchants’ Association, a position that gave him prominence in the local commercial community and helped launch his involvement in civic and political affairs.

Rogers’s political career began at the county level. He was a member of the Board of Supervisors of Monroe County from 1934 to 1935, participating in the administration of local government during the later years of the Great Depression. Building on this experience, he advanced to state office as a member of the New York State Senate, representing the 46th District in 1937 and 1938. In the Senate he joined in shaping state legislation at a time when New York was implementing and responding to New Deal–era policies and economic recovery efforts.

A member of the Democratic Party, Rogers was elected to the 79th United States Congress, holding office from January 3, 1945, to January 3, 1947, as a Representative from New York. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, spanning the final months of World War II and the beginning of the postwar transition. As a member of the House of Representatives, George Frederick Rogers participated in the legislative process, represented the interests of his constituents, and contributed to national debates over demobilization, veterans’ issues, and the reconversion of the American economy. His term in office reflected both his local business background and his prior experience in county and state government.

Rogers sought to continue his congressional career but was unsuccessful in his bids for re-election. He ran for another term in 1946 and was defeated by Republican candidate Kenneth B. Keating. He again challenged Keating in 1948 and was once more unsuccessful, bringing his pursuit of a return to Congress to a close. Despite these defeats, his single term in the House marked the culmination of more than a decade of public service at multiple levels of government.

George Frederick Rogers died on November 20, 1948, in Cobourg, Ontario, returning at the end of his life to his native country. He was buried at Riverside Cemetery in Rochester, New York, the city where he had built his business career and from which he had risen to county, state, and national office.