James Rogers (1652-1714)
James Rogers, Shipmaster, of New London, Connecticut
He was born in Milford, Connecticut. He was a mariner and shipmaster, though he also had a tannery. He had "large landed possessions," but lost a great deal in fines levied upon him by the church of the established order in punishment for, "his adherence to the church of his choice". He was in command of the boat that brought over the Jordan family who were classed as "Redemptioners," ie., those who mortgaged their services to pay passage to America. On arriving in Connecticut, James purchased Mary (who he then married) and in later life, he "was accustomed to say that it was the richest cargo he ever shipped and the purchase of Mary was the best bargain he ever made". They were the parents of eight children, all born in New London. James was the great-grandfather of the successful New York merchant Moses Rogers (1750-1826) and the great-great-grandfather of the steamboat pioneer Captain Moses Rogers (1779-1821).