Rodgers, Frank Barney (Died)

One of the best known men in the Niagara Peninsula passed on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 1921, at Ypsilanti, Mich., in the person of Frank B. (Barney) Rodgers. Mr. Rodgers was born in Clinton Township in January, 1856, the second son of Bernard Rodgers and Mary Cline. Mr. Rodgers Sr. was a native of St. John, N.B., but was one of the pioneers of the Beamsville district, coming here as a young man. For many years Rodgers Sr. conducted the Commercial Hotel and on his death in 1889 Frank B. continued the business and became known to every traveller. As a business associate Mr. Rodgers was also a favorite for he was always putting forth ideas for the advancement of the town and district. About 10 years ago he was appointed to a position on the Welland Canal and except for a short period of illness had held that position up to about a year ago when illness again compelled his relinquishment of the work. He then went to Ypsilanti to visit his niece, Mrs. A.E. (Lilly) House and his sister, Mrs. H. Field, and while there succumbed. The remains were brought to Beamsville on Friday, and interment took place on Saturday, Nov. 19 in Mount Osborne Cemetery, the Rev. Mr. Cooper of Beamsville Presbyterian Church conducting the ceremony. The late Mr. Rodgers was one of the pioneer members of the I.O.O.F. and the L.O.L. of Beamsville, and was chief at one time of the Beamsville Fire brigade when that brigade was the pride of the county. He was also the life and soul of the baseball club, and his sport, social and business activities endeared himself to all. Mrs. Rodgers predeceased him in 1911 and the remaining relatives are his brother, James C., of St. Catharines; Mrs. H. Field of Ypsilanti, Mich.; Mrs. F.B. Brown of Detroit, Mich.; Miss Sarah Rodgers of Toronto; and Mrs. F.H. Ross of Imperial, California.