Rogan

The Life of John Travers Rogan (1888-1951)

joelowry1982 1880s, 1950s, Paternal, Rogan, Travers , , , ,

John Travers Rogan, son of James Francis Rogan and Catherine Anna Travers, was born on June 19, 1888, in New Castle, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.[i] John was the oldest of nine children, and the only boy in the group, watching over his younger sisters, Kathleen, Veronica, Anne, Frances, Mary, Elizabeth, Mercedes, and Ruth. He was named after his maternal grandfather, John Travers, who had died a little over eight months before the grandson was born.[ii]

John grew up in New Castle, in the family home at 353 West North Street, owned by his parents in the city’s 6th Ward. His father worked in the tin mill. Next door lived the family of his uncle and aunt, James and Margaret Travers Deskin; Margaret and Catherine were sisters. In 1900, 12-year-old John was in school.[iii] A decade later, although still living at home at age 22, he was working as a machinist in a local plant’s engineering works.[iv]

In June 1916, John was charged in the Lawrence County court with larceny from person, meaning he likely pick-pocketed. He was found guilty and sentenced to three months in the Allegheny County workhouse.[v]

As America entered World War I, the draft was enacted in May 1917. In early October, John was called for his physical examination by the local draft board, and on December 13, 1917, he was inducted into the National Army.[vi] At the time, he was residing at home with his parents at 703 West North Street, New Castle. He was assigned to the 308th Ammunition Train. On December 25, 1917, he was promoted to Wagoner, a role responsible for keeping wagons and draft animals in condition and ensuring supplies reached their destination. On April 17, 1918, he was transferred to the 25th Company of the 7th Training Battalion. Although World War I was raging, he never deployed overseas. Instead, he suffered an injury while in camp and was honorably discharged on June 15, 1918.[vii] The war ended on November 11, 1918.

Following his military service, John returned to civilian life. In 1920, he was enumerated in New Castle’s Sixth Ward, employed as a machinist in a bronze factory, likely the Johnston Bronze Company, where he had worked before his induction into the Army.[viii] By 1930, however, he was listed simply as a laborer, doing odd jobs. Even at age 38 he was still living at home with his parents and five of his sisters.[ix] Still, he had social connections and in the mid-1930s, was on the executive committee of the local American Legion chapter.[x]

By the time John reached his early 40s, he was suffering from several chronic maladies. In April 1932, he was noted in the New Castle News as having returned from a stay in the Philadelphia Naval Hospital.[xi] Later that year, in August, he spent a month in Bath, Steuben County, New York, where he entered the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. His admission records noted several health conditions: moderate chronic bronchitis, significant dental disease with many missing teeth, multiple scars from tuberculosis and childhood trauma, chronic back strain in the sacroiliac region, and traumatic psychoneurosis — a psychological disorder related to wartime trauma (in modern terms, post-traumatic stress disorder).

John had returned to Pennsylvania by February 2, 1934, when he requested a state military pension for his World War I service. Living at 219 North Beaver Street, New Castle, the record notes that he had no wife and no children. A pension of $10 per month for six months was granted. By 1942, during the World War II “Old Man’s” draft registration, he was living at 208 Avenue J in Weirton, Hancock County, West Virginia in the home of his sister, Mary Rogan Gallagher, along with her husband John and four children.[xii] He reported himself as unemployed at that time. What brought him from New Castle to Weirton is unclear, although a search for work is possible. His work history during the Depression indicates that he struggled to keep a job and moved at least a few times. His health issues likely didn’t make keeping a job easier.

By 1950, it was clear that John’s life was difficult. He was enumerated in the 1950 U.S. Census as being a prisoner in the Youngstown City Jail.[xiii] The criminal charge and how long he spent in jail are not known. He died less than a year later, on March 2, 1951, in Youngstown, Mahoning County, Ohio, aged sixty-two. John was buried three days later in St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Castle.[xiv]

Sources:

[i] “World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918,” digital images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 6 September 2025), John Travers Rogan, registration at Draft Board 1, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania; citing World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918, NARA microfilm publication M1509, roll 1907346, Records of the Selective Service System (Record Group 163), National Archives, Washington, D.C.

[ii] “Death of John Travers,” The Daily City News, New Castle, Pennsylvania, 4 Oct 1887, pg. 3, col. 3; digital images, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com : accessed 7 Sep 2025).

[iii] 1900 U.S. census, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, New Castle, Ward 6, ED 109, pg. 16A, household 307, family 315, household of James Rogan; digital image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 7 Sep 2025); citing NARA microfilm publication T623.

[iv] 1910 U.S. census, Lawrence County, population schedule, New Castle, ED 134, pg. 6B, household 145, family 148, household of James Rogan; digital image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 7 Sep 2025), citing NARA microfilm publication T624.

[v] “Pennsylvania, U.S., Prison, Reformatory, and Workhouse Records, 1829–1971,” database with images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 6 September 2025); citing Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Register to Include All Prisoners Tried and Sentenced to Hard Labor Books, Series 197m.16, Allegheny County Workhouse; entry for John Rogan, prisoner no. 67626; digital image 3784 of 6346.

[vi] “Examination on Tuesday,” The New Castle News, New Castle, Pennsylvania, 10 Oct 1917, pg. 16, col. 3; digital images, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com : accessed 7 Sep 2025).

[vii] “Pennsylvania, U.S., WWI Veterans Service and Compensation Files, 1917-1919, 1934-1948,” database with images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 7 September 2025), > Army > Rodgers, Earle Marshall – Rohlfs, Frederick G (367) > application of John T. Rogan, number 65948, digital image 2506 of 4160; citing Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, “World War I Veterans Service and Compensation File, 1934–1948,” record group 19, Series 19.91, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

[viii] 1920 U.S. census, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, New Castle, Ward 6, ED 103, sheet 15B, household 348, family 349, household of James F. Rogan; digital image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 7 Sep 2025), citing NARA microfilm publication T625, roll 1586.

[ix] 1930 U.S. census, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, New Castle, ED 18, sheet 7B, dwelling 161, family 161, household of James F. Rogan; digital image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 7 Sep 2025), citing NARA microfilm publication T626, FHL microfilm: 2341794.

[x] “Davis Names Committee on Hayes Banquet,” The New Castle News, New Castle, Pennsylvania, 21 Apr 1934, pg. 12, col. 7; digital image, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com : accessed 7 Sep 2025).

[xi] “Rogan Home From Vets Hospital,” The New Castle News, New Castle, Pennsylvania, 1 Apr 1932, pg. 20, col. 8; digital images, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/ : accessed 7 Sep 2025).

[xii] “U.S. World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942,” database with images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 Mar 2025), entry for John Travers Rogan, Hancock, West Virginia, serial no. 2704, order no. [blank]; citing The National Archives at St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, World War II Draft Cards (Fourth Registration) for the State of West Virginia, Records of the Selective Service, Record Group 147, Series Number M1937.

[xiii] 1950 U.S. census, Mahoning County, Ohio, population schedule, Youngstown, enumeration district (ED) 100-49, sheet 72, line 78, John T Rogan, inmate; digital image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 7 Sep 2025); citing NARA microfilm publication T628, roll 1047.

[xiv] “U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1925-1963,” database with images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 22 Mar 2025), entry for John T. Rogan, service number 1957058; citing “Applications for Headstones for U.S. Military Veterans, 1925-1941,” microfilm publication M1916, Record Group 92, (National Archives and Records Administration: Washington, D.C.).

“Rogan-Grocutt Church Wedding” – The Engagement of Noah Groucutt and Kathleen Rogan

joelowry1982 1910s, Groucutt, Paternal, Rogan, Wedding Wednesday

James and Catherine (Travers) Rogan of West North Street in New Castle announced the engagement of their daughter, Miss Kathleen Mercedes [sic] Rogan on Saturday, October 4, 1913. She was a 21-year old salesperson for the New Castle Dry Goods Company upon her engagement to the 31-year old clerk for the Standard Steel Car Company, Noah Groucutt. Noah was the son of George and Bridget (Foy) Groucutt of East Long Avenue, who lived about two miles from the Rogans. Both James Rogan and George Groucutt were tin workers, and very well may have known each other prior to their children meeting.

Noah’s position at Standard Steel Car was indeed a good one. SSC was headquartered in nearby Bulter, Pennsylvania and was a leader in railroad car manufacturing. They manufactured 29,411 railroad cars in 1907. Their New Castle subsidiary, Standard Car Truck, manufactured railroad car components such as wheels and trucks. Standard Car Truck would go on to create the Barber truck, seen on most rail cars even today, and still operates as the Wabtec Corporation.

Kathleen’s role as a salesperson for New Castle Dry Goods was also in a growing business. As the “Lawrence County Memoirs” website states, “The start-of-the-art structure had a modern sprinkler system, drinking fountains, lavish restrooms, a waterproof basement, and various other amenities.” The May 14, 1913, cover story of the New Castle News reads,

“So great was the interest of the people of the city in the new building that crowds were on hand before the opening of the doors at 10 o’clock. Attracted by the beautiful window displays many proceeded from the outside to inspect the handsome new store, which at present occupies the entire first and mezzanine floors. In less than five minutes after the store had been thrown open it was filled with admiring crowds and business was soon underway.”

Noah would eventually leave Standard Steel Car to became an accountant in the local steel mills. Kathleen would become a homemaker, bearing eight children, including my grandmother, Jean Groucutt Lowry.

Note: The article states her middle name as Mercedes, but it was Esther. She had a sister Mercedes, however.

Sources:

“Pennsylvania, U.S., Marriages, 1852-1968,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/3999914:61381?tid=113700516 : accessed 10 November 2024) Applications, v· 12 (p· 184-end), 12-15 (p·1-259) no· 10668-13200 1910-1913, Noah Groucutt to Kathleen Rogan, license dated 21 October 1913 and return citing marriage on 21 October 1913; citing Register of Wills Offices of Pennsylvania.

“Rogan-Groucutt Church Wedding,” The New Castle Herald, New Castle, Pennsylvania, 4 Oct 1913, pg 6, col 2; digital images, (https://www.newspapers.com/ : accessed 10 Nov 2024), Newspapers.com.

Who Was New Castle’s Oldest Resident in 1925?

joelowry1982 1920s, Paternal, Rogan
Just who was New Castle, Pennsylvania’s oldest resident in 1925? It was none other than my 3rd great grandmother Esther Callahan Rogan. Grandma Rogan was born in Liverpool, England on April 23, 1832 and arrived in the United States in 1851. After living in New York and briefly in Ontario, she was living in New Castle by 1870 with her husband James and children. Many of her later birthdays, including her 84th and 90th, were featured in the New Castle News. The blurb below, written as an answer to a newspaper trivia question, tells us that 93 year old Esther Rogan of 467 Blaine Street is the ‘most aged’ lady or gentleman in the city.

 
Grandma Esther died in New Castle February 19, 1927 at the age of 94.

Source:
“Are You Familiar With Your City?”, New Castle [PA] News, 11 Jun 1925, page 2, col 5; online index and digital image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com : accessed 6 Jan 2016), Newspaper Archives, 1700s-2000s.

Newspapers.Com Is Newest Tool In My Toolkit!

joelowry1982 Connor, Groucutt, Newspapers, Obituary, Paternal, Rogan
I’ve been pretty quiet on the blog lately, but that’s because my genealogy research has been moving along at full steam and I can’t find the time to write! I recently obtained a subscription to Newspapers.com and have spent countless hours searching their vast archive of newspapers. Included in that archive are over 100 years of New Castle, Pennsylvania papers and several decades of East Liverpool, Ohio papers. As my paternal family spent many years in or around those two cities, I’m finding great articles covering births, deaths, baptisms, birthday parties and weddings. The Groucutts, in particular, were a very well written about family.
For the last two years, I maintained a subscription to GenealogyBank.com. GenealogyBank is also a newspaper archive site but had very little material for the regions of the country where my ancestors lived. In fact, in going through my saved records, I can find only two GenealogyBank articles of any use. Meanwhile, I searched for the surname ‘Groucutt’ and located almost 525 records in Pennsylvania newspapers alone. Most of those are from New Castle and almost exclusively the mentions belong to my ancestors. 

Over the next few months, I’ll try and do a regular feature with some of the newspaper articles I’ve located. Some include content that would never pass muster in today’s news. Thanks to modern journalistic standards and medical privacy laws (such as HIPAA), I doubt any legitimate newspaper would publish an article detailing a nervous breakdown of someone, let alone someone who is 14 years old as Mary Groucutt was when this article was published:

Sources:
“Rogan Groucutt Wedding, October 22”, New Castle [PA] News, 13 Oct 1913, page 3; online index and digital image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com : accessed 24 Nov 2014), Newspaper Archives, 1700s-2000s.

“Ms. Annie Connor”, New Castle [PA] Weekly Herald, 1 Jun 1904, page 2; online index and digital image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com : accessed 24 Nov 2014), Newspaper Archives, 1700s-2000s.

“Social News”, New Castle [PA] News, 6 Apr 1914, page 3; online index and digital image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com : accessed 24 Nov 2014), Newspaper Archives, 1700s-2000s.

Death Certificate of James A. Rogan

joelowry1982 1930s, Death Certificate, Paternal, Rogan
My 2nd great grandfather James Rogan died on 21 April 1938 at 78 years of age. His death certificate tells a lot about both how he lived and how he died. He was born in Aurora, New York to James Rogan and Esther Callahan. He was a second generation American, as both his father and mother were born in Ireland. His primary occupation was in the steel mills, although what he actually did is not discernible.
The last months of his life were no doubt difficult both for him and his family. He suffered a serious fall on 10 January 1938, which led to a fracture of his right femur (thighbone). The femur is the largest bone in the human body, and it takes significant force to break. Breaks of the femur and the hip to which it connects can have significantly detrimental effects to the lifespan of the elderly, who suddenly lose all mobility. About 10% of people who break their hip die within the first 30 days. That number increases dramatically if there are other complications, including pneumonia, heart trouble, or another acute medical problem. In James’s case, he suffered a pulmonary embolism, no doubt brought on in part by his sudden immobility.
At the time of his death, he was being cared for at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital in Youngstown but was previously living in the home of Catherine Rogan. His final arrangements were handled by D. A. McVean in Youngstown, long considered the Lowry family funeral home. However, he was a long time resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, and that is where he is buried.

Click to enlarge.

Source:
“Ohio, Deaths, 1908-1953,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-21757-24359-29?cc=1307272 : accessed 09 Sep 2014), James Rogan, 1938; citing Youngstown, Mahoning, Ohio, reference fn 24019; FHL microfilm 2023561.

Why You Shouldn’t Trust the Ancestry.com Indexer

joelowry1982 Census Sunday, Paternal, Rogan

When the 1940 U.S. census records were released, Ancestry.com paid some folks a lot of money to transcribe and index them, which would allow average Joe’s like to me to go in and find people with a simple keyword search. I appreciate that these indexers were faced with records for millions of people to index and handwriting that could be atrocious, but these indexers sucked at their job.

I introduce for the prosecution Exhibit A: the 1940 Census of Mercedes Rogan Clark and her husband John.

In 1940, one of the questions asked by the enumerator is where the person lived in 1935. The objective of the question was to capture additional changes to information from the 1930 census. And how did the indexer transcribe the answer to that question asked of Mercedes: Pen Argyl, Molesmer, Ohio.

I’m not a geography whiz, but I know a few things. Pen Argyl is in Pennsylvania, not Ohio, and Molesmer is a fictitious place. What is clear to me is that the line reads, ‘Youngstown, Mahoning, Ohio.’

Source:
1940 U.S. Federal Census, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, Enumeration District 37-19, Sheet 16B. Clark, Charles; digital image, Ancestry.com (link), accessed 29 January 2013), citing National Archives microfilm publication Roll T627 3537.