Clement Rogers and Mary America Schrimsher: A Union of the Cherokee Elite
The story of Clement Rogers and Mary America Schrimsher is more than a personal romance; it is a reflection of the complex social stratification within the Cherokee Nation during the mid-19th century. Their marriage united two individuals from the Cherokee elite, a specific social class of mixed-blood citizens who navigated the tensions between traditional indigenous life and the pressures of Western civilization.
Establishing a Legacy in the West
After traveling to Kansas City, Clement Rogers sought to build his own estate. With a generous gift from his mother—consisting of twenty-five cows, a bull, four horses, and two enslaved people, Rabb and Houston, who had previously belonged to his father—Rogers ventured further West. He eventually settled on a tributary of the Caney River in the Cooweescoowee District. This region would later be renamed Rogers County in his honor, marking his lasting impact on the geography of the area.
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A Study in Contrasts: Clem and Mary
In 1858, Clement married Mary America Schrimsher, whom he had met while attending school in Tahlequah. While they shared several foundational similarities, their personalities and appearances were strikingly different.
Both were born in 1839 in the Cherokee Nation West after their parents migrated from Arkansas to the Indian Territory. Both were of mixed blood, yet their physical traits highlighted different ancestries. Mary possessed black hair, a broad face, and narrow cheekbones that emphasized her Cherokee heritage. In contrast, Clement appeared more European, characterized by sandy hair, blue eyes, and a bushy mustache.
Their temperaments were equally divergent. Clement was known to be taciturn and gruff, whereas Mary was described as vivacious, sweet, funny, and a talented musician and dancer. Their spiritual lives also differed; Mary was a devout Methodist, while Clement remained indifferent toward religion. Despite these contradictions, the two remained a devoted couple throughout their marriage.
The Social Divide: The Elite vs. The Conservatives
The Schrimsher and Rogers families belonged to the "Cherokee elite." This group was characterized by several distinct traits: they were English-speaking, relatively affluent, and owned large farms or plantations. They adopted "civilized" practices, such as educating their children in missionary or white schools. Because of their status and outlook, many in this group were not strongly opposed to moving west under pressure from the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., forming the core of the Treaty Party.
This stood in stark contrast to the "Conservatives," who comprised the majority of the Cherokee people. These individuals were typically full-bloods who did not speak English, did not own slaves, and practiced subsistence farming. They clung to traditional ways of living and were adamantly opposed to abandoning their southeastern homelands. This group aligned with Principal Chief John Ross and his National party, which held control of the tribal government prior to the forced removal across the Mississippi River.
Family and Descendants
Mary joined Clement on his ranch after leaving her home in old Fort Gibson. Their family grew to include eight children, beginning with the birth of their first daughter, Elizabeth, in 1861. Among their children was the future legendary humorist Will Rogers.
| Name | Birth/Death Years |
|---|---|
| Elizabeth Rogers | 1861 - 1862 |
| Sally Clementine Rogers | 1863 - 1943 |
| Robert Rogers | 1867 - 1881 |
| Maude Ethel Rogers | 1869 - 1925 |
| May Rogers | 1873 - 1909 |
| Zoe Rogers | Not specified |
| Homer Rogers | Not specified |
| Will Rogers | 1879 - 1935 |
Key Facts
- Marriage Date: Clement Rogers and Mary America Schrimsher married in 1858.
- Geography: Clement established a ranch in the Cooweescoowee District, later renamed Rogers County.
- Social Class: Both belonged to the "Cherokee elite," English-speaking mixed-blood slave owners.
- Political Alignment: The elite group formed the nucleus of the Treaty Party, while the traditionalists followed Chief John Ross.
- Family: The couple had eight children, including the famous Will Rogers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the "Cherokee elite"?
The Cherokee elite were mixed-blood, English-speaking citizens who were relatively affluent, owned plantations or large farms, and often sent their children to missionary or white schools.
What was the Treaty Party?
The Treaty Party was a group primarily composed of the Cherokee elite who were not adamantly opposed to moving west when pressured by the U.S. government.
How did the "Conservatives" differ from the "Elite"?
The Conservatives were mostly full-blood Cherokees who spoke no English, did not own slaves, practiced subsistence farming, and strongly opposed leaving their southeastern homelands.
Where did Clement Rogers establish his ranch?
He established his ranch on a tributary of the Caney River in the Cooweescoowee District, which was later renamed Rogers County in his honor.
What were the personality differences between Clem and Mary?
Clement was taciturn, gruff, and indifferent to religion, while Mary was vivacious, sweet, a talented musician and dancer, and a devout Methodist.