Will Rogers

Who was Will Rogers?

Will Rogers was a United States Representative from Oklahoma.

Born on a farm near Bessie, Oklahoma Territory, son of John and Martha Ellen Rogers, Rogers attended the public schools and Southwestern Teachers College in Weatherford, Oklahoma. He then attended Central Teachers College in Edmond, Oklahoma, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1926 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1929. He continued his education at the University of Oklahoma in Norman and received a Master of Science degree in 1930.

Rogers began his career as an educator by teaching in the public schools of Bessie, Oklahoma from 1917 to 1919. He then became the principal of the public schools in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and held that position until 1923. He was the superintendent of schools in several Oklahoma school districts from 1923 to 1932.

Rogers was elected as a Democrat to the 73rd and four succeeding Congresses. He served as chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs in the 74th through 77th Congresses. While serving as a Representative at-large, he was an unsuccessful candidate for nomination in 1941 to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Sam C. Massingale in the seventh district for the 77th Congress. He was not a candidate for renomination in 1942.