Rogers, Hester Ann

Rogers, Hester Ann, an eminent saint in the early annals of Methodism, was born in Macclesfield, England, in 1756. Her father, a pious man, died when she was but nine years old, and his peaceful end made an indelible impression upon her mind. She was at first greatly prejudiced against the Methodists; but her interest in them was aroused by hearing one of their preachers, and, although her mother threatened to turn her out of doors in consequence, deepened, until, on a visit of Mr. Wesley to her native place in her twentieth year, she fully joined them. Her maiden name was Roe, and in 1784 Wesley promoted her marriage with James Rogers, one of his most effective preachers, with whom she lived happily, occupied in all evangelical labors, until her death, Oct. 10, 1794, soon after the birth of her fifth child. She was a model of Christian purity and zeal, filling the office of female class leader, and often addressing public congregations with remarkable pathos and power. For twenty years she had been a witness of the experience of perfect love. Her Journal has been published, also her Life, as a part of Methodist literature. See also Stevens, Women of Methodism, p. 98 sq.; Simpson, Cyclop. of Methodism, s.v.