People of Detroit:
Robert Rogers
Note: There are conflicting accounts of Robert Rogers's birth year and birth place (and other data). Which, if any, account is true, I don't know. Decide for yourself.
Robert Rogers was born in 1727 in Dunbarton, New Hampshire (or in 1731 at Methuen, Massachusetts). His father was James Rogers, an early settler of Dunbarton from Ireland. He was married to Elizabeth Browne in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
In 1755, Rogers was commissioned to form and train a group of rangers. The group consisted of 35 volunteers, 15 Royal Americans (a New England military group), and 6 men selected by Rogers. The group became known as "Rogers' Rangers", and Rogers became known as the "New England Ranger".
Rogers' Rangers were cunning and successful. They celebrated many victories and experienced few casualties. The success gained Rogers' a promotion to major.
In 1760, General Jeffrey Amherst, ordered Rogers to take Fort Ponchartrain. He did so on November 29, 1760. On December 23, 1760, Rogers left Detroit for Fort Pitt where he joined General Grant's seige against the Cherokees.
Some time between 1760 and 1763, Rogers went to London where he published his journals. He didn't stay long. On July 29, 1763, he brought supplies to Fort Ponchartrain to help in their battle against Pontiac. On January 10, 1766, Rogers was made commandant of Michilimackinac (he assumed command that August).
While at Michilimackinac, Rogers was involved in several questionable incidents. He was arrested, brought to trial in Montreal, and acquitted of the charge of treason. Colonel Hopkins (?) had accused Rogers of planning to plunder the fort and desert to the French. After his arrest, Rogers' wife divorced him.
In 1775, Rogers wrote a letter to General George Washington offering his service to the revolutionaries. Many felt he was a British spy, and is offer was never accepted.
In 1775 or 1776, Rogers became lieutenant-colonel in the Queen's Rangers. His troop was captured at Mamoranec, Long Island Sound, but Rogers escaped. In 1778, Rogers was banished from New Hampshire colony. He returned to London, where he died in 1800.