William Penn Adair Rogers, better known to posterity as Will, was born on this day, the 4th of November, 1879 at the Dog Iron Ranch in what was called Indian Territory near Oologah, Oklahoma. His father was a rancher and a Cherokee judge, interestingly also a Confederate veteran.
After completing the 10th grade, Will dropped out of school, working for a couple of years at the ranch. Then he and a friend sought their fortune in Argentina. It didn’t work. He returned home. Then another attempt at international adventure in South Africa. Then he joined Texas Jack’s Wild West Circus as a trick roper. With a couple more false starts he launched as an entertainer.
His would be a wildly successful career. His gentle aw shucks style bound up together with an astute read on the human heart won the English speaking world. Even eighty-two years after his death he is still recalled fondly.
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