Rev. William Rodgers Israel, D.D.

Notes:

SAR Application for Membership of Rev. Rogers Israel, 1894 - "Rev. Rogers Israel is an M.A., Dickinson College, PA. Was minister M.E.Church until 1885. Was then ... Deacon P.E. Ch & Priest 1886. Rector Christ Ch Meadville 1885-1893. Rector St. Luke's Ch. Lancaster, PA 1893. Deputy to the General Convention P. E.Church from the Diocese of Pittsburgh, 1892." His address was Scranton, PA, and his occupation was Clergyman, Prot. Epis. Church.

1898 Protestant Episcopal Church Clerical Directory - Rogers Israel, Scranton, PA; birthplace, Baltimore, MD; became a deacon 1885.

Obituary, Baltimore American (Baltimore, MD), January 12, 1921: "Bishop of Erie Dead. Right Rev. Rogers Israel of the Episcopal Church. Erie, Pa., Jan. 11--The Right Rev. Rogers Israel, bishop of the Episcopal diocese of Erie, died today, a victim of shingles, an affection of the nerve system, which had confined him to his residence for a month. His heart became affected several days ago and all hope was abandoned. Bishop Israel was the first head of the Episcopal diocese of Erie, being installed and ordained Nov. 16, 1910, the Erie diocese being formerly a part of the Pittsburgh district."

Newspaper Article, Plain Dealer (Cleveland, OH), January 15, 1921: "Erie Bishop Is Buried. Rt. Rev. Rogers Israel Honored by World War Soldiers. (Special to the Plain Dealer). Erie, Pa., Jan. 14--Right Reverend Rogers Israel, Episcopal bishop of Erie who died early this week, was buried with military honors this afternoon after an impressive ceremony in the cathedral where his body had been lying in state. Bishop Israel, who served as a chaplain with the American expeditionary forces despite his age, he being 63 years old when he went to Europe, was the first head of the Erie post, Veterans of Foreign Wars. A company of his own and a company from the American Legion escorted the body from the church to the cemetery. Scores of bishops and other high church dignitaries attended the funeral."

Family/Spouse: Sara Francis "Sallie" Graham. Sara (daughter of Judge James Hutchinson Graham, L.L.D. and Mary A. Criswell) was born on 4 Oct 1856 in Carlisle, Cumberland Co., PA; died on 21 Apr 1916 in Canandaigua, Ontario Co., NY; was buried after 21 Apr 1916 in Erie Cemetery, Erie, Erie Co., PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]