Stevens Rogers (1789-1868)

He was born at Waterford, Connecticut. He was associated with his cousin and brother-in-law, Captain Moses Rogers, in the management and construction of sailing boats and steamships. In 1818, he rigged up and installed the steam engine on the S.S. Savannah. He was the second-in-command of the Savannah under Moses for her historic journey and it was Stevens who kept the logbook of her voyage. In 1819, the Savannah became the first ocean-crossing steamship, reaching Liverpool from New York in 29-days. From there they continued their journey to Copenhagen, Stockholm and St. Petersburg, where she, "was visited and admired by kings, nobles, and the people". Following this historic journey, Captain Stevens Rogers commanded many other vessels and continued to trade on Long Island Sound. In 1850, he was appointed Inspector at the New London Custom House and later for several years, he was the City Collector of taxes. He lived at 294 Main Street in New London with his wife and two children.