The Nelson Rogers House

The Nelson Rogers House. . , Constructed in 1856, also referred to as the Tennent-Baker House, this one-and-one-half story home is constructed of hand-hewn local timbers. Nelson Rogers, the builder and first owner was Troy's first postmaster and blacksmith. The floor joists are cottonwood mortise and tenon joints into the sills. The oak floor boards are five to seven and one-half inches wide and one inch thick. The floor joists are cottonwood. The oak laths were hand split. Some of the windows contain the original glass panes and the front door holds ruby stained glass panes. This house is an example of early frontier construction based on the New England saltbox design., In December 1859 Abraham Lincoln visited Troy during his only trip to Kansas Territory. He spoke one half block west of this location. At that time the home was occupied by Sidney Tennent and his wife Chloe. He and Mr. Lincoln shared a mutual acquaintance. John Calhoun, surveyor-general for Kansas Territory. Mr. Calhoun died mysteriously six weeks prior to Lincoln's visit. Local lore states Abe Lincoln visited Sidney Tennent at this site. Years later I.D. Parker quoted his Aunt Chloe's memory of Lincoln's visit to her home in 1859.