Will Rogers: Our American Legend

By Frank Keating 

Oklahoma’s own Will Rogers had a love for people and adventure. During his lifetime, he was a ranch hand, trick roper, vaudeville performer, film star, journalist, author, radio personality, aviation pioneer, and star of the Broadway stage and the big screen.

Born November 4, 1879 in Indian Territory, near present-day Oologah, Oklahoma, Rogers was the youngest of eight children born to Clement Vann Rogers and Mary America Schrimsher Rogers. Part Cherokee, Will became known as “the Cherokee Kid.”

From a young age, his folksy persona became his trademark. He was admired by the common man as much as he was by sitting presidents. This heavily-illustrated children’s book tells the story of one of Oklahoma’s favorite sons and how his wit and wisdom charted his course for a lifetime of adventure.