Ina Pearl Rogers was born September 9, 1895 to Luther A. and Bertha
     (Chapman) Rogers of Salem, Illinois. She was first of three children:
     Ina, her brother Burdette who died in infancy, and May Joy Carothers.
       Ina's father was a Methodist preacher. The family moved to Wellington,
     Kansas in 1902, when Ina was seven years old. She was confirmed and 
     became a member of the United Methodist Church at the age of twelve. She
     went through school in Wellington and taught school three years. In 1918
     she attended Wesley Hospital School of Nursing and graduated as an R.N. 
     in 1921. She worked as a private duty nurse at Wesley Hospital until 1936.
       James Blain, fondly known as 'Joke' was born April 9, 1881 to James
     Wesley and Matilda (Hayden) Springer at Medicine Lodge. He attended school
     at District 34 south of town. This school was founded in 1883, but was not
     named until 1909 when the pupils voted to call it 'Sunflower.' Oftentimes
     the teachers used sunflower stalks (dried) for kindling. The boys tried to
     name it 'Lick Skillet,' as 'Joke' always wanted to lick the skillet after
     their taffy pulls, but it was decided 'Sunflower' was a more appropriate
     name for a school.
       'Joke' proved up on a claim near Liberal, Kansas around 1905 and farmed
     there until around 1914, when he returned to Medicine Lodge. He farmed part
     of the Springer homestead south of town.
       In 1930 'Joke' became ill and was taken to Wesley Hospital where, with
     three operations, his hospitalization was extended to six months. Ina was
     his private duty nurse during this time. They became very fond of each
     other and were married December 20, 1936, in Wichita, Kansas. After their
     marriage, Ina was called on to do private duty nursing locally for many
     years in the Medicine Lodge vicinity.
       Ina and 'Joke' enjoyed their participation in the Indian Pageant. Several
     times he played Coronado. He drove the Bone wagon and was in the covered
     wagon episode a number of times.
       They lived on the farm until around 1955. They bought a few acres east of
     town, moved the "Griffin" house from the adjoining farm to the  acreage and
     lived there until 'Joke's' health failed and they were forced to move to
     town in 1967. In 1969 they moved to West Fremont where Ina faithfull cared
     for 'Joke' until his death April 30, 1972, at age 91 years.
       They both were members and attended when able the United Methodist Church,
     where Ina taught a Sunday School class many years. Ina continues to live in
     their home where she enjoys her flowers, music, family and friends.
                
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas, pg. 434 
     Submitted by: Carol Cline for Ina