Why Is William Penn Adair Rogers An American Folk Hero?

“William Penn Adair Rogers did nothing a man is normally famous for, he wasn’t soldier, statesman, or a industrialist, a scientist, athlete, or even a famous bandit. He invented nothing, founded no city, and explored no new lands. So, why is he an American folk hero? Maybe the answer is plain and simple, as plain and simple the man he was” (Story). While Will Rogers was the youngest of eight children, he was born in 1879 in Oologah, Oklahoma (Keating 2). However, Oklahoma wasn’t a state yet, so it was still Indian territory. Tragically Will’s mom died in 1890 of typhoid fever when Will was only ten. She was only fifty years old when she died (Sterling 13). Both of his parents had Cherokee roots. He also had lots of other ancestry roots. Will was proud of his Indian roots in a time men would rather shoot a Indian
Although Will hated school, he applied himself in history and reading. He met his future wife, Betty Blake, at the Oologah railroad station. Betty, who was from Silver Springs, temporarily worked at the station (Will). Will loved twirling his rope. His roping skills led him into stage performing. He messed up on one of his acts and he said a joke, which carved him a new career in comedy. His jokes veered him into writing newspaper columns. Will Rogers was one of the greatest folk heroes. He was a cowboy, a comedian, and a writer. From a early age Willie Rogers aspired to be a cowboy. As a member of the Paint Clan, his mom and dad both had Cherokee roots (Keating 3). Dan Walker was the best cowboy on his dad’s ranch. While Willie watched Walker rope and brand calfs, Willie could smell putrid burning cow hair. One day Willie asked Dan Walker to show him some tricks with a lariat. Dan showed him the right way to hold a rope, and the right way to twirl one (Schott 11). Practicing