Moses Rodgers was born a slave in Missouri. Somehow he managed to acquire "an education as a mining engineer" and immigrated to California in 1849 to participate in the Gold Rush.

He settled in the Mariposa mining district at the town of Hornitos where he soon established a reputation as a superior mining engineer. Investors often consulted him before purchasing mining claims and stock. Rodgers, himself, acquired a number of mines in the Mariposa district.

In the l860s Rodgers married Sahra Quivers of Snelling. They had five daughters and moved to Stockton in 1890 to take advantage of superior schools for blacks.

In 1898, Rodgers built this elegant house in one of the best neighborhoods in Stockton.

Rodgers continued to manage his mining interests and act as a consultant. He was the first person to drill successfully for natural gas in Stockton, but he could not get investors to back his operation.

Rodgers lived in this house until his death in the early 20th century. The house remained in the Rodgers family until 1971.

Source: Adapted from the NRHP nomination submitted in 1978.