Cari Taplin is related to Roy Rogers. Or at least the stories her grandparents told her as a child said so. As a result, she has been working on finding her true heritage since the year 2000. She is a native of Wood County, Ohio but migrated to Wyoming, and finally Colorado, where she is a past President of the Boulder Genealogical Society, the Webmaster for the Colorado Council for Genealogical Societies, and has been a speaker to local and state societies for nine years. She has had articles published in the Boulder Genealogical Society Quarterly, Digital Genealogist and the National Genealogical Society Magazine. When she’s not working on her genealogy, she is a wife and mother of two/too cute kids.
Genealogy Pants
Who wears the PANTS in your family?
Cari,
I just read your article in NGS Quarterly about Roy Rogers. I have such a similar story! My husband did not know his father growing up-divorce and adoption by stepfather- however as soon as we met his real father, Carl Sly, in 1980 we were told that we were related to Roy Rogers. I was not interested in genealogy then and so did not question him about the specifics of that claim. When I became interested, about 10 years ago I looked and looked for any connection. Just like you, none to be found! Carl was descended from a James C. Sly who was born in New York state and was relatively famous himself, having a park named after him in California. He was a member of the Mormon Batallion and early explorer of the gold fields, hence the park. He was, I believe, descended from Edward Bumpas/Bonpasse who was on the 1st boat AFTER the Mayflower so an interesting line, but no Roy Rogers! Such a shame. Carl’s mother’s name was Penney so we also heard that J.C, Penney was a relative. No truth there either that I have found. Carl died 15 years ago and we don’t have much contact with his family so I have not shared my discoveries with them yet. There are amazing stories that I have discovered that I would love to share, but hate to burst their bubble. Maybe since they knew Carl better they already knew that he was just telling tall tales to amuse the new relations.
I’d love to share Sly stories with you.