1900–1939
Mount Pleasant Cemetery
Plot U Lot 120
Edward Samuel Rogers Sr.’s pioneering innovations transformed Canadian broadcasting. Born in Toronto, Rogers began tinkering with wireless technology at just 11 years old. His curiosity led to a breakthrough that changed everyday life: the world’s first batteryless radio, allowing radios to plug directly into household outlets instead of relying on heavy, expensive batteries. This invention made radio practical and affordable for families across Canada.
To bring his technology to the masses, Rogers founded the Rogers Vacuum Tube Company and, in 1927, launched Canada’s First Rogers Batteryless radio station – CFRB. Originally created to showcase his invention, CFRB quickly became one of the country’s most influential radio stations and lives on today as Newstalk 1010. Rogers also began live newscasts from The Globe and Mail newsroom and became the first Canadian amateur operator to communicate with Scotland using a home-built set.
By his late 30s, Rogers was president of the Rogers-Majestic Corporation and one of Canada’s youngest business leaders. His entrepreneurial spirit and technical genius laid the foundation for modern broadcasting.
Tragically, Rogers died suddenly in 1939 at just 38 years old from complications of a hemorrhage. His only child, Edward S. Rogers Jr., carried forward his vision by founding Rogers Communications, one of Canada’s largest media and telecommunication conglomerates.
Sources:
• Wikipedia – “Edward S. Rogers Sr”
• The Canadian Encyclopedia – “Edward Samuel Rogers”
• Ontario Heritage Trust – “Rogers Batteryless Radio” (official plaque)
• CFRB History – The History of Canadian Broadcasting
• About Rogers (Official Company History) – “Edward S. Rogers Sr”
• Find a Grave – “Edward Samuel Rogers”
• Mount Pleasant Group – “Edward Samuel Rogers”
Photos:
• Grave - By Nick Number - Own work, CC BY 4.0
• Plaque - By Pat Farrell
• House - By Pat Farrell
