Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County,
Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of
prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with
portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States,
and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890;
page 731-732; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Henry D. Rohrer. Perhaps nowhere in the county are
stronger evidences of good taste to be seen than on the fine farm of
the gentleman above named. The dwelling is a roomy structure,
presenting an appearance of home cheer and unpretentious prosperity,
and is shaded with fine forest trees which also line the drive leading
to the highway. The various out-buildings are conveniently
arranged, and adequate for their respective purposes, while fields and
garden are neatly kept and thoroughly cultivated.
The immediate progenitors of our subject were Henry and Mary
(Doner) Rohrer, natives of Lancaster County, Pa. After their
marriage they made there home in their native county until the spring
of 1847, when they came West. After spending a few months at
Quincy, Ill., they came to this county and located on section 14,
Canton Township. There they spent the remained of their days,
respected by their acquaintances and beloved by their friends.
They were the parents of three sons and vie daughters, who lived to
years of maturity, and had buried two children in childhood.
Three sons and three daughters now survive.
The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, was born in the
Keystone State, near Lancaster City, August 25, 1846, and was but
thirteen months old when brought to this county by his parents.
He was reared to farm pursuits on the land he now owns, and from the
cultivation of which he derives a good revenue. He pursued the
usual course of study in the common schools, and being possessed of
natural intelligence and a desire to be well informed, has kept himself
posted regarding the events that are transpiring in the world. He
now owns the homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, together with
another tract of fifty-three acres in the same township, which corners
on the homestead.
After having lived a bachelor until his thirty-third year, Mr.
Rohrer assumed the duties of a married man, having won for his
companion Mrs. Nina Schleich, nee Broherd. That lady was born in
Farmington Township, and was the daughter of early settlers of the
county. Her father, Daniel Broherd, died near Farmington, and her
mother, Elizabeth (Kent) Broherd, survives. Mr. and Mrs. Broherd
were natives of Ohio. The daughter Nine was first married to
Victor Shleich, by whom she had one son, Elmer E., who died in the fall
of 1888 when fifteen years old. The marriage of Mrs. Shleich to
our subject was solemnized near Farmington, November 7, 1878. It
was blessed by the birth of two children, named respectively:
Charlie G. and Mary I. The loving wife and mother was removed
from her family by death, January 9, 1887, in Florida, whither she had
gone in the hope of benefiting her health. She was an active
member in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and one of those
noble-hearted women whose loss is felt throughout an entire community.
Not only has Mr. Rohrer pursued his chosen calling with energy,
and brought to bear upon it a high degree of intelligence, but he has
manifested an almost equal amount of zeal for the public welfare.
He may be counted upon to bear a part in every worthy enterprise which
is promulgated in the neighborhood, being particularly interested in
the advancement of the cause of education. This is recognized by
his fellow-citizens, who have bestowed upon him the office of School
Director, in which he is at present serving. He believes that the
principles laid down in the Republican platform are best adapted to the
needs of the nation, and he therefore votes a straight Republican
ticket.
