Henry Rohkar, an active and responsible business man of Freeport, was born in Hanover, Germany, in the city of Osnabruck, on the 11th of June, 1829. His parents were Henry and Lotta (Meyers) Rohkar. Owing to sickness it was not until the age of nine years that he began attending school. He continued at school until he was fourteen years of age, when he began learning the trade of a baker, serving an apprenticeship of four years, and thoroughly acquainting himself with all the details and branches of that trade. Completing his apprenticeship he sailed for America in 1849, landed in the city of New York, and worked at the baker's business on Staten Island until 1856, when he came to Freeport. He at once opened a bakery on a small scale on Stephenson street, at which stand he has ever since remained. Not long after commencing business at that location he purchased a house and lot which he has since owned. His business building is 40x120 feet and the business room adjoining his own he leases to other parties. His place is equipped with ample oven capacity and the best improved machinery and appliances for the business, and the daily product of the establishment is about 500 loaves of bread, besides an unlimited quantity of cakes, rolls, pies, etc.

Mr. Rohkar has been married twice, his first wife being Margaret Ludwig, of Newark, N. J. She died leaving one daughter, Anna, the wife of George Holbrook, of Freeport. In 1860 he married his present wife, Caroline Grecht, of Freeport, and they have had seven children, three sons and four daughters - Henry, Georgie, Fred, Katie, Carrie, Eugene and Jennie.

Mr. Rokhar lives in one of the most comfortable houses in Freeport, which is located at No. 175 Adams street, and was erected in 1872. The grounds are ornamented with various shade trees, evergreens and flowers, in the cultivation of which he takes great interest. Mr. Rohkar, in the fullest meaning of the words, is a self-made man. When he arrived in New York he did not possess money enough to pay his board and was compelled to leave his trunk as security for a board bill. He now has seven good business houses, which yield him a handsome income in the way of rent. His residence is completely furnished with everything that goes to make a comfortable home, and his surroundings are kept up in admirable style. He is a member of Freeport Lodge, I. O. O. F., having joined that body in 1856. He is a member of the National Union and the Germania Society. In politics he espouses the cause of the Democratic party. He is looked upon as an enterprising and valuable citizen. His counsel is frequently sought by the younger generation of business men, particularly those of his own nationality. Having had a successful business career himself he is thoroughly competent to point out the road to success to others.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888) pg 594