1765 - 1830 (64 years)
Generation: 1
1. | Abraham Alexander Rohrer was born on 9 Jul 1765 in Lebanon, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA (son of John Jacob Rorer and Anna Barbara Weidman); died on 20 Jun 1830 in Pullens, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; was buried on 25 Aug 1830 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Other Events and Attributes:
- Residence: 1820, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
- Residence: 1830, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
Notes:
Abram (Abraham) Alexander Rohrer, Sr., son of John Rohrer and Anna Barbara Weidman, and grandson of Jacques or Johannes Rohrer and Barbara Kuntz, was probably born in Lancaster County, PA (now Lebanon, PA). He was born on July 9, 1765 and died in Pittsylvania County, VA on June 20, 1830. He was married to Nancy Cook, daughter of the land developer, Harmon Cook on August 11, 1789 shortly after arriving in Pittsylvania County, VA. Nancy was born on January 20, 1770 and died April 28, 1861. Together they had ten or eleven children.This family dropped the H from their Rohrer name and all their descendants used the name RORER. Two of their children, John and George, moved to Caldwell County, Kentucky and apparently raised families there. Another son, David Rorer, became an attorney and ended up as a prominent judge in Burlington, Iowa, where he was apparently active in politics and helped Iowa to become a state. Most of the rest of their children remained in Pittsylvania County, where they raised their families and some of their offspring continue to live.
The following deed conveys 489 acres of land from Harmon Cook to Abraham Rohrar in 1796. From the Pittsylvania Court House in Chatham, VA in Volume 10 page 451.
This Indenture made the -- day of -- in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and ninety six Between Harmon Cooke of Pittsylvania County and State of Virginia of the one part Abraham Rohrer of the said County and State of the other part Witnesseth that the said Harmon Cooke for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred pounds to him in hand paid by the said Abraham Rohrer, the receipt whereof the said Harmon Cooke doth hereby acknowledge, he the said Harmon Cooke hath granted,bargained, sold, aliened and confirmed and by these presents doth grant, bargain, sell, alien, and confirm unto the said Abraham Rohrar his heirs and assigns forever all that piece, parcel or tract of land situate lying and being in the County of Pittsylvania on the East side of the Pigg River, and bounded as follows VIZ Beginning at John Smith's corner Beech at said river, thence his lines South thirty three degrees East fifty eight poles to a Pine, South forty seven degrees East sixty nine poles to a red Oak, thence North seventy one degrees East twenty nine poles crossing a branch to pointers, thence New lines South forty eight degrees East one hundred and ninety four poles to a PINE North seventy five degrees East sixty four poles to pointers South sixty one degrees East thirty six poles to a Black Oak by Linch Burg great road, thence new dividing lines South eighty six degrees East forty two poles to a post Oak thence South thirty one degrees East fifty eight poles crossing a branch to a post Oak, South twenty eight degrees West sixty four poles to a white Oak, thence South seventy eight degrees West forty poles to a red Oak by Pigg River great road South seventy five degrees West thirty poles to pointers in the old line, thence the same South twenty nine degrees West one hundred and fifty poles to Watson's corner White Oak, thence his line North forty two degrees West two hundred and fifty eight poles crossing a branch to a White Oak by the Great road South Eighty Seven degrees West twenty poles to a black Oak ---------------then 2 lines are blank---------, thence new dividing lines North thirty degrees West one hundred and twenty six poles crossing a branch to a black Oak ten degrees East one hundred and forty three poles crossing a branch to a pine North fifty one degrees West eighty poles to a Spanish Oak on Pigg River, thence down the river as it meanders to the beginning containing four hundred and eighty nine acres, be the same more or less, and also the said Abraham Rohrar obliges himself by these presents never to sell or trade away the above land to any person or persons whatsoever during the natural life of the said harmon Cooke, and at the death of the said harmon Cooke the said land and premises becmes the said Abraham Rohrar's his heirs and assigns forever/ and also all Trees, Woods, Commons, Profits -- Advantages, Hired alame? & etc, Ways, waters and Appurtenances whatsoever to the said land above mentioned belonging or in anywise appertaining And also the reversion and reversions, remainders, Renband Services of the said land and premises and of every part thereof, And all the Estate, right, title Interest, claim and demand whatsoever of him the said Harmon Cooke of, in and to to the said Land and Premises and every part thereof supposing the said Abraham Rohrar or his Heirs never sells or treads the above Land and Premises during the natural life of the said harmon Cooke To Have and to hold the said land and all and singular the premises above mentioned and every part and parcel thereof with the appertunances thereof unto the said Abraham Rohrar and his heirs to the only proper use and behoof of the said Abraham Rohrar and his Heirs (during natural life of the said Harmon Cooke, then after the death of the said Harmon Cooke) the said Abraham Rohrar his heirs and assigns for ever And the said Harmon Cooke for himself and his heirs the said land and premises and every part thereof against him and his heirs and against all and every other person or persons whatsoever to the said Abraham Rohrar his heirs and assigns, shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents In Witness whereof the said Harmon Cooke and Mary his wife hath hereunto set their Hands and Seals the day and year first written above.
Harmon Cooke SS
Appended to this deed is a note that says that this deed was delivered to William C Rorer 6 March 1856. This was apparently William Cook Rorer, Abraham Rohrer's son.
One obvious advantage this family had, due to the marriage to Nancy who was the daughter of a land developer, was that they were able to afford a better education for at least some of their children. This probably explains how David was able to read the law and become an attorney. Public schools were not available in the area at this time.
Abram Rorer and his wife had issue four sons, Rudolph, Charles, David and Abram, Jr. David studied law and removed to Iowa, where he became a distinguished jurist. Abram, Jr. married Mary Wright and settled near his father in the northwestern part of the county. In his will proven September 17, 1855, he named son Ferdinand Rorer and daughters Angeline James, Elvira Harvey, Aquella Ann Lipscomb and Malitta Miller Abram, Sr. was a partner and the overseer of much of the Harmon Cook properties.
Another interesting fact about Abram, Sr. was that he was guardian for the children of a friend, Conrad Grein or Crain, who accompanied him from Pennsylvania to Virginia. Some of their descendants still live in Pittsylvania County, VA.
from the Harmon Cook (Abram Rorer) bible
1804 July Abram Rorer had a mare stole, a gray.
THE HISTORY of PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY VIRGINIA
CHAPTER XVI 1800-1860 TOWN OF COMPETITION--WAR OF 1812--PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT
In the early years of the county, all elections were held at the courthouse. But as the number of inhabitants increased, for the convenience of the people, other points were named as polling places. In 1823 the General Assembly enacted that a separate election be held at Danville for that part of the county between the North Carolina line and Dan River, "that used to be held at the court house." And in 1829 three other points were named in the county in the following act: "When an election is held in Pittsylvania County, at the same time a separate poll shall be opened at the residence of Abram Rorer, in the northwest part of the county; at the store of Wier and Smith at Mount Airy in the northeast, and the home of Benjamin Walker in the southwest parts of the county."
Abraham married Nancy Elizabeth Cook on 11 Aug 1789 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Nancy (daughter of Harmon Cook I and Mary Ann Agness Turk {Cook}) was born on 19 Jan 1770 in , Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 28 Apr 1861 in Pullens, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; was buried in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Children:
- John Graves Rorer was born on 13 Apr 1790 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 7 Oct 1837 in , Caldwell, Kentucky, USA.
- George "Charles" Rohrer was born on 24 Dec 1791 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 29 Sep 1847 in Fredonia, Caldwell, Kentucky, USA.
- Abram Rorer, Jr. was born on 8 Jun 1794 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 17 Aug 1855 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA.
- Elizabeth Rorer was born on 8 Oct 1797; and died.
- Rudolph Rohrer was born on 8 Oct 1797 in , , Virginia, USA; died in 1883.
- Henry Rorer was born on 1 Apr 1800 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 7 Apr 1817 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA.
- Catherine Jane Rorer was born on 13 Oct 1802 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 31 Oct 1864 in , , Virginia, USA .
- David Rorer was born on 12 May 1806 in Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 7 Jul 1884 in Burlington, Des Moines, Iowa, USA; was buried in Burlington, Des Moines, Iowa, USA.
- William Cook Rorer was born on 21 Oct 1807; died on 4 Nov 1812.
- Charles Rorer was born in 1808 in Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; and died.
- Samuel Rorer was born on 27 May 1810 in , , Virginia, USA; died on 6 Jul 1880 in Madisonville, Hopkins, Kentucky, USA; was buried in Madisonville, Hopkins, Kentucky, USA.
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Generation: 2
2. | John Jacob Rorer was born on 1 Jan 1737 in , Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA (son of Johannes Michael Rohrer and Elisabeth Hester Snavely Miley); died on 13 Oct 1805 in Pullens, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; was buried in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Other Events and Attributes:
- Name: Jacques Rorer
- Residence: 6 Oct 1760, , Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
John married Anna Barbara Weidman in 1757 in Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Anna (daughter of Abraham Weidman and Barbara Snavely) was born in Mar 1736 in Cocalico, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 26 Sep 1806 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; was buried in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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3. | Anna Barbara Weidman was born in Mar 1736 in Cocalico, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA (daughter of Abraham Weidman and Barbara Snavely); died on 26 Sep 1806 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; was buried in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Other Events and Attributes:
- Residence: 6 Oct 1760, , Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
Children:
- Polly Rohrer was born in 1758 in , Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; died in 1805 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA.
- John Rohrer Jr. was born on 1 Oct 1760 in Lebanon, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 19 Sep 1835 in Middletown, Bucks, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Anna Marie Rohrer was born on 1 Jan 1764 in , Washington, Maryland, USA; died on 1 Oct 1846 in , , Ohio, USA.
- 1. Abraham Alexander Rohrer was born on 9 Jul 1765 in Lebanon, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 20 Jun 1830 in Pullens, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; was buried on 25 Aug 1830 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA.
- David Alexander Rorer, Sr was born on 7 Jul 1766 in St Reformed Ch, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA; died in 1820 in Brights, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; was buried in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA.
- Anna Barbara Rohrer was born on 17 Feb 1772 in , Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 26 Feb 1773 in Lebanon, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Jacob Rohrer was born on 22 Jan 1776 in , Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Heinrich Rohrer was born on 19 Jul 1779 in Lebanon, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Generation: 3
4. | Johannes Michael Rohrer was born on 1 Nov 1701 in Sainte Marie aux Mains, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France (son of Hans Michael Rohrer and Katherina Schwagler); died on 28 Nov 1771 in Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Other Events and Attributes:
- Probate: 17 Jun 1772, Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
Notes:
Lancaster Co Court House Orphan's Court 1772 pg 221 card CCVII
Immigrated from Alsace France to Big Spring Cumberland Co PA 18 Sep 1732 card CCXXV
Jacob Rohrer and Mary his wife of Lampeter Twnshp, Lancaster Co PA; Christian Rohrer of same; Martin Rohrer of Frederick Co MD; Jacob Houser of Lampter and Anna his wife; Francis Smith of same and Elizabeth his wife; John Bachman of Connestoga Twp Lancaster Co PA and Mary his wife: Peter Miller of Martick Twn Lancaster Co PA.. The said Jacob, Christian and Martin Rohrere, and Anna the wife of Jacob Houser, Elizabeth the wife of Francis Smith and Mary the wife of John Backman being six of the children of John Rohrer late of Lampeter deceased and Peter Miller being the husband of a minor daughter Susanna of the deceased.
Whereas: John Rohrer, deceased, possessed of the following land in Lampeter Twp - beginning at a black oak a corner of land formerly of John Rudolph Bundley, thence Northwest by the London Co land 160 perches to a White Oak, thence west by south by land formerly of William Hughes 318 perches to a black Oak, thens southeast 160 perches by land of Martin Millen to a white oak and thence east by north by land late of Isaac LeFevre 318 perches to the beginning - containing 300 acres - and leaving issue to wit: John Rohrer, Jacob Rohrer, Christian Rohrer, Martin Rohrer, Anna wife of Jacob Houser, Elizabeth wife of Francis Smith, Mary wife of John Bachman and Susannah the wife of Peter mMiller; and by his will gave Jacob Rohrer 140 acres; Jacob, Christian and John mills on 15 acres of land; and John Rohrer his son 145 acres. Will dated 1 Dec 1768.
Probate Records Will Book, John Rohrer C-1-246 written 1 Dec 1768 probated 7 Dec 1771 Lancaster Co PA
Bibliography: St Marie-aMines, Haut-Rhin, France: At the time this family lived in the area, the city was named Markirch, Elsass, Germany. It is now named St Marie-aux-; Mines, Haut-Rhin, France.
1) John Rohrer of Lancaster co PA by Albert Lawrence Rohrer 1856
2) Compiled Genealogy: Biographical History of Lancaster Co PA by Alex Harris, Lancaster 1872 pg 501 Rohrer, 1939 LofC CS71 .R74 1941
3) ?
4) Printed Genealogy The Saga of a People
5) ?
6) Probate Records
Johanne Rohrer by Lister O Weiss CS71.R74 1939 Suppl A Story of Two Johns compiled by Donald L. Spidell
I. Migrations of John Rohrer: the numbers refer to the Bibliography above
1) Johannes Michael Rohrer was born 1 Nov 1701 in Markirch, Elsass, Germany, which is now Ste. Marie-aux-Mines, Haut-Rhin, France. His parents were Hans Michael and Katherina (Schwager-in) Rohrer. It was customary in that area and at that time to give children middle names, and many germanic families had patron saints, after which they named their children. Two sons of Hans Michale were named Hans Jakob and Hans Michael. Hans is Swiss for John, so these two were probably named with their family was still in switzerland. The next two sons were given the name of Johannes, which is German for John. I found from my research that the middle name of Johannes, born 13 May 1696, was Jacob, so I feel it is safe to assume that the middle name of the second Johannes, born 1 Nov 1701, was Michael. Actually we now have five Johns, but I am going to focus on the two named Johannes.
2) The family of Hans Michael Rohrer, Sr was forced to move from Markirch to escape relitious persecution about the year 1711. Johannes Jacob was captured by the French. He somehow excaped from prison, and if he followed the usual route of the Palatine emmigrants, he escaped into Southern Germany. In Southern Germany, with the aid of German Protestants in a sor of underground railroad, most Palatines made their way North down the Rhine River. At the mouth of the Rhine River was Holland and the dutch followers of Menno Simmons, the Mennonites. The Mennonites helped the Palatinates to emmigrat to the American Colonies, usually via London. Actually the ship owners usually sol the emmigrants to England for their passage fees. Most of the Palatines were then put in one of two concetration camps: there was one outside of London, and when that got too full, one was set up in Ireland. There is still a colony of germanic people in Ireland to this day. From theconcetration camps, the English would ship people to oany one of a number of it's colonies throughout the world. Family tradition states that Johannes Jacob studied veterinary surgery in London, and then migrated to the colonies and settled in Lancaster County PA. Another story states that he was sold into bond slavery, he ran off and then married the daughter of a rich land owner, Maria Souder. A family Bible states that John Jacob married Maria Souder in Mannheim in 1732 which is the same year that he arrived in Lancaster PA with his bride and her father.
4) Johannes Michael Rohrer went with his family and they settled in Strasburg. About the year 1725, religious persecution again forced the family of Hans Michael Sr to flee its home. As they left Strassburg, Johnnes Michael was seperated from his family and was captured by the French. He later escaped or was forced to emmigrate. At this time he was about 24 years old.
3) he probably followed the route of the Palatine Migration, and he was most likely the Johanne Roer who landed at Philadelphia in the ship "The Mortonhouse" on 24 Aug 1728. He most likely worked for four years on an English plantation near Philadelphia to pay off his passage fee. About the year 1732, Johannes Michael went to Lancaster co PA and found his brother Johannes Jacob Rohrer. Johannes Michael married Elizabeth Snavely about 1735 and settled near his brother in Lampeter Twp.
5) He bought a farm on the Conestoga Creek 8 Oct 1763.
6) & 7) On the conestoga Creek farm, John Micael raised his family and died in the year 1772. In his will he left his land to the sons who had settled in PA with provisions that his wife be well taken care of until her death or remarriage. His other children apparently had already received their inheritances and moved away from the family homestead.
Johannes married Elisabeth Hester Snavely Miley in 1735. Elisabeth was born on 1 Jan 1710 in Hamm, Altenkirchen, Rhineland-Pfalz, Germany; died on 1 Jan 1787 in Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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5. | Elisabeth Hester Snavely Miley was born on 1 Jan 1710 in Hamm, Altenkirchen, Rhineland-Pfalz, Germany; died on 1 Jan 1787 in Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Children:
- Jacob Rohrer was born on 26 Jun 1734 in , Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 19 Apr 1803 in Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.
- 2. John Jacob Rorer was born on 1 Jan 1737 in , Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 13 Oct 1805 in Pullens, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; was buried in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA.
- Anna Maria Rohrer was born on 2 Feb 1738 in Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 13 Aug 1812 in , Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Christian Rohrer was born on 23 Oct 1741 in Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 13 Jan 1801 in Hagerstown, Washington, Maryland, USA.
- Isaac Snavely Rohrer, Sr was born on 1 Jan 1743 in East Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 29 Sep 1804 in Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Magdalena Rohrer was born on 1 Jan 1745 in Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 1 Jan 1803 in , Washington, Maryland, USA.
- George (Snavely) Rohrer was born on 1 Jan 1746 in , Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 24 Sep 1803 in , Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Johann Wilhelm Rohrer was born on 29 Oct 1746; died on 1 Dec 1768.
- Christian Royer was born on 4 May 1749 in Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 30 Jun 1814 in Waynesboro, Franklin, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Abraham Rohrer was born on 1 Jan 1751 in Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 10 Oct 1805 in East Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Henry Rohrer was born on 1 Jan 1751 in Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 13 Jan 1801 in Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Christian Rohrer was born on 31 May 1752 in Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 31 Aug 1838 in Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.
- David Rohrer was born on 1 Mar 1757 in East Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 9 Nov 1830 in West Hempfield, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Johannes John Rohrer was born on 1 Jan 1767 in Middletown, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 10 Oct 1805 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA.
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6. | Abraham Weidman was born in 1710 in Luffingen, Zurich, Switzerland; died on 16 Jun 1778 in , Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA. Other Events and Attributes:
- Arrival: 1735, , , Pennsylvania, USA
- Residence: 1761, Lebanon, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA
Abraham married Barbara Snavely in 1732 in Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Barbara was born about 1705; died in 1739. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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7. | Barbara Snavely was born about 1705; died in 1739. Children:
- Jacob Weidman was born in 1734.
- 3. Anna Barbara Weidman was born in Mar 1736 in Cocalico, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 26 Sep 1806 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; was buried in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA.
- Elizabeth Weidman was born in 1738 in Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Maria Magdalena Weidman was born in 1740 in Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; died in 1814.
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Generation: 4
8. | Hans Michael Rohrer was born in 1663 in Sainte Marie aux Mains, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France (son of Heinrich Rohrer and Catherina Spitzin); died on 6 Jun 1740 in Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Notes:
The family of Hans Michael Rohrer originated from the Rhein valley in Switzerland. Hans Michael Rohrer was married and his children were born in Markirch, Elsass, Germany, which is now called Ste. Marie-aux-Mines, Haut-Rhin, France.
Johannes Rohrer, his last born son, was born in Markirch 1 Nov 1701. It was customary in that area and at that time to give children the names of saints, thus every male child would be named after the patron saint of the family. Sometimes every girl child will also be found with the same common first name, but not so often as the boys. Then every child would have a distinct middle name by which he would be known. Thus it was common for a German family to have all of its sons named some form of John with all but one of them having middle names. Some family traditions say that this way when the devil came for a child, he would become confused as to which John was which. Two sons of Hans Michael were named Hans Jakob and Hans Michael. The next two sons were given the name of Johannes Jakob and Johannes. Actually we now have five Johns, but I am going to focus on the two named, Johannes.
2. Flight From Markirch
The family of Hans Michael Rohrer Sr was forced about the year 1711 to move from Markirch to escape religious persecution. Johannes Jacob, the third son was captured by the French while he was trying to save some of the family possessions. He somehow escaped from prison and followed the usual route of the Palatine Emigrants. He escaped into Southern Germany. His final destination was Holland and the Dutch followers of Menno Simmons, the Mennonites. The Mennonites helped the Palatinates to emigrate to the American Colonies, usually via London. Actually the ship owners usually sold the emigrants to England for their passage fees. Most of the Palatines were then put in one of two refugee camps: there was one outside of London, and when that one got too full, one was set up in Ireland. There is still a colony of Germanic people in Ireland to this day. From the refugee/concentration camps, the English would ship people to any one of a number of its colonies throughout the world. Family tradition states that Johannes Jacob studied veterinary surgery in London, and then migrated to the colonies and settled in Lancaster County, Pa. Another story states that he was sold into bond slavery, he ran off and then he married the daughter of a rich land owner, Maria Souder. Actually a family Bible states that John Jacob married Maria Souder in Mannheim in 1732 which is the same year that he arrived in Lancaster, Pa. with his bride and her father. Mannheim was a Protestant and French Huguenot refuge in Germany. We can assume in this case that the bride's father paid for their passage.
Flight From Strasburg
In the meantime, Johannes Rohrer, the fourth son, went with his family as they escaped the French and they settled in Strasburg. About the year 1725, religious persecution forced the family of Hans Michael Sr to once again flee its home. As they left Strassburg Johannes was attempting to save some of the family possessions from their home, when he was separated from his family. He was captured by the French, and he was the second son that the family lost in this manner. He later escaped or was forced to emigrate. At this time he was about 24 years old. He too probably followed the route of the Palatine Migration, and he was most likely the Johanne Roer who landed at Philadelphia in the ship "The Mortonhouse" on 24 August 1728. It is speculated that he worked for four years on an English plantation near Philadelphia to pay off his passage fee. The next heard of him was in the year 1732 when Johannes went to Lancaster Co Pa and found his brother Johannes Jacob Rohrer. Johannes married Elizabeth Snavely about 1735 and settled near his brother in Lampeter twp. He bought a farm on the Conestoga Creek 8 Oct 1763.
Lancaster Co Court House Orphan's Court 1772 pg 221 card CCVIIImmigrated from Alsace France to Big Spring Cumberland Co PA 18 Sep 1732 card CCXXV
Jacob Rohrer and Mary his wife of Lampeter Twnshp, Lancaster Co PA; Christian Rohrer of same; Martin Rohrer of Frederick Co MD; Jacob Houser of Lampter and Anna his wife; Francis Smith of same and Elizabeth his wife; John Bachman of Connestoga Twp Lancaster Co PA and Mary his wife: Peter Miller of Martick Twn Lancaster Co PA.. The said Jacob, Christian and Martin Rohrere, and Anna the wife of Jacob Houser, Elizabeth the wife of Francis Smith and Mary the wife of John Backman being six of the children of John Rohrer late of Lampeter deceased and Peter Miller being the husband of a minor daughter Susanna of the deceased.
Whereas: John Rohrer, deceased, possessed of the following land in Lampeter Twp - beginning at a black oak a corner of land formerly of John Rudolph Bundley, thence Northwest by the London Co land 160 perches to a White Oak, thence west by south by land formerly of William Hughes 318 perches to a black Oak, thens southeast 160 perches by land of Martin Millen to a white oak and thence east by north by land late of Isaac LeFevre 318 perches to the beginning - containing 300 acres - and leaving issue to wit: John Rohrer, Jacob Rohrer, Christian Rohrer, Martin Rohrer, Anna wife of Jacob Houser, Elizabeth wife of Francis Smith, Mary wife of John Bachman and Susannah the wife of Peter mMiller; and by his will gave Jacob Rohrer 140 acres; Jacob, Christian and John mills on 15 acres of land; and John Rohrer his son 145 acres. Will dated 1 Dec 1768.
Probate Records Will Book, John Rohrer C-1-246 written 1 Dec 1768 probated 7 Dec 1771 Lancaster Co PA
Bibliography: St Marie-aMines, Haut-Rhin, France: At the time this family lived in the area, the city was named Markirch, Elsass, Germany. It is now named St Marie-aux-; Mines, Haut-Rhin, France.
1) John Rohrer of Lancaster co PA by Albert Lawrence Rohrer 1856
2) Compiled Genealogy: Biographical History of Lancaster Co PA by Alex Harris, Lancaster 1872 pg 501 Rohrer, 1939 LofC CS71 .R74 1941
3) ?
4) Printed Genealogy The Saga of a People
5) ?
6) Probate Records
Johanne Rohrer by Lister O Weiss CS71.R74 1939 Suppl A Story of Two Johns compiled by Donald L. Spidell
I. Migrations of John Rohrer: the numbers refer to the Bibliography above
1) Johannes Michael Rohrer was born 1 Nov 1701 in Markirch, Elsass, Germany, which is now Ste. Marie-aux-Mines, Haut-Rhin, France. His parents were Hans Michael and Katherina (Schwager-in) Rohrer. It was customary in that area and at that time to give children middle names, and many germanic families had patron saints, after which they named their children. Two sons of Hans Michale were named Hans Jakob and Hans Michael. Hans is Swiss for John, so these two were probably named with their family was still in switzerland. The next two sons were given the name of Johannes, which is German for John. I found from my research that the middle name of Johannes, born 13 May 1696, was Jacob, so I feel it is safe to assume that the middle name of the second Johannes, born 1 Nov 1701, was Michael. Actually we now have five Johns, but I am going to focus on the two named Johannes.
2) The family of Hans Michael Rohrer, Sr was forced to move from Markirch to escape relitious persecution about the year 1711. Johannes Jacob was captured by the French. He somehow excaped from prison, and if he followed the usual route of the Palatine emmigrants, he escaped into Southern Germany. In Southern Germany, with the aid of German Protestants in a sor of underground railroad, most Palatines made their way North down the Rhine River. At the mouth of the Rhine River was Holland and the dutch followers of Menno Simmons, the Mennonites. The Mennonites helped the Palatinates to emmigrat to the American Colonies, usually via London. Actually the ship owners usually sol the emmigrants to England for their passage fees. Most of the Palatines were then put in one of two concetration camps: there was one outside of London, and when that got too full, one was set up in Ireland. There is still a colony of germanic people in Ireland to this day. From theconcetration camps, the English would ship people to oany one of a number of it's colonies throughout the world. Family tradition states that Johannes Jacob studied veterinary surgery in London, and then migrated to the colonies and settled in Lancaster County PA. Another story states that he was sold into bond slavery, he ran off and then married the daughter of a rich land owner, Maria Souder. A family Bible states that John Jacob married Maria Souder in Mannheim in 1732 which is the same year that he arrived in Lancaster PA with his bride and her father.
4) Johannes Michael Rohrer went with his family and they settled in Strasburg. About the year 1725, religious persecution again forced the family of Hans Michael Sr to flee its home. As they left Strassburg, Johnnes Michael was seperated from his family and was captured by the French. He later escaped or was forced to emmigrate. At this time he was about 24 years old.
3) he probably followed the route of the Palatine Migration, and he was most likely the Johanne Roer who landed at Philadelphia in the ship "The Mortonhouse" on 24 Aug 1728. He most likely worked for four years on an English plantation near Philadelphia to pay off his passage fee. About the year 1732, Johannes Michael went to Lancaster co PA and found his brother Johannes Jacob Rohrer. Johannes Michael married Elizabeth Snavely about 1735 and settled near his brother in Lampeter Twp.
5) He bought a farm on the Conestoga Creek 8 Oct 1763.6) & 7) On the conestoga Creek farm, John Micael raised his family and died in the year 1772. In his will he left his land to the sons who had settled in PA with provisions that his wife be well taken care of until her death or remarriage. His other children apparently had already ceveived their inheritances and moved away from the family "homestead".
Hans married Katherina Schwagler on 6 Jun 1688 in Sainte Marie aux Mains, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France. Katherina was born in 1667 in Sainte Marie aux Mains, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France; died in 1740 in Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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9. | Katherina Schwagler was born in 1667 in Sainte Marie aux Mains, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France; died in 1740 in Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Other Events and Attributes:
Children:
- Hans Jacob Rohrer was born on 15 May 1689 in Sainte Marie aux Mains, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France; died in 1760.
- Johannes Rohrer was born on 15 Apr 1691 in Markirch, Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France; died in 1760.
- Verena Rohrer was born on 10 May 1693 in Sainte Marie aux Mains, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France; died in 1793 in Sainte Marie aux Mains, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France.
- Johann Hans Michael Rohrer was born on 12 Apr 1694 in Eyb, Ansbach, Bavaria, Germany.
- Johannes Rohrer was born on 13 May 1696; died on 23 Nov 1771.
- Anna Maria Rohrer was born on 4 May 1698 in Sainte Marie aux Mains, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France; died on 25 Sep 1701 in Sainte Marie aux Mains, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France.
- 4. Johannes Michael Rohrer was born on 1 Nov 1701 in Sainte Marie aux Mains, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France; died on 28 Nov 1771 in Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Generation: 5
16. | Heinrich Rohrer was born in 1643 in Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany; died in 1698 in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Heinrich married Catherina Spitzin in 1656 in Bern, Switzerland. Catherina was born in 1641 in , , Switzerland; died in , Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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17. | Catherina Spitzin was born in 1641 in , , Switzerland; died in , Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Children:
- 8. Hans Michael Rohrer was born in 1663 in Sainte Marie aux Mains, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France; died on 6 Jun 1740 in Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.
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