FREIDRICH ROHNER

ROHNER, EINSLE, REITHEIMER, HUMMEL, NEUMANN

Posted By: Norma Nielson (email)
Date: 5/15/2004 at 20:43:24

"Friedrich Röhner, the period of whose residence in Adair county covers more than four decades, was long and successfully identified with agricultural pursuits here and still owns three hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Prussia township but since 1913 has lived retired at Fontanelle. His birth occurred in Germany on the 12th of September, 1849, his parents being Michael and Dorothy (Einsle) Röhner, who spent their entire lives in that country. To them were born nine children, five of whom survive.

Friedrich Röhner acquired his education in the schools of his native land and there spent the first seventeen years of his life. In May, 1867, attracted by the many favorable reports which he had heard concerning the opportunities and advantages of the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and took up his abode at Wyanet, Illinois, there securing employment as a farm hand. In February, 1874, he came to Adair county, Iowa, and purchased a farm of eighty acres in Prussia township. As the years passed and his financial resources increased, owing to his well directed industry and capable management, he augmented his holdings by additional purchase until they now comprise three hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land. In 1913, however, he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Fontanelle, where he owns a handsome residence, and has since enjoyed honorable retirement. In connection with the production of cereals best adapted to soil and climate he made a specialty of raising and feeding stock, and both branches of his business returned to him a gratifying annual income. His farm property is well improved in every particular and the land is in a high state of cultivation.

In 1880 Mr. Röhner was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Rietheimer, a native of Germany and a daughter of George and Josephine (Hummel) Rietheimer, who spent their entire lives in the fatherland. Mrs. Röhner emigrated to the United States in 1878 and by her marriage became the mother of seven children, namely: Henry, who operates one of his father’s farms; Kathrine, the wife of William Neumann, of this county; William, who is deceased; William F., residing on the old homestead; Carl, an agriculturist of Richland township; Friedrich, Jr., who also lives on the old homestead place; and Louisa D., still under the parental roof.

Mr. Röhner gives his political allegiance to the democracy and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to positions of public trust. He has served on the school board for about twenty-three years, held the position of trustee for fifteen years and for six years acted as assessor, ever discharging his official duties in a most prompt and capable manner. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church, to which his wife also belongs. He has never regretted his determination to seek a home on this side the Atlantic, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought and in their wise utilization has gained a gratifying measure of prosperity that has won him a place among the representative and esteemed citizens of his community. He may justly claim the proud American title of a self-made man, for his success has come as the direct result of his own labors, untiring perseverance and unfaltering energy."

Source: The "History of Adair County Iowa and its People," Volume II. (Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Company) 1915.