Christian Rohrer
Christian Rohrer, retired distiller, Germantown. This well-known and prominent citizen was born in Lancaster County, Penn., December 2, 1804, and is a son of Christian and Anna Maria (Forrer) Rohrer, natives of the Keystone State, who were the parents of nine children, five of whom are now living, viz.: Elizabeth (now Mrs. Krider, of Pennsylvania), Catherine (now Mrs. Barr, of the same State), Christian, Samuel and Jacob. The father was a farmer, but soon after the war of 1812 began the manufacture of cotton goods. He was a man much respected, and died June 16, 1824, his widow surviving him until 1850. Our subject grew to manhood in his native State, receiving a good education, and upon attaining his majority inherited from his father's estate a farm and saw-mill property. Hearing of the many good business openings in the West, he made a trip to Ohio and Indiana. Returning to Pennsylvania, he disposed of his property, and in 1831 came to Montgomery County, purchased a flouring-mill from Andrew Hinkle, located one mile west of Germantown, which he operated until 1847, when he sold it to Gross & Brubaker. He then bought the John Risinger mill property, including 75 acres of land, rebuilt the distillery which was on the farm, and embarked in the manufacture of highwines and liquors, making the firsst Bourbon whisky distilled in Montgomery County. Mr. Rohrer was married November 29, 1832, to Miss Margaret Emerick, born in this county March 8, 1813, and daughter of Christopher Emerick, one of Montgomery County's pioneers. Of this union five children were born, viz.: Anna M. (now Mrs. Grubbs, of Germantown), Elizabeth (now Mrs. Kaucher, of Yankton, D. T.), Josephine (now Mrs. Byers, of Shelbyville, Ind.), David and John. Mr. Rohrer is yet residing upon his farm, which he purchased thirty-five years ago, although retired from active business. He has been one of the most successful business men in the Miami Valley, and his success is a fitting illustration of what constant application and rigid industry can accomplish when coupled with sound business judgment. He is one of the charter members of the First National Bank of Germantown, has always been recognized as a useful member of society, ever taking a deep interest in all worthy public enterprises, as well as the progress, growth and development of the Miami Valley.
From History of Montgomery County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1882
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