John W. Rohrbough

JOHN W. ROHRBOUGH, a prominent farmer of Cherokee County, living on a 160-acre farm near McCune, in Sheridan township, was born in Hardy County, West Virginia, November 18, 1840. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Fry) Rohrbough, both natives of Hardy County, where they grew to maturity and were married.

John Rohrbough, who was a farmer by occupation, moved to Douglas County, Illinois, in 1856, where he purchased 80 acres of land, and after 10 years residence there migrated Westward to Kansas, in 1866, with horses and wagon. The journey was made in company with several other families, some 15 wagons making the trip overland. Mr. Rohrbough located on 80 acres of wild, prairie land in Sheridan township, Cherokee County. Many improvements were made on the place, and the family continued to live there for several years, and then removed to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, where a 159-acre farm was purchased. There John Rohrbough lived until his death, his wife having died in Cherokee County. Mr. Rohrbough belonged to the Dunkard Church. He was a Democrat but later became a Republican. The family consisted of eight children, five of whom are living. All were educated in the home schools, receiving such opportunities as were afforded in that early day.

John W. Rohrbough, the subject of this sketch, remained at home until 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, 70th Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf. After three months' service, he reenlisted in Company F, 149th Reg., Illinois Vol Inf., and was in the Army of the Tennessee under General Steadman, but did not participate in any battles.

After the war, in 1867, Mr. Rohrbough located on his present farm, where he has since lived, adding to his first purchase until now he has 160 acres of good farm land, which produces all the small grains. From the wild prairie, the farm, under proper cultivation, has become one of the most productive in the county. Many improvements have been made, not the least of which may be mentioned the substantial and comfortable farm house built in 1888, and the barn erected in 1899.

In 1868 our subject was united in marriage to Julia A. Betzer, a native of Dearborn County, Ohio. Seven children were born to this union: Arthur W., a farmer of Sheridan township; Harvey R., a farmer of Labette County: Orpha Ella (Mrs. William Carns), of Crawford County, Kansas; Lefea Loretta (Mrs. M. Morgan), of Parsons, Kansas; and Nellie May, Lenta Elva (a teacher) and Robert R., who live at home.

Mr. Rohrbough has been a Populist since that party's organization, but formerly voted with the Republicans. His success in farming has been the result of his own unaided efforts, and he has by his honesty and upright dealings made for himself many friends throughout the county.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Rebecca Alderman, student from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 03-04-97.