Reflector(w) 2 Aug 1888, Adam and Fred Rohrig, Father and son, drowned Sun (29 July) while swimming in Smoky Hill River; Adam was aged 53; b Baden, Ger, and came to U.S. about 30y ago; lived for 25y at Griggsville, Ill, and was married in Ill;came to Abilene 1886; surv by wife and 9 ch, 2 of whom are married; 3 sons and 3 daus are at home; the oldest dau at home is Katie; the 4 youngest are aged 16y, 13y, 10y and 6y; his son Fred was b in Ill and was aged 25y 6m.
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OBITUARY:
DEATH IN THE WATERS.
Adam and Fred Rohrig, Father and Son, Two of Abilene's Citizens, Lose Their lives in the Smoky Hill River While Bathing-- A Peculiarly Sad Accident. We are called upon today to chronicle one of the saddest accidents that has ever occurred in this city. By it a happy home is made desolate by the loss of a father and son, and a poor wife and daughter driven almost frantic with sorrow. It seems that about 2 o'clock in the afternoon yesterday Mr. Rohrig and his son went to the river for a swim. They went to a place just below what is known as Humbarger's ford, and were accompanied by J. E. Brown, Geo. W. Loyd, Chas. W. Hill and L. Lipps, with whom they took a bath and swim in the river. What took place can perhaps be best told in the language of the four survivors who gave their testimony before the coroner's jury this morning: J. E. Brown: "The river was muddy on the north side and two of us, Fred Rohrig and myself, swam to the south bank where the water was not so deep and was clear. We were on that side for some time when Fred said, 'Let us go and get my father and, Mr. Hill and bring them over.' We went across, wading all the way. While returning with; Mr. Rohrig we stepped into a hole and lost our balance. Mr. Rohrig caught me around the neck and called for Fred who at once came to his assistance. He then let loose of me and caught Fred and both went under. They were seen no more until found at the bottom of the river. When Mr. R. let go of me I was almost exhausted and could scarcely get to the bank. Fred was found within a few feet of where he went down and his father about thirty feet farther down stream. It was about half past three when the drowning took place. I was on my back when Mr., Rohrig seized me so I could not aid him." Lewis Lipps: "I stayed on the north side with Mr. Loyd, who could not swim, for fear of an accident while bathing. The others came across and when we saw the three start to return we left the river and started to dress. On looking around we saw them within perhaps ten feet of the bank and heard Mr. Brown cry for help. I ran to the bank but when I got there, not a ripple could be seen. Mr. Brown afterward came up and swam to shore but the other two did not. We were the best of friends and there had been no harsh words that afternoon. Mr. Rohrig was found lodged against a log; Fred against a snag, about four feet from the bottom."Chas. Hill: "I was about 90 feet up stream when the accident took place. Could not help them as am a poor swimmer and had all I could do to get across myself.Mr. Loyd gave similar testimony, corroberating the story given by Mr. Brown and Mr. Lipps, in every particular. The coroner's jury brought in a verdict of death by accidental drowning. As soon as the news was brought to the city yesterday afternoon, hundreds drove to the scene of the accident. The bodies were carried to Eicholtz's undertaking rooms where they have remained until today.The news was carried to the home on Vine street. The wife and mother, a delicate natured lady, upon hearing the sad tidings, fainted away and has spent the hours ever since then groaning and weeping, in half delirious manner over her great sorrow. Grave fears are expressed lest the blow may prove dangerous to her life. The whole burden of the grief thus falls upon the oldest daughter at home, Katie, who, with a brave spirit seldom witnessed in one of her years, is carrying the load of grief and caring for the little ones of the family and watching over the stricken household.

Adam Rohrig was 53 years old. He was born in Baden, Germany and had lived in this country about 30 years. For 25 years his home was in Griggsville, IIl., being married in that State. Then in 1886, he moved to Abilene, where has since resided, carrying on one of the principal barber shops in the city. He leaves a family of nine children, two of them married. There are at home to mourn the loss of a kind and indulgent father of three girls and three boys, the younger members of the family being aged six, ten, fifteen and sixteen years respectively.Frederick Rohrig was aged 25 years and six months. He was born in Illinois and came west with the family two years ago this month, after the father had got the business started. He was a partner with his father in the shop, the "Gem," the firm name being A. Rohrig and Son.Mr. Rohrig was a pleasant, agreeable, upright business man whom all will miss from our streets. He was a most kind and indulgent father and the family ties were much stronger than are often found.Fred was a well-liked young man. He was quiet, unobtrusive, yet attentive to business, and was idolized by the fond mother and sisters.Miss Katie, who is left as the mainstay of the family, has been the leading saleslady in the Daylight store for some months. The funeral services will be held tomorrow at the home at 9:30 a.m., Rev. Dr. J. L. McKeehan officiating. Mr. Rohrig was a member of several secret societies, etc., whose members will attend in a body.Mrs. H. C. Wendorf, of Perryville, Ill., and Miss Lillie Rohrig, who is visiting at Griggsville, Ill., have been telegraphed for and are expected in the morning. (Abilene Reflector, Aug. 2, 1888)
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Name: Adam Rohrig
Event Type: Census
Event Year: 1880
Event Place: Griggsville, Pike, Illinois, United States
Gender: Male
Age: 44
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Race (Original): W
Occupation: Barber
Relationship to Head of Household: Self
Relationship to Head of Household (Original): Self
Birth Year (Estimated): 1836
Birthplace: Germany
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Birthplace: Germany
Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Affiliate Publication Number: T9
Affiliate Film Number: 0242

Household Role Gender Age Birthplace
Adam Rohrig Self M 44 Germany
Rachel Rohrig Wife F 42 Germany
Fredrick Rohrig Son M 17 Illinois, United States
Lily Rohrig Daughter F 15 Illinois, United States
(FindaGrave #121396522)
Annie Rohrig Daughter F 12 Illinois, United States--
(FindaGrave #99512297)
Fidela Rohrig Son M 4 Illinois, United States
Elizabeth Rohrig Daughter F 19 Illinois, United States
(FindaGrave #80024784)
Catherine Rohrig Daughter F 10 Illinois, United States
William Rohrig Son M 2 Illinois, United States
Edward Rohrig Son M 8 Illinois, United States