WILLIAM ROTHROOK, a pioneer of White County, and one of its most substantial citizens, was born in Mifflin County, Penn., August 23, 1821, and became a resident of Union Township when only ten years old. John Rothrock, his father, was of German descent, a farmer, and was twice married, his first wife being Mary Ann Keifer. Their union was solemnized March 20, 1806, and a family of eight children born to them, only two of whom are now living. The mother died November 12, 1822, and for his last wife Mr. Rothrock married Mrs. Sarah Hopper, and, in 1831, the family came to what is now White County, Ind. Mr. Rothrock had looked up this location in 1830, and on their arrival he obtained full possession of the property, having left sufficient money with a friend at Delphi to purchase the land as soon as it came into market. The family was sheltered by a tent until a log cabin, 12xl4 feet, was erected, and this was their home for many years. Here Mr. Rothrock and family encountered all the trials and inconveniences of a pioneer's life, going, forty or fifty miles for milling and marketing, obtaining but very little for their produce, and paying, the highest prices for provisions, etc. Mrs. Rothrock died in about 1836, Mr., Rothrock surviving her until February 10, 1860, when he, too, died. William Rothrock, from the time be was ten years old to the present, has always lived in White County. November 11, 1848, he married Elizabeth Cockell, who was a native of Mifflin County, Penn., coming to White County with her parents in 1846. The names of the children born to them are-Mary J. (Mrs. Samuel Hornbeck), Sarah A., Martha, Eliza (Mrs. F. Britton), and Belle. Mr. Rothrock is one of the large land-owners and extensive stock-raisers of White County. He is a Democrat, and, although not an aspirant for political honors, has served in various local positions of honor and trust. He and wife are members of the German Baptist Church.

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