Biography of Charles Rothert
Ada Leininger
The name of the parents of this pioneer are not known as they died when this pioneer was in infancy. The full name of the pioneer is Charles Rothert. He was born in Germany, September 20, 1841.
He left his former home because there were no opportunities in the old country. He came to North Dakota instead of some other states because of the wonderful opportunities where the pioneer could obtain free government land here.
The experiences from his former home to North Dakota were pleasant and enjoyable trips over land and sea. The exact date Mr. Rothert came to North Dakota is not known, but in June he came in 1883.
The early experiences of pioneer days were very rigorous. Some of them were: Filing on land was the first object sought which in this case was done before the government survey was finished. Luckily the little cabin built was found situated within the proper boundaries when the government survey was completed. The location of this land as filed is described as the west ½ of the southeast ¼ and the south ½ of the northeast ¼, all of section 6, Township 146, Range 60, in Griggs County, North Dakota. Erecting the dwelling was the building of a little sod house, rather cabin, the roof of which was of rough boards and not shingled.
Trips to town for provisions were made by ox team or on foot. The near neighbors of Mr. Rothert were Thomas Robertson, David Gorthy, Hubert Church and others. The first machinery was a walking, breaking plow, a wooden frame spring tooth harrow, a stone boat to do the hauling about the farm and a yoke of oxen to do the work. A small patch of wheat was first raised. Potatoes, turnips, and rutabagas were among the first vegetables. Some wood was used for fuel, also much hay and straw was burned in the little old stove to keep the children warm in the sod cabin. Much hardship was encountered to provide for the little family before the crop could be harvested and marketed, and prepared for the severe winter conditions. Strong storms, but no tornadoes, were felt in North Dakota, Prairie fires were numerous and did much damage to crops and hay generally. There were no school houses in the pioneer days in North Dakota. Later small school houses were erected which were also used for religious worship.
The marriage of this Pioneer was to Miss Emilie Steinke in Germany.
Descendants of this pioneer are: Mrs. A. C. Reames, Clarkston, Washington; G. L. Rothert; Binford, North Dakota; Mrs. Pauline Starr, Sutton, North Dakota; Fred Rothert, Maxbass, N. Dal.; Mrs. Helen McCulloch, Jessie, North Dakota; Mrs. Emma Pittenger, Hannaford, North Dakota; Mrs. Franck Sperger, Reltar, Alberta, Canada.
Mr. Rothert died September 7, 1908 and was buried in Zion Lutheran Cemetery.