Frederick Raynor Rohu 1846-1930
Frederick Raynor Rohu was born on Iniscú Island, Donegal on 27.5.1846, while his father, JV Rohu, was in service there. At the age of 19 (10.3.1866) Frederick joined the Trinity Board, later known as the Irish Lights. He is recorded as serving as Assistant Keeper in Kingstown West (1866), Skelligs (1871) and Old Head of Kinsale (1876). He soon found that the outlet for his energies was too confined - he was making a close study of natural history and specialised in ornithology - so he resigned from the service sometime after 1877. He settled in Cork, where he established a business in taxidermy.
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The fascinating document opposite is a copy of Fredrick Raynor Rohu's Baptismal Certificate written in the hand of an itinerant Methodist minister, John Walker. The inscription reads:
I Certify that I baptised Frederick Raynor Rohu Son of John Vincent & Mary Anne Rohu on the Island of Inniscue Parish of Templecrone County of Donegall Ireland June 11th 1846 John Walker Wesleyan Minister Donegall |
Family life
Frederick married Miriam Sealy in 1874 and they had eight children, one of whom, Jenny, died aged 5. They lived in Millboro House on the Bandon road, outside Cork city.
Business in Cork
Fredrick Raynor opened a furrier shop in 72 Grand Parade, Cork in 1875/76, along with his sons Fred and Louis. He became a well known businessman in Cork City and served as a town councillor on two occasions. FR appears to have attempted to set up a branch of the business in Dublin. He is listed in Thom's trader's directory for the years 1905 and 1906 trading in 28 Anne Street. Interestingly, this is also the address where Wellington Rohu, FRs youngest brother
Naturalist and Furrier
Brochure for FR Rohu shop
This brochure shows the full extent of Fredrick Raynor's entrepreneurial spirit. The brochure reads: 'F.R. Rohu & Son, Naturalists. Animal, Bird and Fish Preservers. Horn, Hoof and Trophy Mounters. Furriers and Plumassiers (preparing and trading bird's feathers). Fur and Seal Skin Dressers, Driers and Cleaners. Seal Mantles made. Carriage Rugs, Matts, Muffs etc. The shop also sold Mothidie, a moth repellant!
The 'son' in F R Rohu and Son was Louis le Goff Rohu (1886-1968). It was Fredrick and Louis that 'rescued' the pelts that floated ashore from the Lusitania in 1915.
The 'son' in F R Rohu and Son was Louis le Goff Rohu (1886-1968). It was Fredrick and Louis that 'rescued' the pelts that floated ashore from the Lusitania in 1915.