William Charles Rohu (Dr Bill) 1853-1917
William C Rohu was born in 1853 on Inis Cú, where his father, JV Rohu was stationed as coastguard. William studied chemistry and, for nine years, ran a druggist shop in Amiens St. Dublin. He worked in the New Coome Maternity Hospital as an Accoucher (midwife).
William emigrated to Chicago USA and qualified as a Medical Doctor, specialising in ear, eye and throat. He trained in Bennett Medical College and practiced in Passavant Memorial Hospital, Chicago. Dr Bill developed an extensive medical practice in Chicago. A news cutting from a Chicago newspaper says that he pioneered skin grafting.
William emigrated to Chicago USA and qualified as a Medical Doctor, specialising in ear, eye and throat. He trained in Bennett Medical College and practiced in Passavant Memorial Hospital, Chicago. Dr Bill developed an extensive medical practice in Chicago. A news cutting from a Chicago newspaper says that he pioneered skin grafting.
Dr Bill was married twice and had four children. Maud (1879-1966) and Herbert (1889-1966) were from his first marriage and Eva, and Charles from his second. When William died in 1917, his second wife insisted that his body be cremated despite the objections of his daughter, Maud. Rumour persists that he may have been poisoned. His ashes are interred at Graceland Cemetery, Chicago.
Step-sisters
Maud, Dr Bill, Eva
The photograph opposite shows William (Dr Bill) in later life, with daughters Maud, (first marriage) on his left, and Eva (second marriage) on his right. There is an inscription on the back of the photograph, which appears to have been sent by Maud to her uncle Alfred back in Ireland.
Letter from America
Reverse of photo above
Dear Uncle
Perhaps this will interest you ... my husband snaped this ... (sic) you will see a big change in Papa, the young lady with the dark skirt is my step-sister... first and only time I have ever been out with her. I don't suppose you would reconize me (sic). Maud
Perhaps this will interest you ... my husband snaped this ... (sic) you will see a big change in Papa, the young lady with the dark skirt is my step-sister... first and only time I have ever been out with her. I don't suppose you would reconize me (sic). Maud