Читать книгу History of Westchester County, New York, Volume 3 - Группа авторов - Страница 11

A prominent and popular citizen of Peekskill, Westchester county, Mr. Rotché has always been noted for his patriotism and loyalty to the government and for his earnest efforts to advance the welfare of the community in which his lot is cast. He was a young man of but nineteen years when he offered his services, and his life, if need be, to the Union, and with his brave comrades took a distinguished part in the battle of Antietam, two hundred and sixty-five of the regiment meeting death in that fearful combat between the opposing armies. He was also a participant in the battles of Fredericksburg and Roanoke Island and in minor engagements and skirmishes with the enemy. His term of service extended over a period of two years, beginning on August 19, 1861, and terminating in August, 1863, when he received an honorable discharge. He was a member of the famous Hawkins Zouaves, Ninth Regiment of New York Infantry.

Mr. Rotché has never lost his interest in the boys who wore the blue, and, wherever he has gone has been identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, and is now the commander of Abraham Vosburgh Post, No. 95, of Peekskill. He is a stanch Republican and has loyally aided that party since he had the privilege of casting his first presidential ballot, for Abraham Lincoln. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,, belonging to Cortlandt Lodge, No. .6, and while he was a resident of San Francisco, California, he was a member of Oriental Encampment, No. 57 I. O. O. F.

Robert A. Rotché, who has made his home in Peekskill for many years, is a native of this county, his birth having occurred in Cortlandt township, January 13, 1842. He is a son of John G. and Margaret (Henry) Rotché. The father, who was a native of Philadelphia, was a brick-maker by profession. His death took place over thirty years ago, in 1867. His widow passed away in August, 1896, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. Both were members of the old Dutch Reformed church. They were the parents of six children, only two of whom survive, namely: John H., a resident of Croton-on-Hudson, and Robert A.

In his youth Robert A. Rotché received an excellent education in the public schools of the county of his nativity. Soon after he left the school-room he entered upon his army life and when he returned from the battle-fields of the south he went to San Francisco, California, where he remained for twenty years or more, and there engaged in merchandising and was also prominently identified in local political affairs.

In 1867 the marriage of R. A. Rotché and Miss Jennie Black was solemnized in Brooklyn, New York, by Rev. Dr. Lowry, of Hanson Place Baptist church. Mrs. Rotché is a daughter of James Black, of Brooklyn. Edward A., the only child born to our subject and wife, died June 17, 1883, at San Francisco, aged fifteen years. He was a bright, promising youth, admired and loved by all who knew him, and his loss was deeply felt by a large circle of friends.