Anna Rohr Hoffman - 1889 Johnstown Flood Survivor

Other Writing
Written By natalie zett

Anna Rohr Hoffmann - 1889-1946

 Anna Rohr Hoffmann

Anna Rohr was born on March 18, 1889, in the resilient town of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to loving parents Robert Rohr and Julia Pfeiffer. Just a few years prior, Robert, and Julia immigrated to Johnstown from Poland. Julia was the sister of my great-grandfather, Herman Pfeiffer, making Anna a cherished link in our family chain.

In the midst of one of the most harrowing events in history, the Johnstown Flood of May 31, 1889, baby Anna's story became one of survival and hope. Amidst the chaos, Robert and Julia were separated by the ferocious waters. In a heroic act of motherly love, Julia scooped up baby Anna in her apron. Miraculously, they were pulled to safety by a farmer, spending tense hours atop his barn roof until the flood waters mercifully receded. Robert, against all odds, survived the ordeal as well.

A few years later, the family decided to leave behind the memories of Johnstown and seek new beginnings in Chicago. My great-grandparents and their children, who had also followed Robert and Julia from Poland to Johnstown, once again followed in their footsteps—relocating to Chicago and cementing the bonds of our family ties in the bustling city.

In Chicago, Anna married Edward Hoffmann. Together, they built a life and raised four sons. Anna's journey, marked by resilience and love, came to a peaceful close on May 20, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois.

Thanks to Pearl Donovan Cerny for sharing this family story with me.

natalie zett

I've been a writer, actor, photographer, and musician and have worked as a freelance journalist for magazines and papers since I was in my late teens.

My favorite writing job was working for an award-winning community newspaper in Saint Paul, the Park Bugle.

I’ve also taught others how to write for community newspapers at The Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis, MN. And, during the last few years, I became a family historian.

https://www.flowerintheriver.com
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