George Herman Rothrock was born March 31, 1843 in Jefferson City, Missouri, the son of German immigrants. The family moved around the country before settling on a ranch near Marysville, California in 1854. Rothrock had many odd jobs growing up which took him all over the state of California. These ranged from cowboy, teamster, and miner to store clerk. He did not take up photography until his thirties when he opened his first photographic studio in Bakersfield, California which he operated from 1870-1875. By 1875 Rothrock had grown restless. After meeting fellow photographer J.D. Young, he set out for Yuma, Arizona. Together, they put up road side studio tents along their journey and photographed Ehrenberg, Fort Mohave, and various Indian tribes. Their stay in Yuma was brief. Rothrock left for Phoenix when Young died of pneumonia in 1877. He built the first wood home in Phoenix, a 10 x 12 foot structure south of Adams Street between Center and First Streets. In the same year Rothrock also opened Phoenix's first photography studio on the corner of First and Jefferson Streets. He mainly took portraits, many of whom were Phoenix's first citizens. His real joy, however, was photographing historic landmarks such Montezuma Castle, Casa Grande Ruins, San Xavier Mission, Fort McDowell, and Fort Apache. Rothrock married Lottie Woods on November 21, 1882. He also helped build and incorporate the growing city of Phoenix, was elected to the City Council and served one term as Justice of the Peace. As Phoenix grew so did the competition. Rothrock moved to Tempe in 1893 and shortly thereafter went out of business. He continued to photograph Arizona as a pastime but turned to farming for his income. Later Rothrock was employed by the Arizona Canal Company. In 1920 Rothrock and his wife Lottie moved to San Diego where they remained until his death in 1924.
From the description of George H. Rothrock Photograph Collection, ca. 1870-ca. 1890 [photographs]. (Scottsdale Public Library). WorldCat record id: 213329771
