Rohmer was born on 15 February 1883 in Ladywood, Birmingham to Irish immigrant parents William Ward and Margaret Mary, née Furey. He adopted the middle name Sarsfield after tales him mother told him of being a descendant of Irish General Patrick Sarsfield. He changed his name several times over the years, his work appearing under various pseudonyms. Early on Rohmer showed an interest in writing, with themes such as alchemy, mysticism, and magic. Some of his short stories were published in various newspapers and magazines of the day. One of them, Pearson's Weekly published his The Mysterious Mummy in 1903. He continued to write freelance for a number of years, including works for the stage where he possibly met Rose Elisabeth Knox (1886-1979) whom he married in London in 1909.