Person:Esther Rodgers (1)

[Brøderbund WFT Vol. 2, Ed. 1, Tree #5636]

Esther Rodgers b. 1886. Esther was born and lived all of her life in Topeka, Kansas. Her father was for many years Topeka Asst. Postmaster and later Postmaster. Their home was on Adams St. in what is now downtown Topeka. She met and married Robert Stevens Pierce, the son of a prominent Lumberman. They made their home, and raised three sons in Topeka. Soon after their marriage, Esther and Robert built their home at 1529 Jewell Ave. The area was near Washburn University and was on the edge of the S.W. part of town, surrounded by corn fields. During the depression of the 1930's Robert and his father lost their lumber business. Robert's father, being a proud individual, refused to declare bankruptcy and both he and Robert mortgaged and lost their homes. Esther then engaged herself in many business ventures in an effort to supplement her families income. During World War II she was very proud that all three of her sons served in the military. During the war years she served actively as a "Grey Lady" volunteer at the local Veterans Hospital. After her children had left the home she took great joy in a volunteer position of Teachers Aid in the Topeka school system. In later years she and her husband sold their home at 1314 Lane St. and lived the rest of their lives in a retirement home (Brewster Place) in Topeka. She and her husband are buried in Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka.