Person:Vivian Rittgers (1)

The family story tells us that because Vivian wanted to go to high school, arrangements were made for her to work for her room and board with a family in the neighborhood of West High, Des Moines. Laura Emmert tells us that when her mother's sister, Maude Trissel, first saw this girl from out in the country she decided she would not try to be friends with her. But when Maude observed how intelligent Vivian was, and that she got some of the classes highest grades, she changed her mind and wanted to become Vivian's friend. They became chums and remained so the rest of their lives. The 1900 census found Vivian, age 19, living in the home of her Aunt, Elizabeth J. (Findley) Jennings, spouse of Nathan Brownfield Jennings. He was 55, and a farmer in McPherson, McPherson Co., Ks. Elizabeth, 53, was caring for the home. It is noted that Vivian, niece, 19, was "at school."(ED 143, p 4A, fam #68/68) We are told that she was teaching out there. In Oct, 1902, we find Vivian's signature on the Declaration for Widow's Pension, as a witness for her mother's signature, signed "Vivian Rittgers". This was at the time her mother filed for Civil War pension benefits based on her father's service.

    Vivian married William Ellsworth Rorabaugh, of Colfax, Jasper Co. Co., Ia. on the porch of her parents' home, "Appledoor."  At the occasion of their fiftieth wedding anniversary, granddaughter Mary Lou Rorabaugh modeled her wedding gown.  It is amazing to see the resemblance of Mary Lou to Vivian in her wedding picture.
    She was a lady of few needs and much religious conviction, and raised her family accordingly.  There are now grand children and great-grand children who are in missionary fields.  In her obituary, we are told that Vivian was a member of the Methodist Church in Clermont , and of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Minneola, Lake Co., Fla.

1. ↑ Family Group Sheet.
2. ↑ Estate.
3. ↑ #134
   Rittgers, Mrs R.R., 50, Widow, farmer, b Pa, presbyterian
   Findley, 20
   Jasper, 18
   Vivian 14
   Mabel, 12
   Chester, 11
   John, 9
   Eva, 8
   Jennings, Bessie, 21, teacher, b Pa
4. ↑ ED 143, p. 4A, fam #68/68
   Jennings, Brownfield, head, b Mar 1845, 55, m28 yr, b Pa as were parents, farmer
   Elizabeth J., wife, b Apr 1847, 53, m28yr, born 7 children/6alive; b Pa
   as were parents
   Abel A., son, b Jan 1885, 15, b Ks
   Henry R., son, b Dec 1887, 12, b Ks
   Findley, M. Ella, sis-in-law, b Aug 1859, 40, b Ia
   Rittgers, Vivian, niece, b July 1880, 19, b Ia to father b Oh, mother b Pa, at school