Before There Was Evelyn...

Mathias (Mike) John Riska about 1910


Louise Drews (seated) with sister Frieda Kirchhoeffer and son George about 1910


Evelyn's parents, Mathias (Mike) John Riska and Louise Drews met in St. Louis Missouri around 1902. Louise was very good friends with Mike's sister Frances and was often in their home. The two girls worked in candy factory together and with Mike in the older crowd the two didn't know each other well for many years.

In 1909 Mike went to visit relatives in Salt Lake City and while there was persuaded to go with some friends to investigate land offered through the Homestead Act in Cedar Valley. Mike was no farmer and considered himself a city boy but with the offer of help and equipment, Mike signed up for 160 acres of free land.

After a 5 years proving period he not only had gained the title to his 160 acres, he had bought out a partner also holding 160 acres. Later he made a trip back to St. Louis for business and to settle part of his mother's estate. While there he asked Louise about coming out to Utah to marry him. She accepted. Louise and her father, Wilhelm Frederich Drews, made the trip to Utah and met Mike there. They were married in Salt Lake City on the snowy day of June 6, 1914 and were soon expecting their first child.

When it was time for the baby to come Louise rode in a springboard wagon 15 miles into Fairfield. There they got in touch with the doctor who met them at the home of their friends, the Yost family. Evelyn Drews Riska was born on May 2, 1915.