h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

If Elaine's father was Anderson why does the gravestone say Rivis ?

Jim Rivis,Montpelier,VT,USA

Hi

Her full name was Elaine Rivis Anderson. Rivis being used as a second first name.

Thank you, Rob, for your careful and sensitive research about Elaine Rivis Anderson, whose grandmother, Jane M Anderson, nee Rivis, was my great, great grandfather George Rivis's half sister, and I believe full sister to John Rivis of Australia's ancestor, Thomas Willoughby Rivis. I knew nothing of her or indeed what happened to her grandmother, as Jane appears in many guises in census data and her place of birth, Yoadwath Mill, in many mispellings. The mill (nearly 30 miles from York) is now in a sorry state, but has given its name to some very upmarket smoked food products. As Jane ended up running a good hotel, maybe she would have appreciated that. I have made the links in about an hour's concentrated research through ancestry, and the mention of John of Australia made me realise that the link was through his line, not mine and Jim's. Jane, John, Jim of Vermont and I share a common ancestor, William Rivis of Yoadwath. I note that one of the Hawkes daughters also had Rivis as a middle name. Jane Dibb, Jane's mother was William's second wife, and outlived him. Elaine's story is so sad but full of interest for those of us investigating the the migration of family members in the UK and beyond.Ironically I found your page quite by chance whilst looking for a news item from this week! Thanks again, Viv

Hi Viv

I don't visit this site very much now, hence the delay in replying to your post. Thanks so much for the information and you may be interested to know that John Rivis from Australia sent me three photographs. One of Elaines grandmother Jane Meek Anderson, one of Elaines father George Anderson and finally one of Jessie ( Cissy ) Anderson, Elaines aunt. I would be happy to forward copies if you wish. We were on the Isle of Wight only last week and visited Elaines grave.
Kind Regards
Rob

Dear Rob

Have only just got back on to h2g2 after its recent migration so it was great to find your reply. I'd love to see the photographs. Is it possible to send them via this board or a more secure site?

it's good to know that you are still able to go to the Isle of Wight and remember Elaine.

Best wishes