Stephen Rorvig was born in Gulbransdalen, Norway, October 21, 1874 to Peter and Anna Rorvig. They immigrated to this country in 1883 to Pope County, Minnesota, where they resided two years. They came to McHenry, North Dakota, where they spent most of their years on a farm. The latter years of their lives were spent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they passed away and were buried.
Stephen Rorvig was one of seven children born to this couple. His first means of making a living was working as a fireman on the Northern Pacific Railroad.
Sophie Smogard was born September 23, 1882 in Zumbrota, Minnesota, to Erick and Engeborg Smogard. She was one of eight children. She came to Binford in 1902 and worked for two years for Mathias Rorvig in their home. Thus she became acquainted with Stephen Rorvig. They were united in marriage September 23, 1904 in Zumbrota, Minnesota.
Three children were born to the couple:
Palmer, who passed away September 16, 1974 in San Marcos, California, leaving his wife Alice Engen from McVille, North Dakota, and son Roland and his wife Becky.
Evelyn married Andor Peterson and resides in Binford. Their son Gary and his wife Janice live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Kenneth of Binford is married to Ruth Torgerson from Berlin, North Dakota. This couple had four grandchildren:
1. Roland Rorvig
2. Gary Peterson
3. Shirley and
4. Karen Rorvig.
Stephen Rorvig was associated with Buchheit-Bakken & Company, a general store, destroyed by fire. Later in 1926 he operated a service station with his sons until he passed away November 19, 1960. He was active in his church, both as an officer and in the choir. He also sang in a quartet that entertained for many years. He served on the school board and was a member of the Sons of Norway Lodge.
Sophie Rorvig was also an active worker in her church and Ladies Aid Society. She passed away March 23, 1957.
Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 30