Person Page - 276

     Windsor Richards was born in Oct 1825 at New York.² He married Elizabeth Olds, daughter of Kingsley Olds and Margaret E. Widner, in 1846.^1,3 Windsor Richards died on 22 Jan 1906 at Lamoni, Iowa, at age 80.⁴
     Windsor Richards and Elizabeth Richards appeared on the census of 2 Sep 1850 at Baratoo Township, Sauk County, Wisconsin, as follows:
     William Richards, 27, farmer, b. N. Y.
     Windsor , 25, farmer, b. N. Y.
     Elizabeth , 24, b. Ohio
     Mary , 3, b. Ill.
     George , 6/12, b. Wisc.
     Ransom , 20, b. N. Y.
[Was this George later called Henry M.?]⁵
Windsor Richards and Elizabeth Olds appeared on the census of 17 Aug 1860 at Nora Township, Jo Daviess County, Illinois, as follows:
     Windsor Richards, 33, farmer, b. NY
     Elizabeth , 32, b. OH
     Mary J. , 12, b. Ill.
     Henry M. , 10, b. Ill.
     Malissa E. , 7, b. Ill.
     Ada A. , 4, b. Ill.⁶
Windsor Richards and Elizabeth Richards appeared on the census of 27 Aug 1870 at New Buda Township, Decatur County, Iowa, as follows:
     Richards, Windsor, 42, farmer, b. N. Y.
      , Elizabeth, 42, keeping house, b. Ohio
      , Mary J., 22, at home, b. Ill.
      , Henry M., 20, farm laborer, b. Wisc.
      , Ida A., 13, b. Ill.
      , Sarah E., 5, b. Ill.
      , Fidelia B., 3, b. Ill.⁷
Windsor Richards and Elizabeth Richards appeared on the census of Jun 1880 at New Buda Township, Decatur County, Iowa, as follows:
     Richards, Windsor, 53, farmer, b. N.Y., parents b. Canada
      , Elizabeth, 53, keeping house, b. Ohio, father b. Mass., mother b. Penn.
      , Mary J., 32, dau., at home, b. Ill., father b. N. Y., mother b. Ohio
      , Melinda E., 26, dau., D[ivorced?], at home, b. Ill., father b. Ill., father b. N. Y., mother b. Ohio
      , Elizabeth, 15, dau., at home, b. Ill., father b. Ill., mother b. Ohio
      , Belle, 13, dau., at home, b. Ill., father b. N. Y., mother b. Ohio
     Robbins, Nellie, 7, grand dau., b. Iowa, father b. Ind., mother b. Ill.
     Mitchell, Martin W., 30, boarder, farm hand, b. Iowa, father b. Ind., mother b. Va.⁸
Windsor Richards and Elizabeth Richards appeared on the census of Jun 1900 at New Buda Township, Decatur County, Iowa, as follows:
     Richards, Windsor, head, b. Oct 1825, 74, marr. 50 yrs, b. N. Y., parents b. Canada Eng., farmer
      , Elizabeth, wife, b. Jan. 1827, 73, marr. 50 yrs., 6 children, 6 living, b. OH, father b. Mass., mother b. Penn.
      , Jane, dau., b. Aug. 1848, 51, single, b. Ill., father b. N. Y., mother b. OH.²

     Lida Richardson died on 31 Aug 1946 at St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.²
     Her obituary states: "Mrs. Lida Shirley, 73, of Claremont passed away Saturday at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis, MO. She was the mother of Alden Fritchey of Claremont and Edwin Fritchey of Salem, and had been a resident of Claremont for many years. She also leaves six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Claremont Methodist church Monday and interment was in the Sumner City cemetery."²

     Nell Richardson was born in 1919.² She married William Fred "Fred" Hash on 15 May 1934 at Grayson County, Virginia.¹ Nell Richardson died in 1935.²

     Alva Riche was born c 1890 at Council Bluffs, Iowa.¹ He married Edna Eulala Olds, daughter of Charles Emery Olds and Bertha Louise Jacobs, on 16 Oct 1913 at Percy, Marion County, Iowa.²

     Ruth Richmond was born c 1779 at Massachusetts.^2,3 She married Jonathan Olds, son of Josiah Olds and Dorothy Smith, on 19 Oct 1800 at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts.^1,4
     Ruth Richmond appeared on the census of 31 Jul 1860 at Lee, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, as follows: Age 80, widow, b. Mass., living with the family of her son Jonathan.⁵

     Mary Richter married Oliver Gray, son of Alvin Gray and Sarah Mercy Olds, on 11 Feb 1885.¹

     (?) Ridgely was born c 1828. She was the daughter of William Henry Ridgely and Hannah Reed Simmons. (?) Ridgely died c 1833.
     This child is recorded in Ref. 3, but note that she does not appear in the 1830 census although said to have died at age 5. Ref. 2 mentions a child named Maria, with no dates, which might be this one.

     (?) Ridgely was born. (?) Ridgely was the child of William Henry Ridgely and Hannah Reed Simmons.
     "one who died at birth" is mentioned in Ref. 2. These last three and the unnamed child who was born about 1828 may represent no more than the two mentioned in Ref. 2 or perhaps never existed. None appear in estate or census records, but see the notes under their brother, Samuel Ridgely, which indicate that there were several children who did not live.

     "The Ridgeley or Ridgely family in Maryland is composed of three branches -- Robert, Henry and William. The latter two are definitely proved as brothers, but no relationship either near or remote has been established with Robert Ridgeley's branch which first settled at St. Inigoes, St. Mary's county. Robert Ridgeley became one of the leading early attorneys-at-law in the Province and was the progenitor of the branch which built Hampton House. This branch was conscious of its rights to display the parental coat-of-arms as is now evidence at Hampton House and also confirmed by the Maryland State Legislature after the Revolution." ...
"As to the English background, although the writer is of Ridgely descent, he has been unsuccessful in his English research in proving the parents of the Maryland settlers. The ancient orthography was Rudgeley, a family seated early in Warwickshire, with a cadet branch in Staffordshire about the temp of HenryVII (1485-1509). The arms used by the Rudgeley of Warwickshire and the Ridgeley had similar heraldic charges. The arms used by the Hampton branch were: "Argent, on a chevron sable three mullets pierced, of the first". Crest: A buck's head erased or."¹

     Abel Ridgely was born on 16 Feb 1820.¹ He was the son of William Henry Ridgely and Hannah Reed Simmons. Abel Ridgely married Elizabeth L. Clodfelter on 20 Jan 1852 at Edwards County, Illinois.² Abel Ridgely married Phoebe Ades on 28 Aug 1862 at Wabash County, Illinois.³ Abel Ridgely married Mary E. Reynolds on 29 Oct 1882 at Richland County, Illinois.^4,5 Abel Ridgely died on 18 Mar 1896 at age 76.⁶ He was buried at Marion Church Cemetery, Edwards County, Illinois.
     A published biographical sketch of Abel Ridgely says:
"Abel Ridgely, a well-known farmer and stock-raiser, residing in Richland County, claims Illinois as the State of his nativity.
"He was born in Wabash County, February 16, 1820, and is the eldest [sic] of fifteen children whose parents were William H. and Hannah H. (Simmons) Ridgely. The father was a native of Maryland, and probably was of Scotch descent. At a very early age he was left an orphan. He became a ship carpenter at Baltimore, but in March, 1817, came to Illinois and settled near Mt. Carmel, a pioneer of that locality. His wife was born in the Empire State, and was a daughter of Stephen Simmons, who when a small boy emigrated from his native England to America. At the age of fifteen, he entered the Colonial army, and for meritorious conduct in the struggle for independence was promoted to the rank of Colonel. William Ridgely assisted Stephen Simmons to build the first vessel ever constructed in Portsmouth, Ohio. The parents of our subject came to Illinois on a keel-boat, landing at Palmyra, a place not now in existence. The members of the Ridgely family were William H., Henry D., Lloyd G., Orrick, Abel, Absalom, Mrs. Eliza L. Greenhood, Mrs. Orenda Harrison, Mrs. Henrietta Parker, Charles and Nicholas (twins), Medad, Samuel, Maria and one who died at birth.
The subject of this sketch received but limited educational privileges. At the age of twenty-six he [Abel] left home [however, the 1850 census of Wabash County, Ill., lists him with his father's family at the age of 30] and began working at the carpenter's trade. In January, 1852, he married Lizzie L. Clodfelter, of Edwards Co., Ill., and they became the parents of four children: George A., William S., Alice L. (wife of William Martin) and Edwin A. The mother of this family died about 1862, and later Mr. Ridgely wedded Phoebe Ades, by whom he had a daughter, Lizzie L. The second wife died in 1873. On the 18th of October, 1882, he married Mrs. Mary C. Bland, of Edwards Co. By her first husband, L. H. Bland, she had five children: Mrs. Eva Wyatt, Lloyd, Bessie, Wade and Mary.
"In 1864, Mr. Ridgely arrived in this county [Richland]. Locating in Olney, he built a hardware store, which he carried on for a few years. About 1865, he bought his present farm, and it has since been his home. At one time he owned seven hundred acres of land, but much of this he has given to his children. For many years he raised the largest and best crops of wheat grown by any farmer in this part of the county, but as he has disposed of much of his land, his crops are consequently smaller, but none the less excellent in quality. His farm is well equipped with good buildings and other improvements, and comprises some of the best land in the county. In December, 1892, his fine home was destroyed by fire, but with characteristic energy, he has begun to rebuild. For several years after coming to this county, Mr. Ridgely also dealt in farming implements, and before his arrival he traveled for several years selling fanning mills.
"In politics, Mr. Ridgely is a Republican, but has never been an office-seeker. He and most of his family are members of the Christian Church. The cause of education finds in him a friend, and he takes active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the community and its upbuilding. We see in our subject a self-made man, who began life empty-handed, yet has worked his way upward, until he is now one of the most prosperous citizens of the county. Before he was ten years old, he earned a half-shilling by chopping wood for his grandfather, and to this little nucleus he kept adding until he had $200 when he became of age. His indefatigable industry and good management have been the factors in his success. He has never undertaken any business enterprise in which he did not succeed. Although he has carried on business amounting to many thousand dollars annually, he has never owed any man a dollar for which he was not prepared to pay on demand, a fact of which he may well be proud. His whole career has been marked by the strictest integrity and honor, and he has won universal confidence and high regard."

According to an autobiographical sketch by Claude Vernon Ridgely⁷
"... my grandmother was Elizabeth Clodfelter (German) who was born on June 1, 1834 and died on Feb. 5, 1862. She was buried in the cemetery at West Salem, Illinois and the dates are taken from her tombstone. ... I was 14 years of age when my grandfather, Abel Ridgely, died. I remember him quite distinctly. He lived in the age when men wore full beards and he was no exception." He mentions owning a tintype of Abel Ridgely and a letter written by him. "At a later time my grandfather entered into a partnership with one Gunn for the purpose of manufacturing one of these [fanning] mills, which they did for several years. I remember my father had one of them, and I was much impressed by the painting of the name 'Gunn and Ridgely' on the same. The business was carried on at Olney, Illinois where the family then lived.
"In the 1850's he gave up this business and moved to the south end of Richland County, acquiring a farm on which he lived until he died. He was of the determined, dominant type. He wanted his family to follow his footsteps, and wanted them around him. To effect that purpose he insisted that the boys be farmers and that his girls marry farmers and settle near him. To that end he gave each of them (5) 100 acres of land and set them up in business ... His first wife, my great grandmother [sic], Elizabeth Clodfelter, died following the birth of the fourth child [Edwin Ridgely] by reason of an attack of measles, resulting in fever, the resultant complications resulting in death. My father seldom spoke of her and I have not been able to find a picture of her."
Abel Ridgely and Elizabeth L. Ridgely appeared on the census of 11 Sep 1860 at Christy Township, Lawrence County, Illinois, as follows:
     Abel Ridgely, 40, farmer, b. Ill
     Elizabeth L. Ridgely, 26, b. NC
     Albert G., 4, b. Ill (age appears to be 4 although listed first and attended school)
     Wm. S., 6, b. Ill
     Alice L., 3, b. Ill
     Andrew Kingery(?), 14, farm laborer, b. Penn.
     Chas A. Reed, 20, farm laborer, b. Ill
     Keling Clodfelter, 50, Milller, b. NC
     John , 18, Miller, b. Ill
     Abigal, 15, domestic, b. Ill.⁸
     "Able Ridgley and wife Pheby" appear on the membership list of Marion Church, Edwards County, Illinois, as recorded in 1872.⁹
Abel and Phoebe Ridgely appeared on the census of 1880 at Madison Township, Richland County, Illinois.
Ridgley, Able, 60, b. Ill., father b. MD, mother b. NY
, Phebe A., 41, wife, b. Ohio, p. b. Ohio
, Alice L., 23, dau., b. Ill, f. b. Ill, m. b. NC
, Edwin A., 18, son. b. Ill., f. b. Ill, m. b. NC
, Elisabeth L., 16, dau., b. Ill., f. b. Ill., m. b. Ohio
Screech?, Henry, 26, b. Ill., widower, farm laborer.¹⁰
A marriage record for Abel Ridgely and Sophronia Sutterfield is listed in Edwards County for May 1882.¹¹

     Absalom Ridgely was born on 7 Feb 1822.¹ He was the son of William Henry Ridgely and Hannah Reed Simmons. Absalom Ridgely died c 1855.
     Absalom is mentioned in Ref. 2 and Ref. 3 and in the 1850 census of Wabash County. His birthdate is estimated from the census record and his death date is in Ref. 3. No tombstone is known. He is thought to have died unmarried.

     Acshah Ridgely was born c 1778. She was the daughter of Henry Ridgely and Rachel Griffith. Acshah Ridgely married Brittanham Claridge on 21 Dec 1801 at Anne Arundel County, Maryland.¹
      She appears to have been the oldest child and the first to be married. She was first named in the estate papers of her father as Acshah Ridgely then as Acshah Clarage or Claridge, wife of Brittanham Claridge.

     Alice Ridgely was the daughter of William Ridgely [II] and Jane Westall.¹

     Alice L. Ridgely was born on 8 Jan 1857.^3,4 She was the daughter of Abel Ridgely and Elizabeth L. Clodfelter.^1,2 Alice L. Ridgely married William W. Martin on 4 Apr 1884.⁵ Alice L. Ridgely died on 4 Apr 1931 at age 74.⁵ She was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Parkersburg, Richland County, Illinois.⁶
     Albert and "Alles" "Ridgley" appear on the membership list of Marion Christian Church, Edwards County, Illinois, where their names were probably added about 1870 and were transferred to a new list in 1872.⁷
     Her obituary states: "April 9, 1931 Mrs. Alice Martin, widow of William W. Martin, died Saturday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James Ritter, near Bethel church. The funeral held at the home with burial in Oak Hill cemetery Parkersburg."⁸

     Alta Ridgely was born on 31 Jan 1881.¹ She was the daughter of Stephen Simmons Ridgely and Louella (?). Alta Ridgely died on 22 Oct 1895 at Pittsburg, Crawford County, Kansas, at age 14.^2,1 She was buried at Girard Cemetery, Girard, Crawford County, Kansas.³
     "Stephen Ridgely had one other child, a daughter named Alta Ridgely who died at an early age." There is an obituary for an Alta Ridgely in the Pittsburg, Kansas, newspaper.⁴

     Ann Elizabeth Ridgely was born on 5 May 1842 at Illinois.^1,2 She was the daughter of William Simmons Ridgely and Ann Eliza Crowell. Ann Elizabeth Ridgely married Tenny Root c 1874.³ Ann Elizabeth Ridgely died on 13 Nov 1927 at Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, at age 85.² She was buried at Girard, Crawford County, Kansas.⁴
     Ann Elizabeth Root and Tenny Root appeared on the census of 1 Jun 1880 at Crawford Township, Crawford County, Kansas, as follows: The family is listed as:
     5/5 Root, Tenny, 38, farmer, b. Canada E., father b. France, m. b. Canada
      , Lizzie, 36, wife, housekeeper, b. Ill., father b. Ohio, mother b. Indiana
      , Alice H., 4, dau., b. Kansas, father b. Canada, mother b. Illinois
      , M. M. E., 2, dau., b. Kansas, father b. Canada, mother b. Illinois
The next "family" listed is E. R. Ridgely, age 59, "mother", widow, housekeeper, born in Indiana, father born in New York, and mother born in Mass.
and Henrietta Parish, 26, daughter, widow, 26, boarder, b. Ill., father b. Ohio, mother b. Indiana.⁵ In 1911 she was living in Girard, Kansas.⁶
"The husband of Ann Elizabeth Ridgely was Tenny Root. He was born in Canada of French-speaking parents. When he came to this county (living first in Illinois, moving to Girard, Kansas in the early 1870's) he translated his surname from the French Racine to its equivalent in English. His move to this country was motivated primarily by his dislike for Catholicism, which was the dominant religion in his French-Canadian community. Tenny Root died around 1917/18 in Girard, and his wife Ann Ridgely died in Kansas City, Mo., around 1920. Both are buried in Girard."

     Anne Ridgely was the daughter of William Ridgely , Immigrant and Elizabeth (?).¹
     Newman lists Anne Ridgely without references or other informaton.¹

     Anne Ridgely was the daughter of William Ridgely [III] and Mary Orrick.¹

     Anne Ridgely was born c 1781. She was the daughter of Henry Ridgely and Rachel Griffith. Anne Ridgely died b 1840.
     They apparently had no surviving children.

     Archie Ridgely was born on 27 Jan 1893.¹ He was the son of William S. Ridgely and Cora Mary Blood.¹ Archie Ridgely appears in the Social Security Death Index as having died Jun 1969 with the last place of residence listed as Olney, Richland County, Illinois. Archie's SSN was issued in Illinois. Also, his birth date is given as 2 Mar 1893. He died on 27 Jun 1969 at age 76. He never married.¹
     W. S. Ridgely petitioned to be guardian of Archie Ridgely, a foundling with no father, supposed to be age 2 on 15 Feb. 1895. "No one claims the child left at the residence of Abel Ridgely and nothing was found to indicate to whom it belonged. The petitioner has had care and custody since April 1893."² He registered with the World War I Selective Service System on 5 Jun 1917. He described himself as living on R. D. #1, Olney, Illinois, age 24, born 27 Jan 1893 at R. 1, Olney, and his occupation was farming for W. S. Ridgely. He was medium in height, medium in build, with brown eyes and had dark hair.³
     Archie Ridgely is on the membership list of Marion Church, Edwards County, Illinois where he was added in October 1917.⁴
     His obituary states:
     "Arch Ridgely, 76, lifelong resident of the Seminary neighborhod, died Friday noon at the Burgin Nursing Home.
"Mr. Ridgely was born January 27, 1893, in St. Louis, son of the late William S. and Cora Blood Ridgely. He was a member of the Marion Christian Church. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mrs. Effie Hanson who died this past June 17th.
"His only survivors include two nephews, Kell and Wallace Hanson, both of Rt.1, Olney.
"Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Chapel of the Schaub Funeral Home with the Rev. Glen Leathers officiating. Interment will be in the Marion cemetery.
"Friends may call at the funeral home after 6 p.m. today."⁵

     Arthur Edward Ridgely was born on 26 Sep 1883.^2,3,4 He was the son of Russel R. Ridgely and Margaret Jane Keen.¹ Arthur Edward Ridgely married Lenora Gaddey b 1909.^5,6 Arthur Edward Ridgely and Lenora were divorced.⁵ Arthur Edward Ridgely married Ivy Fern Ward on 5 Sep 1923.⁵ Arthur Edward Ridgely died on 8 May 1948 at age 64.^5,7
     "On Friday evening, Sept. 26, a number of friends gathered at the home of Arthur Ridgely, on the Morgan farm, three-fourths of a mile north of Gates, and gave him a surprise the occasion of which being his thirtieth birthday. Thirty-four guests being present, the evening was spent as a pleasant one. THe guests were as follows:
     Mr. and Mrs. Joe Schmidt
     Mr. and Mrs. Albert Koertge
     Mr. and Mrs. Clem Cunningham
     Mr. and Mrs. Guy Bunting
     Mr. and Mrs. Asbury Cook
     Mrs. Eichorst and family
     Mr. and Mrs. Will Ulrich
     Mrs. Gaddy, Charles and Lena
     Mr. and Mrs. Dodds
     Forest Baker.⁸ He registered with the World War I Selective Service System on 12 Sep 1918. He described himself as living at Lamar, Prowers County, Colorado, age 34, born 26 Sept 1883, and his occupation was farming for himself. He was medium in height, medium in build, with blue eyes and had dark hair. His closest relative was Margaret Ridgley of Parkersburg, Illinois. He signed as Arthur Edward Ridgley.⁹

     Arthur O. Ridgely was born on 5 Apr 1868 at Richland County, Illinois. He was the son of George Willis Ridgely and Susan Woods. Arthur O. Ridgely died on 25 Oct 1874 at age 6. He was buried at Richland Cemetery, Calhoun, Richland County, Illinois.¹
     His name, birthdate and deathdate are listed in the family Bible.²

     Bertha Elise Ridgely was born about 6:00 a. m. On 18 Jan 1890 at Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.² She was the daughter of Ira Oscar Ridgely and Maranda Bowers.¹ Bertha Elise Ridgely married William Glenn Swank on 15 Oct 1919 at Walnut Grove Church, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.^3,4 Bertha Elise Ridgely died on 9 Apr 1959 at Richland Memorial Hospital, Olney, Richland County, Illinois, at age 69.⁵ She was buried on 13 Apr 1959 at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.⁶
     On 1 Jan 1916, Bertha wrote to her brother Howard Ridgely, 1st Group 139th Depot Brigade, Non- Combatants, Camp Taylor, Kentucky, and mentioned some things about her teaching: "I forgot to tell in my last letter that things got pretty well settled down again at school without using the whip -- I hope I won't need to do yet if its best, I hope I have the courage to do it. . . .
"Such a time as we had walking to school yesterday a. m. I never in all the 28 yrs of my life went to school at such time before. I put on a pair of papa's overalls and walked Lois and Leah going behind me. In places the drifts held us up then maybe the next step we'd go oh'ever so deep. It was rather tiresome. By evening the men had shoveled a path and now it is nice walking."⁷
     Bertha attended school at Red Head for the first eight grades, except for the one year when the Red Head School building burned. That year she and her brother George Howard stayed with their Ridgely grandparents and attended school in Lawrence County. In addition to this, she attended Mt. Morris College at Mt. Morris, Illinois. For a few years before her marriage, she taught in the local rural schools. Being the oldest of the six children she had the task -- or privilege? -- of helping with the younger ones. Since she did not marry until 1919, this extended over several years.
While attending Mt. Morris College, she met Glenn Swank and some other members of the Swank family. In her letters home in 1916, she mentions them often. So it was not a surprise that she and Glenn were later married. Theirs was the first marriage in the Walnut Grove Church. It seems that the custom in that area had been to have marriages take place in the homes. Just after their marriage, she and Glenn left for Montana, where they first lived on the Swank farm near Froid, Montana. The first years were not easy ones, but as time went on they moved to another home nearer Poplar and built quite a large cattle and grain ranch.
Bertha came back to Illinois from time to time for visits and in later years stopped there on the way to and from Florida, where she and Glenn were spending the winters. She also spent most of the winter of 1922-23 at the home of her parents. Her second child, Eugene, was born that winter.
In the early spring of 1959, Glenn and Bertha were on their way from Florida to their home in Montana and stopped at her mother's home. Bertha became ill and died in the hospital in Olney, Illinois. So she died near where she had been born and her funeral was in the church in which she had been married.⁸
     "OAK GROVE
"Glenn Swank, of Froid, Mont., who spent several days in our community, started home last Monday morning. He was accompanied by one who leaves an enviable record. She was active in educational and social circles. But her religious achievements far surpass the others, having been a talented, willing worker from childhood.
---------------------------
"The first marriage to be solemnized in the Walnut Grove Dunkard church took place Wednesday evening, October 15th, when Bertha E. Ridgely, of this community, and Glenn Swank, of Froid, Montana, were united in marriage.
"At the close of a solo 'I Will Love You When the Silver Threads are Shining 'Mong the Gold,' sung by Mrs. Elsie R. Bowers, the bride and groom entered, accompanied by a brother and cousin of the bride, Howard Ridgely and Evelyn Bowers, as groomsman and bridesmaid. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Dow Ridgely in front of a bank of flowers. The bride was dressed in white silk. More than a hundred people were present. After the ceremony about forty close relatives assembled at the home of the bride where ice cream and cake were served, and a happy evening spent. No one was heard to wish them 'many more happy weddngs,' but all departed hoping that this one may be the beginning of a long, bright life of happiness together.
ONE WHO WAS PRESENT."³
     Her obituary states:
     "Mrs. Bertha Swank, age 69, the wife of W. Glenn Swank, passed away Thursday morning at the Richland Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient since March 15.
"Mrs. Swank was a native of Bonpas Township and was the daughter of Oscar Ridgley [sic] and Miranda [sic] Bowers. She has been a resident of Poplar, Montana for the past 30 years.
"She and her husband had been vacationing in Florida and had stopped in this vicinity to visit relatives when she was stricken with her illness.
"Besides her husband she leaves three children, Eunice Swank of Laverne, Cal., Eugene R. Swank of Poplar, Montana, Mrs. Evelyn Johnson of Gridley, Cal. There are 10 grandhildren. Also surviving are her mother, Mrs. Maranda Ridgley of the Oak Grove Community and the following brothers and sisters: Homer Ridgley[sic] of Olney, George Ridgley[sic] of Parkersburg, Mrs. Lois Murphy of Robinson, Mrs. Leah McNamara of Villa Park and Mrs. Doris Olds of Calhoun.
"Funeral services for Mrs. Swank will be held on Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock in the Walnut Grove Church of the Brethren with interment in the nearby church cemetery.
"Friends may call at the Summers-Wilson Funeral Home after noon Friday."⁹
     A second obituary says:
"Bertha Elise Ridgely was born to Oscar and Maranda Ridgely in their home about five miles east of Parkersburg January 18, 1890. Early in life she united with the Church of the Brethren at Walnut Grove and was interested in the work of the church, teaching and helping in the local church and in the district. She attended Mr. Morris College and taught school in her home vicinity.
"On October 15, 1919, she was united in marriage to W. Glenn Swank then of Froid, Montana; the wedding having taken place in this church with Bro. Dow Ridgely performing the ceremony. They moved immediately to Montana and lived on the Swank homestead at Froid. In 1928 they moved to their farm north of Poplar where they have lived for the last thirty-one years.
"Her home and church were always her chief interests. Her thoughts and deeds were bestowed generously and unstintingly on others without thought of self in a quiet unassuming maner. Loved ones, neighbors, and a host of friends feel a loss with her passing.
"Death came April 9th 1959, at the Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney after she suffered a stroke three weeks previously. She and her husband had been vacationing in Florida and they stopped to visit relatives when she was stricken.
"Besides her husband she leaves three children, Eunice of La Verne, California, Eugene of Poplar, Montana and Evelyn Johnson of Gridley, California, ten grandchildren, her mother Maranda Ridgely of Parkersburg, two brothers, George Ridgely of Parkersburg, and Homer Ridgely of Olney, three sisters, Mrs. Lois Murphy of Robinson, Mrs. Leah McNamara of Villa Park, Ill. and Mrs. Doris Olds of Calhoun.
"Funeral services and burial were April 13 at the Walnut Grove Church of the Brethren with Reverend Mark Emswiler of Froid, Montana conducting the services assisted by Reverend Max Benson."¹⁰
     A third obituary says:
     "Bertha E. Ridgely, daughter of Oscar and Maranda Ridgely, was born Jan. 18, 1890 near Parkersburg, Ill., and departed this life on April 9, 1959, at the Richland Memorial Hospital, Olney, Illinois.
"She was united with the Church of the Brethren in the early years of her life and remained in that faith until death.
"In Oct. of 1919 she was united in marriage to W. Glenn Swank of Montana. They have made their home near Froid, Montana. The last few years they have spent the winters in Florida and on March 15 she had a stroke from which she never recovered. She leaves her husband, two daughters, one son, and 10 grandchildren, her aged mother and two brothers, three sisters and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held April 13 at the Walnut Grove Church of the Brethren, conducted by her pastor, Rev. Mark Emswiler of Montana, assisted by Rev. Max Benson, pastor of the Walnut Grove church. Interment was in Walnut Grove cemetery.
"Card of Thanks
"I want to thank all who sent cards of sympathy and the beautiful offerings and helped in any way during the illness and death of our daughter and sister, Mrs. W. Glenn Swank.
"Mrs. Maranda Ridgely and family."¹¹

     Bertha Elizabeth Ridgely was born on 17 Dec 1919.¹ She was the daughter of Dow A. Ridgely and Pearl C. Forney.¹ Bertha Elizabeth Ridgely married Russell Lawrence Polzin on 15 Aug 1947.^1,2 Bertha Elizabeth Ridgely died on 29 May 2011 at Michigan at age 91.³
     Her obituary states: "Bertha Elizabeth (Ridgely) Polzin
"December 17, 1919 – May 29, 2011
"Bertha Elizabeth Ridgely Polzin, 91, died May 29, 2011. Bertha was born December 17, 1919 to Dow A and Pearl C. (Forney) Ridgely of Parkersburg, Illinois. She attended a one room school house where her father taught. Bertha left her home in Parkersburg after finishing the 8th grade and attended high school in Charleston, Illinois. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1943 with a degree in elementary education. At that time, the cost of a college term was $18.00 and Bertha had a $6.00 scholarship from Richland County (IL). While attending college, Bertha nannied and did housekeeping where she learned much about three of her lifelong passions: children, cooking and entertaining. She earned a Master’s Degree from CMU in 1969.
"Bertha was recruited to teach in the growing, bustling city of Saginaw, Michigan, and began her 27 year teaching career at the “new” Fuerbringer Elementary School in the fall of 1943. She retired in 1982 after teaching at Hemmeter Elementary School in Saginaw Township (MI) for many years.
"The parents of one of Miss Ridgely’s first grade students (David Morford) introduced Bertha to the love of her life, Russell L. Polzin. David never quite got over that. Bertha married Russell on August 15, 1947 at the Walnut Grove Church of the Brethren in Parkersburg, IL. She and Russ built their own home in Saginaw. They raised their children, Franklin (Candy), Stephanie, and Elizabeth (Jim Kinsey) in that home. Bertha lived there happily for almost 60 years.
"Bert and Russ enjoyed gardening, traveling, entertaining, reading, cooking, participating in their churches, and caring for their family. Bertha also enjoyed sewing, quilting, baking, canning and caring for others. Bertha tenderly cared for Russell as his health declined. She continued to live independently and well following his death Christmas Eve, 1993.
"Bertha attended the Midland (MI) Church of the Brethren, where she was loved and cherished. With Russell, Bertha attended St. Paul Lutheran Church (WELS) in Saginaw as well. The family always worshipped together, alternating weekly between St. Paul’s and the Midland Church of the Brethren. Bertha was very active in the Michigan District of the Church of the Brethren. She greatly enjoyed attending the church’s Annual Conference with her children and grandchildren.
"Bertha was happiest when visited by her family and friends. She always enjoyed the teaching stories of Frank (Saginaw), Stephanie (Prince William County, VA), and Libby (Lake Odessa, MI). Bertha’s son-in-law, Jim Kinsey, and daughter-in-law, Candy Polzin were very special people to her as was her niece, Mimi (Dave) Polzin. Bertha was also proud of her grandchildren: Lisa (Doug) Callaway, Caledonia, MI; Jennifer (David) Riccius, Ionia, MI; Nate (Amanda) Polzin, Saginaw, MI; Jennifer (Jason) Deweese, Hemlock, MI; Benjamin (his friend, Katie Mack), Richmond, IN; Sarah (Lance) Ransom, Mt. Pleasant, MI; and Noah (Courtney) Kinsey, Long Beach, CA. Bertha looked forward to watching her 7 great-grandchildren play and grow: Alexa and Bailey Jo Callaway, Anna and Grace Riccius, and Russell, Cameron, and Daisy May Deweese. Bertha and her family kept in close contact with her Illinois family over the years. As her ability to travel lessened, she enjoyed many caring visits from Ridgely nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews and niece Carol Ann Polzin.
"Bertha also enjoyed her friends at Michigan Retired Teachers’ Association, Delta Kappa Gamma (Woman of the Year-- 1996), her 500 club, and hosting the making of “Rock Candy” for 50 years.
"A special thanks to Bertha’s wonderful caregivers whose devoted attention allowed her to stay in her own home, happy and content, for much longer than she could have on her own.
"Bertha was predeceased by her husband, Russell, and 3 brothers and 3 sisters: Clayborne (Alice) Ridgely, Ilene Ridgely, Irene Ridgely, Kenneth (Mabel) Ridgely, Daniel Ridgely, and Carol Marie Ridgely. She is survived by a sister-in-law: Faye (Daniel) Ridgely. Bertha was also predeceased by 3 brothers-in-law and 3 sisters-in-law: Wilbur Polzin, Mildred Polzin, Clarence (Meletta) Polzin, Raymond (Isabelle) Polzin, Ruth (J. Robert) Fagley, and Dorothy Polzin.
"Truly a beautiful life has been well lived. Bertha was fond of saying “I worked hard all my life, but I don’t work hard anymore” and “I’ve had a wonderful life “. Her life will be celebrated at the Midland Church of the Brethren, 1717 East Sugnet Road, Midland, MI at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 4, 2011. Visitation will take place from 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday at W. L. Case & Co., 4480 Mackinaw Rd. and Saturday at church from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service.
"Bertha loved flowers and enjoyed her gardens. Those preferring to make a memorial to her memory may wish to consider CROP, Camp Brethren Heights (Rodney, MI), The Midland Church of the Brethren, The Church in Drive: a Church of the Brethren (Saginaw, MI), or the Saginaw Township Education Foundation.
"www.casefuneralhome.com."³

     Bonnie Mae Ridgely was born c 1906.² She was the daughter of Edgar Alva Ridgely and Iva Blanche Huddleston.¹ Bonnie Mae Ridgely died c Dec 1965.¹

     Carol Marie Ridgely was born on 19 Feb 1922.¹ She was the daughter of Dow A. Ridgely and Pearl C. Forney¹ and was buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.² Carol Marie Ridgely died on 24 Feb 1923 at age 1.^3,4,5
     Her obituary states:
     Her obituary follows:
"Carol Marie, daughter of Dow and Pearl C. Ridgely, was born Feb. 19, 1922. Departed this life Feb. 24, 1923; aged 1 year and 5 days. Her illness of 5 1/2 weeks duration was characterized by great patience and cheerfullness. Besides father and mother she leaves two brothers, three sisters, two grandmothers and a number of other relatives and friends to mourn their loss.
"Funeral services were held Monday at the Dunkard Church with Rev. I. M. Miller, of Vincennes R. F. D., in charge."^4,6

     Charles Ridgely was born c 1826. He was the son of William Henry Ridgely and Hannah Reed Simmons.
     Charles Ridgely and Nicholas Ridgely were twins. Charles and Nicholas are listed in the 1860 census but have not been found in 1870.

     Charles Ridgely married Lydia Warfield, daughter of Richard Warfield and Ruth Cruchley.¹

     Charles H. Ridgely was born on 16 Feb 1779.¹ He was the son of Henry Ridgely and Rachel Griffith. Charles H. Ridgely died c 1854 at Muskingum County, Ohio.
     He was living in Ohio by 1840. According to the 1850 census of Newton twp., District #13, Muskingum County, Ohio, Charles H. Ridgely was age 71, born in Maryland. Anna Ridgely, age 78, was also born in Maryland. No one else was in the household. He left a will on 10 Dec 1853 at Uniontown, Muskingum County, Ohio.
     "I, Charles H. Ridgley of Uniontown, Muskingum County and State of Ohio, do make and publish this my last will and testament.
"Item 1st. I direct that my body be decently entered[sic] and my funeral be conducted in manner corresponding with my Estate and situation in life.
"Item 2nd. I direct that all my just debts and funeral expences] be paid so soon after my decease as possible out of the first money that may come into the hands of my Executors from any portion of my Estate real or personal.
"Item 3rd. I give, devise and bequeath to my beloved wife, Anne Ridglely all the property real and personal that may remain at my decease, for her support during her natural life, (in case she should survive me) under the guardian care of my Executors.
"Item 4th. I direct that all notes, and bills, book accounts, claims dues or demands of whatsoever name or nature owing me be collected by my Executors as soon after my decease as the nature of the case will allow.
"Item 5th. I direct that a fair valuation or appraisement be made according to law, of all my estate real and personal so soon after our decease as is convenient, and that all the Estate we shall die seized or possesed of shall be sold by my Executors for its reasonable value and the proceeds thereof, together with all other moneys left (after my estate is settled and the expences paid.) be equally divided and paid to my two Brothers, William Ridgely of the State of Illinois, and Nicholas Ridgley of Baltimore in the State of Maryland, as my sole heirs in this my last will and testament.
"Item 6th. I do hereby nominate and appoint David Plummer and Henry Younkin of Muskingum County and State of Ohio executors of this my last will and testament, revoking all former wills by me made. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 10th day of December One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
Charles Ridgely (L. S.)
"Signed and acknowledged by said Charles Ridgely as his last will and testament in our presence and by us in his presence.
"Andrew Fancy
"Fredrick McNair."^2,3

     Charley Henry Ridgely was born on 3 Feb 1868 at Lancaster, Wabash County, Illinois.^1,2,3 He was the son of Medad Reed Ridgely and Louisa Collins. Charley Henry Ridgely married Matilda Edson on 17 Oct 1906 at Mound Valley, Kansas.^1,4 Charley Henry Ridgely died on 7 Nov 1939 at Mound Valley, Labette County, Kansas, at age 71.^5,6 He was buried at Mound Valley Cemetery, Labette County, Kansas. Charley H. Ridgely, 1868 - 1949 (note the discrepancy).⁷
     "He was a stonecutter and a concrete worker, and was supervisor of bridge work for the M. K. & T. Railroad.⁸