Person Page - 278

     Florence Marie Ridgely was born on 19 Mar 1919 at Blue Earth, Faribault County, Minnesota.² She was the daughter of Gideon Willis Ridgely and Luella May Shirley.¹ Florence Marie Ridgely married (2) Robert Eldridge Hervey on 27 May 1944.²

     Frances Marion Ridgely was born on 25 Mar 1903.² She was the daughter of Orman Ridgely and Bertha Rutilia Hoyt. Frances Marion Ridgely married Russell Gordon Linsner, son of Ernest Linsner, on 17 May 1931.^3,4 Frances Marion Ridgely died on 7 Sep 1990 at Polk County, Florida, at age 87.⁵
      "Frances Marion Ridgely was the first child of Orman and Bertha Ridgely. She was named after her maternal grandfather, Francis Marion. However, she was always known as "Red", because of her fiery red hair.
"Red graduated from Eureka College and, like her father, became a lawyer. She practiced with him for a while, but later gave up law.
"She married Russell Linsner, who was the step-son of her mother's sister, Daisy. They resided in Louisville, Kentucky, for a while before returning to Eureka. They had one child, Ann.
"After the death of her husband, Red and Ann moved to Florida. Red worked in a law office there. This was around the year 1954. Red suffered a stroke in the early 1970's and moved in with Ann and her family in about 1983. She still lives with Ann."⁶

     Gary Allen Ridgely was born on 29 Oct 1946.¹ He was the son of Daniel John Ridgely and Faye Marie Luther.¹ Gary Allen Ridgely died on 1 Sep 1964 at age 17.¹ He was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Parkersburg, Richland County, Illinois.^3,4
     His obituary states:
     "Gary A. Ridgely, 17, of Parkersburg, was found dead at his home at about midnight last night.
"The offices of the Richland County Sheriff and Coroner are investigating the tragedy, in which the youth was found hanged. It is believed that he took his own life, although an official determination has not been made as to whether the incident was intentional or accidental.
"He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Ridgely.
"Surviving, in addition to his parents, are three sisters, Jane, Lee Ann, and Terry Lynn; and a brother Jan Douglas, all at home.
"Also surviving are grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Dow Ridgely of Parkersburg and Mrs. and Mrs. Clarence Luther of West Salem.
"He was a 1964 graduate of East Richland High School in Olney.
"The body is a the King Funeral Home in West Salem, where arrangements are incomplete."⁵ After Gary's untimely death, Dow Ridgely published a memorial folder with a large picture and some memories of his grandson Gary Allen Ridgely "By his Paternal Grandfather".⁶

     George Albert Ridgely was born on 16 Oct 1852.^3,4 He was the son of Abel Ridgely and Elizabeth L. Clodfelter.^2,3 George Albert Ridgely married Martha Ann Madding on 18 Apr 1878 at Edwards County, Illinois.⁵ George Albert Ridgely died on 14 Apr 1927 at age 74.³ He was buried at Marion Church Cemetery, Edwards County, Illinois.⁶
     He completed 8th grade in a country school and was a tireless reader. He raised his family near Center School, Madison Township, Richland County, Illinois, where he lived until his death.⁷
     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 1872.⁸
George Albert Ridgely and Martha Ann Ridgely appeared on the census of 1880 at Madison Township, Richland County, Illinois, as follows:
Ridgley, George 27 b. in Illinois, father b. in Ill., mother b. in N. C.
, Martha A. 23 wife b. Illinois,father b. Ill., mother b. Ky.
, Edgar 10/12 b.July.⁹
George Albert Ridgely and Martha Ann Ridgely appeared on the census of 16 Jun 1900 at Madison Township, Richland County, Illinois, as follows:
     Ridgely, George A., b. Nov. 1853, 47, married 22 years, b. Illl, farmer
      , Martha, wife, b. Jun 1854, 45, married 22 years, b. Ill.
      , Edgar A., son, b. July 1879, age 20
      , Claud V, son, b. Jan 1881, age 19
      , Ulla, dau., b. Jan. 1883, age 17
      , Lulu, dau., b. Nov. 1884, age 15.¹⁰
     His obituary states:
"George Albert Ridgely
"was born in Wabash County, Illinois, October 16, 1852, the son of Abel and Elizabeth Clodfelter Ridgely, pioneer settlers of Southern Illinois.
"He was married to Martha Ann Madding April 18, 1878, and established a home in Madison township, Richland County, where their four childen were born and reared.
"He became a member of the Marion Christian church in early life and continued this membership there, and at the Parkersburg Christian church until his death.
"During his entire church life he served it faithfully in the offices of Teacher, S. S. Superintendent, Deacon and Elder.
"He is preceded in death by one daughter, Lulu Ridgely Kell.
"He is survived by his wife, two sons Edgar A. and Claude V. Ridgely; one daughter, Ulla Ridgely Schreck, and nine grandchildren; also two sisters, Alice Martin and Elizabeth Vandever."
Another obituary is reproduced in the article, under the same date.
"Albert Ridgely, a former prominent farmer of Madison township, died last Thursday at the home of his son, Edgar Ridgley [sic], in Gary, Ind. The body was brought here Friday and funeral services were held Saturday at Marion Chapel in North Edwards county. Mr. Ridgley made his home in Olney for seveal years after his retirement from the farm and was well and favorably known here. He was visiting his son in Gary when the final summons came."¹¹

     George Howard Ridgely was born on 7 Aug 1893 at Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois. At about 6 p. m.² He was the son of Ira Oscar Ridgely and Maranda Bowers.¹ George Howard Ridgely married Mary Edna Spidle on 30 Aug 1930 at First Church of the Brethren, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.³ George Howard Ridgely died on 25 Aug 1983 at Richland County Memorial Hospital, Olney, Richland County, Illinois, at age 90⁴ and was buried on 28 Aug 1983 at Walnut Grove Cemetery, near Parkersburg, Richland County, Illinois.⁴
     Among the papers preserved by Maranda Ridgely was a scrap of paper on which Mary Bowers had written "Oscar came after me at seven o'clock. I dont know when I will be home but as soon as I can" and Maranda later wrote "a message written by my mother to my father Aug 7, 1893."
In 1928, Maranda wrote Howard (3523 Congress Street, Chicago) a birthday note, recalling the day of his birth.
"Dear Howard
"Just two more days and it will be Aug. 7 again.
"I am wishing you a very good day - not only an enjoyable day for then, only, but am hoping and believing too you can look back to the days past without remorse, and forward with pleasant anticipation.
"When I think back to your birthday it does not seem long since one morning your Papa was going to help Mr. Kimmel thresh, but got Uncle Milo to go in his place - all day was warm and a somewhat anxous one. Papa went for Grandma Bowers and I have the paper yet that she left at their home for your grand-pa telling him "Oscar came for me, I don't know when I'll be back." I remember I gathered lettuce seed so it would not all go to waste, and some such other things as I could. About 11:00 a.m. Dr. Canby stopped here and told us he was needed at Grant Higgins' if he could go. He went and as he came back he told us they had a baby girl - now Bessie Holsen. About 6:00 p. m. we had a baby boy - and looking up the road for about the "__tieth time" they said "Now he (the doctor) is coming." About as soon as he had pronounced things all right Grandma Bowers asked him about Uncle Dan's baby, Gertrude. He said "She was dying when I left, that is what made me late." She would have been six months old on Aug. 16 or 17 I forget which.
"We were glad for our boy as we had a girl. Those things may not interest you but the day brings them to my remembrance so vividly, and it does not seem so many years ago but when I think over the changes as they came to us, and others, -- how you did so want so wipe dishes, and I said when you came to my apron band you could -- how you'd measure often; then came school days - and more school days then you went to Grandma's - then to camp it almost makes me think it was longer ago than it has been
"The Sunday of Uncle Jim's funeral, you remember, I wrote you of Alta's being here. While we were gettng the dinner she spoke of Dow's family, and how unruly his little ones have been, and of course we said what we'd have done had we been in Dow's place, then we talked of our own. She said Mamma says "It was no trouble for Randa to raise her children, and so does Aunt Fannie." I said my children are "human" like other people[']s. She said "I've been here a good deal and I know there is a difference". I told her they surely take after their father then. I wonder why they think it was no trouble to raise my children? I think it is because you have made men and women of yourselves. I am hoping it will be always that way. Not a day passes that prayers do not go up to God to help you to do Right, and be good and useful men and women in the age you live. Do not fail to "acknowledge Him in all your ways" for then "He will direct thy path." With love and Best wishes from Mother."⁵
     He was known as Howard, George, and G. H. Ridgely. In childhood and youth, the family knew him as Howard and this may well have been to avoid confusion with his grandfather, George W. Ridgely, who would have been "the " George Ridgely. Later, probably both in service and during his time in Chicago, new friends knew him as George. Some of the family began to use that name as well and throughout his life he was sometimes referred to as Howard, sometimes as George and sometimes as G. H. Ridgely. I knew him as "Uncle George".
     My memories of Inglewood Farm while Uncle George lived there include the constant presence of Collie dogs. Thus, it was of interest to find, among Aunt Leah's papers, some correspondence that "Howard" had in 1909 from Parkersburg with Collie breeders in the region (Illinois and Wisconsin). He wanted a good-working farm dog. In Nov 1909, he bought a black and tan female pup from F. R. Clark, Sunnybrae Collie Club, Bloomington, Illinois, for $5 plus shipping.

     Howard had apparently expected to pursue the life of a farmer as his father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather in the Ridgely line had done before him in Wabash and Richland counties, Illinois. It was about 1910-1911 that his grandmother, Susan Ridgely, came to Oscar's house to ask permission for Howard to live and work with her. He did go and was living there in Lukin Township of Lawrence County when he went into World War I service as a conscientious objector at Camp Zachary Taylor in Kentucky and worked on a farm.
     George Howard Ridgely registered with the World War I Selective Service System on 5 Jun 1917 at Lukin Precinct, Lawrence County, Illinois. He described himself as living at Sumner, Illinois, age 23, born 7 Aug 1893 at Parkersburg, Illinois, and his occupation was farming for himself. He was medium in height, slender in build, with blue eyes and had brown hair. Although he signed as George Howard Ridgely, the name at the top of the form is written George Howard Ridgley.⁶

     George H. Ridgely, private, enlisted 2 Oct 1917 from Lawrenceville, Illinois and was discharged 26 Dec. 1918 at Camp Zachary Taylor, Ky, from "2nd Co., Development Battalion No. 1, United States Army". He was a conscientious objector "who has done no military duty whatsoever and who refused to wear the uniform." He was described as living in Parkersburg when he enlisted at age 24 2/12 years of age, a farmer, with blue eyes, brown hair, fair complexion and 5 feet 6 inches in height.⁷

      One of Howard's clippings from this time reported: "Howard Ridgley[sic], one of the most progressive young farmers in Lukin township, left for Camp Taylor, but before going was given one [of] the biggest farewel receptions ever given in that community. G. T. Foss and family planned a reception for the ten or twelve young men who were to go from Lukin, including his own son, Ruel, but the 'eleventh hour' word from the exemption board to the effect that some of them would not be called till later, relieved all but Howard Ridgley [sic]. The reception was held as planned anyhow, and nearly a hundred were present. ..."⁸
     When Howard was in Camp Zachary Taylor, Kentucky, during World War I, he kept in touch with family and friends back home by letter. The Ridgely family left at home gathered around the table in evenings and each wrote a letter or note to Howard. One of his letters from Camp Taylor was apparently to a friend who was a newspaper editor and the letter below is quoted from a clipping apparently from a Lawrence County newspaper. It describes his early experiences at camp.

"From Howard Ridgley[sic] at Camp Taylor
"Young Lukin Farmer Describes his Experience at Camp
"Howard Ridgley[sic], who left with the rest of the Lawrence County boys for Camp Taylor, October 3d. has been kind enough to comply with our request to write a letter descriptive of the camp life and their course of training at Camp Taylor.
"This life is new to Howard, who has been a farmer all his life, and he finds it a strange, but not a disagreeable contrast.
"It will be of interest to know that he is of a religious conviction that does not advocate war, and that it will be remembered that at the time the selective draft was made a provision was made for men of that class that they would not be required to fight in actual combat with the enemy.
"The United States government is probably the only nation in the world to make such a generous provision for the religious scruples of its citizens.
"His letter follows:
"National War Council of the Young Men's Christian Association, Camp Taylor, Ky., Oct. 26, 1917.
"My Dear Friend John:
"I received your letter of the 12th last evening. I did not get the paper you spoke of sending and was sorry for we boys are always anxious to hear from home. Mail comes to the bar an unknown person acks twice a day except Sunday when we get it once.
"We left Lawrenceville at 1:45 p. m. October 3d and had a bunch of noisy boys. Almost everyone in all the towns and along the roads waved hats, hands or clothes or flags at us as we passed. We have a fond memory of the parting reception the people of Lawrenceville gave us and it has since proven very helpful to us.
"We arrived at Camp Taylor at 11 p.m., and had had no supper nor no lights in our coach. We were received through the Illinois chutes, and counted to see if we were all present. (Some were not in a very presentable condition, however.) We had to walk quite a ways to the barra[c]ks and got there about one o'clock, altho were [sic] weren't on the wya [sic] all the time as it took quite a long time to get us all straigtened out. There were twenty coaches all nearly full. At the barra[c]ks we were given two ham sandwiches and coffee. We were ready for bed about 1:30. The boys who were there had kindly filled our ticks for us with straw. There weren't enough cots for all and I had to sleep on the floor, but what difference did that make for I was soon asleep and had a good half a night's sleep. We were issued a mess kit and one pair of blankets before we went to bed, and so we had to learn to keep comfortable with more limited provisions, a little different from what I had been used to.
"The next morning we were aroused at 5:45 and were ready for roll call at 5:55 and had breakfast at 6:10.
"To get our 'mess' as it is called we line up in single file and pass along a long counter where the provisions are contained in huge vessels nd mn[?] at each vessel gives each man a helping, much the same as in the familiar 'cafeteria' lunch room, except the very conspicuous absence of any ticket to pay after one gets done. If we dont' [sic] get enough the first time we are given more. When we are through eating we wash our own mess kit, knife fork and spoon and granite cup. For the most of us this is not a very painstaking job, for we shake the dishes around a little in a tub of hot water, then in a tub of rensing [sic] water and call it done. The mess kit is a very neat and compact arrangement.
"We have been issued our uniforms and now we have our heavy underwear. We were issued 1 hat, 2 pair medium weight underwear, 3 pair of socks, 1 shirt, 1 pair trousers, 1 pair leggings, and later have been issued 1 overcoat, 1 rain coat, 1 pair gloves, 2 pair heavy underwear and another pair of shoes.
"A few days after we arrived we were vaccinated. I have been vaccinated twice and it doesn't seem to have done any good either time. Some of the boys had very sore arms and some were sick from its effects. We were all inoculated and I found that it made me feel lazy for a day, but it did not hurt me. Yesterday we were given our third and last innoculation.
"I was moved yesterday with some people who do not believe in combatant service. There isn't any definite decision yet as to what we'll do that I know of. I took the training and drilling with the other boys until I was moved here. I have been treated fine, and since I've been moved here with these boys we've had 'some' feed. Have eaten at cook and bakers school and just set down to the table and eat till we're satisfied like home.
"The barra[c]ks are two story buildings 144 by 54 feet, with the kitchen on one end. Half of th[e] ground floor is devoted to mess hall and the other half of the ground floor and all the upper floor to bunks. We have a fine bath house with shower bath and hot and cold water.
"I think I have seen only one man from St. Francisville, a Mr. Sheridan. Yes, John we would appreciate you sending us used magazines. I know the other boys would enjoy them too.
"Sincrely your frind,
"Sincerely your friend,
"Howard Ridgley[sic]."^9,10

     Life in camp was difficult for many conscientious objectors or "C. O.s". The United States had declared war on Germany in April of 1917 and the Selective Service Act was passed on May 18, 1917. It provided some exemption for C. O.s but not exemption from service in a capacity that the president would define as noncombatant. President Wilson's definition did not come until March 20, 1918, and then defined it as "noncombatant military service" which was not acceptable to those who felt they could not serve in any military capacity. The ongoing war provided a very difficult climate in which the federal government and representatives of various churches negotiated. The patriotic pressure to conform fell upon the young men who had been drafted but felt they must refuse service. Howard kept several clippings from newspapers and church newsletters such as the Brethren "Messenger" which reported some of this difficulty. One editor wrote that many people felt that C. O.s, since they would not fight for their country in its time of need, should be sentenced to long prison terms of hard labor or even shot to death. This same editor thought that shooting would waste ammunition needed for the war effort and that there were chemical processes available which could be used to turn the C. O.s into new ammunition for the war rather than using up what was already available. One line of thinking in the noncombatant churches (the Brethren were not the only ones, by any means) was that their members had chosen to follow the Bible and obey the word of God which included the commandment "Thou shalt not kill". Their members should not plead merely that their sons be kept out of harm's way. They should expect to perform services for the government and the country they loved and benefitted from and should accept non-combatant roles, even dangerous ones at the front lines such as helping sick and wounded. Others opposed any support of the war, even refusing to buy Liberty Loan Bonds or donate to the Red Cross. Some of the "boys" refused to wear the uniform or to obey the orders of their officers, an act for which they were threatened with death. Many were housed in detention units in their camps and treated something like prisoners. Some were tried and sentenced to prison at Ft. Leavenworth. A few men refused their pay resulting from forced service; sixty Mennonite "absolute objectors" at Camp Taylor refused pay. For some, non-combatant roles were a compromise they could not make. One stated reason for this, until the goverment could clarify their status, was that any superior officer could order them transferred to a fighting role at will. Others felt that helping the war effort in any way was aiding the killing which they could not support and said that helping to patch up a wounded soldier so he could return to battle was the same as helping to repair a machine gun and was wrong. Some of the officers treated such men harshly. It was a difficult time for both the C. O.s and for the others in the nation, as they formulated, examined and lived out their feelings and attitudes on this subject.

Nevertheless, Howard seems to have had the support of many friends at home, as shown in this unidentified clipping, containing Oak Grove news.
"Howard Ridgely, son of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Ridgely, who has been at Camp Taylor for some time, visited home folks from Monday evening until Friday evening. Howard looks well and offers no serious complaint concerning camp life. Wednesday evening about forty Richland and Edwards county friends called to see him and on the following evening about the same number from Lawrence county. For the past few years Howard has been farming with his grandmother in Lawrence county."¹¹

     A special conference of the Brethren Church was held on Jan. 9, 1918 which had a tract printed, explaining the New Testament foundation of their beliefs. This tract called for more efforts in church and mission work, urged members to support their government (but to remember that the word of God was the final authority), to pray for the rulers of our nation, to "contribute liberally to the relief of human suffering, both in men and money", to give "freely of our substance for constructive relief work, such as Red Cross, Y. M. C. A., Friends' Relief Work, or through our own Service Committee." "We are petitioning the Government to give our drafted brothers such industrial noncombatant service as will contribute constructively to the necessity, health and comfort of hungering, suffering humanity, either here or elsewhere. We further urge our brethren not to enlist in any service which would, in any way, compromise our time-honored position in relation to war; also that they refrain from wearing the military uniform. The tenets of the church forbid military drilling, or learning of the art or arts of war, of doing anything which contributes to the destruction of human life or property."
"We commend the loyalty of the brethren in the Camps for their firm stand in not participating in the arts of war. We do not wish to oppose the consciences of those brethren who, in some Camps, found work which they felt they could conscientiously do, but urge them to do only such work as will not involve them in the arts of destruction." This tract was printed with a Certificate of Church Membership with instructions that each church complete one for "each member now in the Camp, and to each one as he may be called in the future. That, if need be, these may be shown to the officers of Camps as the final and highest authority from the church to which they belong." The copy in Howard's papers certified that George Howard Ridgely "is a member in good standing in the Big Creek congregation of the Church of the Brethren and is entitled to all the war exemption privileges granted to members of organizations that held nonresistant principles." It signed by "Pastor or Bishop" Dow A. Ridgely and Clerk Bertha E. Ridgely on March 28, 1918.

      Finally, a solution which must have been acceptable to most, was worked out in Washington. It was the farm furlough as reported in the next clipping.

"OBJECTORS WILL WORK FARMS. Problem of Drafted Opposed to the War Believed to be Solved. ... Under an order issued in Washington last night final disposition is made of conscientious objectors at Camp Zachary Taylor and at the other military camps of the country. The order by which this class of selects go to the farms if found sincere comes just at the conclusion of court-martial trials here at the big Louisville cantonment and at the same time solves a problem that the transfer of the 84th Division presented.
"The report of the order from Washington says: ...
"Drafted men claiming conscientious objection to military service and who have been found by army authorities to be sincere in refusing duty with noncombatant units as prescribed by President Wilson are to be segregated at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., under terms of an order announced by Secretary Baker. If found to be sincere in their scruples by a special board of inquiry they will be furloughed to work on farms as laborers at private's pay. ... 'Under no circumstances will conscientious objectors be discharged from their responsibilities under the selective service act,' the order says, and instructions are renewed to military courts-martial to try and punish all found to be insincere, defiant or active in attempting to convert others to their belief.
"The new board will give a final test to those acquitted or not tried by the military tribunals, and if it does not recommend a furlough for farm labor, or the objector refuses to accept it, punishment under the articles of war is provided.
"In exceptional cases the board is authorized to assign objectors to the Friends' Reconstruction Unit in France.
"Money earned by the furloughed objectors in excess of a private's pay and subsistence is to go to the Red Cross, and the permission is to be continued only so long as the objector is reported by disinterested observers to be working to the best of his ability.
"Only a relatively small number of men will be affected by the order, as most of the objectors promptly accept noncombatant service." The article continues, reporting that the 84th Division was to be transferred to Camp Sherman in Chillicothe, Ohio.

      On 2 Nov. 1918, Howard wrote to the Friends Service Committee, 20 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, with a request to to be assigned to reconstruction work in the U. S. or France.
"I hereby send in my application for reconstruction work either in U. S. or France where needed most. I'm a member of the Church of the Brethren for several years. Was called to Camp Z. Taylor a year ago the 3rd of last October. was before the examining Board and recommended for farm furlough. Was furloughed July 18 '18 and am still at the same place in Kentucky.
"While in Camp I was cook for nearly six months for C. O. Detachment.
"Before going to Camp I lived on a farm, 'till past seventeen years of age with my parents after that and 'till was called to Camp lived with my Grandmother on 140 acre farm at Sumner, Illinois. Grandfather being dead. I have only country school education graduating from the 8th grade at 12 years of age.
"I have no dependents. Am in good health. Have passed all the physical exams O. K. so far as known. For reference:
Dow A. Ridgely, Parkersburg, R #1. Illinois. Elder of home church.
George W. Prout, St. Francisville, Illinois, an aged neighbor.
Lawrence T. Miller
Lawrence Lindley
Both classed in reconstruction unit by the Board when I was classed in farm furlough unit. ... ...
George Howard Ridgely, Shelbyville, R. R. #2[?] Kentucky, c/o Carl Hauser."¹²
     In his diary for December, 1918, he recorded some of his last experiences with the military.
13th. Today Mr. Hauser received a request for my release from farm furlough contract. Had been cutting wood this fore noon. This P. M. cleaned out the creek.
14. Milked and did chores. breakfast. shaved. packed suit case to go in Camp. was released. Clara and Mrs. H. took me to Shelbyville in ford. raining. took the 11:20 a.m. car. for Louisville. reported in Camp in P. M. not many men in yet. some coming in tho.
15. Sunday. More men coming in. very nice day. visited today.
16. More men coming up. Nothing much done.
17. List made out today of those for discharge its those here who have no allotment or insurance.
18. I'm trying to be a K. P. (kitchen police) today but am called away some times. to check bed clothes, etc. after noon other men took my place. rec'd physical exam. passed O. K. then checks were made out for farm furlough money. mine $133.00
19. taken to 2nd Co. Hdqs. to give home address. In P. M. were given another examination but didn't strip for this one. weather still nice. Took a bath & shower. [He did not record any discharge or trip home.]

This same notebook records that Uncle George must have made much of his spending money cutting hair in Camp. I remember he also cut my hair at times when I was a child.¹³
     Uncle George was a man much interested in horses. He aways had horses around his farm when I was young. He kept not only a working team (some were Belgians) but also riding horses such as his stud "Phil". Later, when I had written on the Ridgely family history, he wanted to know what I had learned of the family's interest in fine horses. This note he made testifies to that interest from a much earlier date.
     I think that Uncle George did not spend a lot of time researching and recording the history of his family but I have found this note:
"Grandpa & Grandma Bowers both born in Pennsylvania.
"Grandpa & Grandma Ridgely both born in Illinois.
"Great Grandpa Ridgely born in Va. or N. C. or Ill. Great Grandma Ridgely in Illinois.
"Grandma Ridgely's parents in Ky.
"Mother in Indiana."¹⁵
     In the Sumner Press of 22 Jan 1920, reporting the local news of the Bethlehem community, appears the following note: "Howard Ridgley[sic] visited at the Oscar Ridgley[sic] home Sunday."¹⁶
George Howard Ridgely appeared on the census of 24 Jan 1920 in the household of Susan Ridgely at Lukin Township, Lawrence County, Illinois.¹⁷

      After the war, he again returned to his grandmother's farm. The following newspaper clipping tells something more of his character and story:
"Howard Ridgley[sic] Making Good
"Howard Ridgeley[sic], who was born in Richland County, but who early went to live with his grandmother north of White Oak School in Lukin has returned from Chicago where he has been going to school for the last 7 years. One day not so long ago Howard was just one of the Lukin farmers who stopped his horses under a shade tree, and while resting, he dreamed and thought and dreamed and this was the central thought:
"'I want an education.' Something told him it was not altogether impossible even though he was then 26 years of age and not a high school graduate. When he went to the other end of the field he threw down te[sic] lines and unhooked the traces with his mind thoroughly made up that he would be an educated man in the not far-off future. He sold off his farming tools at a sale and started to Chicago with no money, practically speaking. Soon he found a job firing a furnace; later he secured a better job. That fall he started to Lewis Institute on his high school course. When that was finished he started with a firm determination to get his degree there. It gives me pleasure to say at this time that he lacks only two credits of having that right now, just 7 years from the date on which he started, and he did it all himself. He is now assistant professor to one of the big men there at the college. This pays him more than the average man makes, and, at the same time, he is working his way through. We salute [you], Howard. You have what more of us need. You will make good."

He once told me that he had moved to his grandmother's farm to live and work there with the expectation that the farm would be his own at some time. However, it was apparently his grandmother's plan to divide the property among her five children. Learning that he would not inherit or acquire this farm played a part in Howard's decision to leave. This decision made by Howard Ridgely clearly had a major effect on his life but it was not made by one whose family had not previously valued education. His mother, Maranda (Bowers) Ridgely, had obtained extra education at a school in Sedalia, Missouri, where her sister Julia Hardin lived and Maranda later taught school in Illinois before her marriage. Maranda's brother, Sam, was also a school teacher at some time and another brother, Dan, obtained an MD degree in St. Louis. Howard's older sister, Bertha, had gone away to school at Mt. Morris College. Nevertheless, Howard's decision to leave the farming life and to live and work in Chicago while obtaining an education must have been a significant factor in the decisions his parents later made to allow his three younger sisters, each in turn, to move to Chicago and continue their education. At one time, Howard and his three sisters all lived in a Chicago flat and shared expenses. All four completed their college work. Howard's high school work at Lewis Institute extended from June, 1921, through August, 1923. He began his college work in September, 1923, and earned his B. S. in Chemistry from Lewis Institute in June, 1928.
Howard began advanced work in Chemistry at the University of Chicago, while still teaching at Lewis Institute. However, his university education stopped just short of completing a Ph. D. in chemistry. When his final degree was nearly acquired, he again made a change of life plan. He purchased his father's farm, agricultural equipment and live stock in 1938. After his spring school term of 1940, he and Mary moved back to Inglewood farm. Howard was a farmer again, owning and operating that farm for the rest of his life. However, his approach to farming never seemed to concentrate on the financial aspect but on the many experiments one could do in planning, planting and caring for crops and animals. As of 27 Mar 1927, George Howard Ridgely lived at 3425 Van Buren St., Chicago, Illinois.¹⁸
     Lewis Institute awarded him the Bachelor of Science In Arts and Sciences on 21 June 1928.¹⁹
George Howard Ridgely appeared on the census of 15 Apr 1930 at 3523 Congress Street, Ward 29, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.
Ridgely, H. George, 33, teacher, not a veteran
, I. Lois, sister, 24, student and housekeeper
, M. Leah, sister, 21, occupation none
, N. Doris, sister, 17, occupation none
They were renting in a house owned by Jacob Greenberg and paying $60/month. They had a radio. Notice the middle initials have been placed before the first name. This appears to have been done with other entries on this page. Their census district was bounded by West Van Buren, South Homan Avenue, West Harrison, and South Central Park Avenue.²⁰
     On 21 June 1934, George M.[sic] Ridgley[sic] of 508 South Homan Avenue [Chicago] received the following telegram:
"CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES ON YOUR GRADUATION NIGHT LEAH AND DAD". [What graduation was this?]²¹

     Another clipping describes him as a faculty member at Lewis Institute.
"FACULTY TINTYPES
"The second of our biographical disquisitions is devoted to Mr. G. Ridgely, instructor in Analytical, Physical and General Chemistry. Mr. Ridgely is a product of Lewis, literally weaned in our citadel of culture. He has been teaching at Lewis about eleven years, during which time he has developed the virtue of patience to the 'nth' degree. For if any one thing can be said about him it is his Job-like patience. In some inconceivable manner during those eleven years of teaching both day and night school Mr. Ridgely has also managed to go to school. The fruits of his continued schooling are soon to be realized when he gets his Ph. D. from the University of Chicago within the coming year. Of particular interest to the chemists is the treatise Mr. Ridgely wrote toward his doctor's degree. This treatise has been published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, entitled "Nitrogen Compounds of Germanium."
"Why does Mr. Ridgely wear that collar, and when does he find time to sleep? These are the proverbial questions asked by the newcomers at Lewis. In answer to the former Mr. Ridgely prides to call himself a "Dunker", a sect of the Baptists. The answer to the latter question remains a mystery to us.
"By means of his lectures Mr. Ridgely convinces his students that the improbable, the implausible, and often the impossible come true. For no matter how dense you may be you can feel an electric aura about his lectures that shocks you into action. But it is not merely his ability to lecture; it is also his consideration for the individual. He aggrandizes the individual [and] makes him feel at ease. No one is insignificant, all are important.
"A connoisseur of horses, stamp collector, and theoretical farmer are the hobbies which Mr. Ridgely crams into the nerve-straining life of an instructor. We dubbed him a theoretical farmer because on the question of whether to plant alfalfa or clover he is the foremost authority in the Chemistry department. The lack of time is the only thing that stops Mr. Ridgely from applying some of his farming theories. His great ambition in life is to become an able equestrian.
"'As Socrates was a gadfly to Athenian Sophists' so Mr. Ridgely is an energizer who electrifies our somnolent minds in Physical Chemistry."²² He was elected to membership by the Chicago Chapter of the Society of Sigma Xi on 23 Nov 1937. Sigma Xi is a national society for the promotion of research in science. on 23 Nov 1937.²³
     In 1938 George purchased Inglewood Farm from his parents, who soon retired. He and his wife Mary moved to the farm in 1940. They continued the farming operation and raised cattle and horses. He liked his horses especially and had some fine ones. After Mary died in 1979, George Howard continued to live on the farm which his father had bought in 1889, and he cotinued to raise cattle, although in reduced numbers.²⁴
     George Howard Ridgely registered with the Selective Service in 2 Apr 1942, among men born on or after 28 April 1877 and on or before Feb. 16, 1897. He said he was born in Richland County, Illinois on 7 Aug 1893 and gave his address as RFD#1 , Parkersburg, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois. He was employed at RFD# 1, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois, where he was farming for himself and his contact person was Mary E. Ridgely of Parkersburg. He was described as 5' 7 1/2", 150 lbs, with blue eyes, brown hair, and light complexion and listed "obvious physical characteristics that will aid in identification" as "none."²⁵
     His obituary states:
     "George Ridgley [sic], 90
"George Howard Ridgley [sic], Rt. 1, Parkersburg, died at 2:04 p. m. Thursday in Richland Memorial Hospital.
"Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at Summers Funeral Home with his sisters officiating. A graveside service will be conducted by Rev. Arthur Ritchey. Burial will be in Walnut Grove. Visitation is today from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
"Mr. Ridgley [sic] was born Aug. 7, 1893, in Richland County, the son of Oscar and Maranda (Bowers) Ridgley. He married Mary Spidle on Aug 30, 1930, and she preceded him in death in 1975.
"He was a farmer and a member of the Parkersburg Church of the Brethren.
"Survivors include three sisters, Lois Murphy, Robinson; Leah McNamara, Arkadelphia, Ark; and Mrs. Robert (Doris) Olds, Leesburg, Fla; and several nieces and nephews.
"He was preceded in death by his parents and wife."²⁶

     George Orrick Ridgely was born on 24 Sep 1875.¹ He was the son of James Ridgely and Emma Louise Hedrick. George Orrick Ridgely died on 12 Jan 1876.¹ He was buried at Ridgely Cemetery, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois. These dates are from his tombstone which also bears the inscription "George O., son of J. and E. L. Ridgely".¹

     George William Ridgely married Ellen (?) on 21 Jun.^3,4 George William Ridgely was born on 28 Nov 1859 at Lawrence County, Illinois. Although the death record gives 28 Nov 1860, the 1860 census shows that he was age 6 months in June of that year and the 1900 census show his birth date as Nov. 1859.⁵ He was the son of Medad Reed Ridgely and Louisa Collins.^1,2 George William Ridgely married Susan Emma Cotton on 4 Apr 1901. According to Lawrence County, Illinois, marriage records, George Wm. Ridgely married Mrs. Emma Stone, daughter of Peter Cotton, on 4 April 1901.⁶ George William Ridgely died on 21 Jun 1928 at age 68.⁷ He was buried at Lancaster, Wabash County, Illinois.⁸
     He and Ellen (?) had no children.
George William Ridgely appeared on the census of 1880 at Wabash County, Illinois, as follows: He is listed at age 20, living with Lloyd Ridgely.⁹
George William Ridgely appeared on the census of 11 Jun 1900 at Friendsville Precinct, Wabash County, Illinois, as follows: This record shows he was age 40, born in Nov. 1859. He was widowed. James E. Swift, a cousin, b. Sept. 1881, was living with him.¹⁰
George William Ridgely appeared on the census of 27 Apr 1910 at Friendsville Precinct, Wabash County, Illinois, as follows: The listing shows:
Ridgley, George W., head, 50, married twice, this time for 9 yrs, b. Ill., parents b. Ill
, Emma S., wife, 40, married twice, this time for 9 years, 5 children, 5 living
, Henrietta, dau. 6
, Ethel May, dau., 5
Stone, Fred, stepson, age 10
Ridgley, Lloyd G., uncle, age 92, single, b. Va., parents b. Va.
, Samuel, uncle, 70, single, b. Ill, parents b. VA.¹¹
George William Ridgely appeared on the census of 1920 at Friendsville Precinct, Wabash County, Illinois, as follows: George was age 60, wife Emma was age 49, and their daugters Henrietta, age 16, and Ethel M., age 15, were also listed.⁹

     George Willis Ridgely was born on 29 Mar 1844 at Richland County, Illinois.² He was the son of Orrick Ridgely and Nancy Harrison. George Willis Ridgely married Susan Woods, daughter of George W. Woods and Rebecca Gray, on 20 Dec 1865 at Richland County, Illinois.³ George Willis Ridgely died on 26 May 1909 at Richland County, Illinois, at age 65.² He was buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.^4,5
     Most records do not show the middle name for George Willis Ridgely and because the 1850 census shows him as George W. H. Ridgely, I wondered if he might not be George William Henry Ridgely, named after his grandfather. When I asked Dow Ridgely about it, he replied "Your great grandfather's name was George Willis (No "H"). One of my brothers was named for him and received a dress pattern from him. In those days little boys wore dresses quite awhile. There is a history connected with the dress. Willis kept it until near the end of his life and then gave it to Jennie Slunaker to take care of. I do not know what she did with it."⁶ George Willis Ridgely is also the name used by Maranda Ridgely who wrote at the beginning of her diary in Jan 1952: "As I did not succeed in finding any "Diaries" in the bllk stores again this year, I am using this old account book that was George Willis Ridgely's in years past." [Apparently this extra age explains the poor condition of the paper in 2009.]⁷
     From the Bible of George W. Ridgely:
A present to George W. Ridgely By his Father Orrick Ridgely.

MARRIAGES

George W. Ridgely and Susan Woods Was Married December the 20th 1865 by Samuel Forney

Oscar Ridgely and Randa Bowers were married the 19th day of September 1889 by

BIRTHS
George W Ridgely Born March 29th 1844
Susan Ridgely Born February 22th 1846
Oscar I Ridgely Born December 13th 1866
Arthur O Ridgely Born April 5th 1868
Lora May Ridgely Born December 28th 1873
Sarah Nancy Ridgely Born October 25th 1877
Zella G. Ridgely Born June 17th 1884

DEATHS
Arthur O Ridgely died October 25th 1874.⁸
George Willis Ridgely and Susan Ridgely appeared on the census of 18 Jun 1880 at Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois, as follows:
     205/205 Ridgely, George W., age 36, farmer, b. Ill., parents b. Ill.
      , Susan, age 34, wife, keeping house, b. Ill., father b. Ky., mother b. KY
      , Oscar, age 13, son, b. Ill
      , Lora, age 6, dau., b. Ill, parents b. Ill
      , Sarah, age 3, dau., b. Ill., parents b. Ill.⁹
George Willis Ridgely and Susan Ridgely appeared on the census of 26 Jun 1900 at Lukin Township, Lawrence County, Illinois, as follows: The listing shows that he was age 56, born in March 1844, and had been married for 35 years. Susan was age 54, born in Feb. 1846, had had 5 children of whom 4 were living. Zella C (?), a daughter, age 17, and born in June 1883 (!) was the only one still living at home.¹⁰
George Willis Ridgely left a will on 14 Jan 1909 at Lukin Township, Lawrence County, Illinois.
     " I George W. Ridgley of the Township of Lukin in the County of Lawrence and State of Illinois being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory life, do therefor make, ordain Publish and declare this to be may last will and testament.
"First: I order and direct that my executrix hereafter named pay all my just debts and funeral expenses, as soon after my decease as conveniently may be.
"Second: After the payment of such funeral expenses and debts, I give, devise and bequeath Susan Ridgley, my wife, all my real estate and all of my personal property of every name and character.
"Lastly: I nominate and appoint Susan Ridgley my wife without bond to be executrix of this my last Will and Testament.
"I hereby revoke all former wills and codicils by me made.
"In Witness Whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this Fourteenth day of January in the year of our Lord One thousand Nine Hundred and Nine (A. D. 1909)
               George W. Ridgley (Seal)
"This instrument was on the day of the date thereof signed, published and declared by the said testator Geo. W. Ridgley to be his Last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other here subscribe our names hereto as witnesses.
               O. E. _____
               J. A. Barekman"

This will was probated in Lawrence County, Illinois, on 5 July 1909. This is the from the recorded copy, not the original, and may not reflect the name spelling used by George W. Ridgely.¹¹
     His obituary states:

"George W. Ridgely was born March 29, 1844, near Parkersburg, Ill., and died at his home six miles south east of Sumner, May 26, 1909, after a short illness, aged sixty-five years, one month and twenty-seven days. He was married to Susan Woods, Dec. 20 1865. To this union were born five children, one of whom died in infancy.
"He departed this life leaving a wife, one son, Oscar, of Parkersburg, three daughters, Mrs. Lora Traylor, of Claremont, Mrs. Sarah Higgins of Parkersburg, and Mrs. Zella.¹²

     Gideon Willis Ridgely was born on 7 Jan 1871.³ He was the son of James Ridgely and Emma Louise Hedrick.² Gideon Willis Ridgely married (1) Luella May Shirley on 26 Dec 1906 at Norcatur, Decatur County, Kansas.⁴ Gideon Willis Ridgely married (2) Nancy Catherine Clodfelter a 1930.^5,6 Gideon Willis Ridgely married (3) an unknown person at O'Fallon, Illinois.⁷ He died on 16 Nov 1961 at age 90.⁸ He appears in the Social Security Death Index as having died Dec 1975 with the last place of residence listed as Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Gideon Willis's SSN was issued in Wisconsin|21 Dec 1907. .⁹
     Gideon Willis Ridgely appeared on the census of 28 Jan 1920 at Blue Earth, Faribault County, Minnesota, as follows:
     Ridgley, Gideon W., 48, b. Ill., parents b. Ill., laborer at general work
      , Luella M., wife, 36, b. Ill., father b. Ind., mother b. Penn.
      , Mildred, dau., 12, b. Iowa, parents b. Ill.
      , Ethel M., dau., 9 6/12, b. Iowa, parents b. Ill.
      , Sarrah E., 6 9/12, b. Ill., parents b. Ill.
      , Mary L., dau., 2 8/12, b. Minn., parents b. Minn.
      , Florence M., dau., 9/12, b. Minn., parents b. Ill.¹⁰
Gideon Willis Ridgely appeared on the census of 1930 at District 401, West Allis, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, as follows:
     Ridgley, Gideon Head 59 m. at age 35
      , Louella wife 47 m. at age 23
      , Ethel Mildred dau. 20 b. Iowa
      , Emma dau. 17 b. Ill.
      , Mary dau. 13 b. Minnesota
      , Florence dau. 11 b. Minnesota.¹¹

     Rev. Greenbury Ridgely was born in 1755.¹ He was the son of William Ridgely [III] and Mary Orrick.¹ Rev. Greenbury Ridgely died in 1843.¹
     The name Greenberry Ridgely appears in two distinct family lines and its origin in this one appears not to be in descent from the Greenberry family. This Greenberry Ridgely was born 4 July 1754 and married Rachel Ryan on 1 May 1774. She died in 1818 and he married again. He died 17 March 1843 and his obituary appears in the Baltimore American of 22 March 1843. He was one of the first trustees and first minister of one of the first Methodist Churches in America (in Anne Arundel County, near Big Patuxent River).²

     Guy Ridgely was the son of William Henry Ridgely and Irene E. Chittenden. Guy Ridgely died bt 1900 - 1910.²
     Guy appeared on the census enumeration of 1900 at Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri. In fact, he may be mentioned twice in this census, in fact. There are two listings for a Guy Ridgely in Kansas City. According to one listing, he was a Lodger, born June 1878, age 21, single, born in Kansas and employed as a Hotel Keeper. His father's birth place is not given but his mother was born in Illinois. In the other listing, a Guy Ridgely was age 16, born April 1884, a Bell Boy, living with the Hotel Proprietor and was born in Missouri as were his parents..^3,4

     Hannah Ridgely was born. She was the daughter of William Henry Ridgely and Hannah Reed Simmons.
     Hannah Ridgely is named in some of Homer E. Ridgely's notes, with no dates.

     Hannah Ridgely was buried at the Ridgely Family Cemetery, Richland County, Illinois.¹ She was born on 30 May 1848.² She was the daughter of Orrick Ridgely and Nancy Harrison. Hannah Ridgely died on 20 Mar 1849. She is listed in the 1850 mortality census of Richland County as having died in March at the age of 10M of Scarlet Fever.³²

     Hannah Reed Ridgely was born on 8 Jan 1854.² She was the daughter of Henry Davidge Ridgely and Irena Harrison.¹ Hannah Reed Ridgely married Albert Michael, son of Aaron Michael and Martha Blough, on 30 Oct 1878 at Richland County, Illinois.^2,3 Hannah Reed Ridgely died on 11 Mar 1931 at age 77.² She was buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.⁴

     Hattie Belle Ridgely was born on 23 Feb 1881 at Illinois. Her birth place is from the 1930 census.¹ She was the daughter of Russel R. Ridgely and Margaret Jane Keen.¹ Hattie Belle Ridgely married Edward M. Rabe on 1 Sep 1903 at Richland County, Illinois.^1,2,3 Hattie Belle Ridgely died in 1943.⁴ She was buried on 7 Mar 1943.⁴
     Hattie Belle Ridgely and Edward M. Rabe appeared on the census of 1930 at S. Maiin Street, Lamar, Prowers County, Colorado, as follows: Edward M. Rabe, age 54, and wife Hattie B., age 49. He was first married at age 27 and she was 22. He was born in Illinois, his father in Germany and his mother in Illinois. She and her parents were born in Illinois.⁵ As of 1966, Hattie Belle Ridgely and Edward M. Rabe lived at Lamar, Prowers County, Colorado.¹

     Helen Frances Ridgely was born on 11 Nov 1918.¹ She was the daughter of Claude Vernon Ridgely and Bessie Maguire.¹ Helen Frances Ridgely married Francis James Lauerman on 27 Jun 1942 at Gary, Lake County, Indiana.²

     Helen Mae Ridgely was born on 13 Apr 1921 at Richland County, Illinois.^1,2,3 She was the daughter of Homer Edwin Ridgely and Ethel Mae Rash. Helen Mae Ridgely married Homer Edwin Reed on 29 May 1940.¹ Helen Mae Ridgely died on 31 Oct 1992 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Vincennes, Knox County, Indiana, at age 71.^4,5 She was buried on 3 Nov 1992 at Haven Hill Cemetery, Olney, Richland County, Illinois.⁶
     She graduated on 13 May 1939 from Olney Township High School, Olney, Richland County, Illinois.⁷
     Homer was a long time employee of Kroger Company. Helen was a posting machine operator in charge of accounts receivable for Prairie Farms in Olney, Illinois, where she continued to live after her husband's death.²
     Her obituary states: "Helen Reed, 71, of Olney, died Saturday, Oct. 31, 1992, at Good Samaratan Hospital in Vincennes, Ind.
"Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel of Zirkle Funeral Home, with Pastor Carolyn Watkins oficiating. Burial will be in Haven Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday (today).
"Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Olney.
"Mrs. Reed was born April 13, 1921, in Richland County, the daughter of Homer Edwin and Ethel (Rash) Ridgely. She married Homer E. Reed May 29, 1940, in Olney. He preceded her in death Aug. 3, 1978.
"Mrs. Reed was a member of First Christian Church Disciples of Christ and Richland County Genealogical Society. She was a retired bookkeeper from Prairie Farms. She also worked at Olney Carnegie Library.
"Mrs. Reed is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Richard Fears of Muncie, Ind. and Barbara and Floyd Williams of Calhoun; one sister, Esther Hickel of Olney; four grandchildren and four nieces and nephews.
"Mrs. Reed was preceded in death by her parents and husband."⁵

     Henrietta Ridgely was born on 2 Mar 1833.¹ She was the daughter of William Henry Ridgely and Hannah Reed Simmons. Henrietta Ridgely married Charles A. Duncan on 29 Mar 1860 at Wabash County, Illinois. Helen Reed² reports that the Orio church records list the marriage of Henrietta Ridgely to a Duncan without first name or date. The memory of this Duncan appears to have been lost in our family and Henrietta again used the name Ridgely when she re-married.³ Henrietta Ridgely married John B. Parker on 9 Feb 1870 at Wabash County, Illinois.³ Henrietta Ridgely died on 16 Sep 1910 at age 77.⁴ She was buried at Wabash Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Orio, Wabash County, Illinois.^5,6
     Henrietta Ridgely is named in her father's will and list of heirs, in the 1850 census record of Wabash County, in Ref. 1 (b. 2 March 1833), in Ref. 2 as Mrs. Henrietta Parker, and in Ref. 3 (b. 1833).

Henrietta Duncan and Charles A. Duncan appeared on the census of 1860 at Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois, in which the record shows that they had been married within the year. He was age 29 and she was 27. He is probably the Charles Duncan, age 19, b. OH, listed in the family of Alexander Duncan, age 60, b. PA, and Catherine Duncan, age 46, b. Ireland (1850 census, Richland County, Illinois).⁷
     "Henryetta has left her Douken(?) And come home to live."⁸
Henrietta Ridgely appeared on the census of 7 Jul 1870 at Friendsville, Wabash County, Illinois.⁹
Henrietta Parker and John B. Parker appeared on the census of 4 Jun 1880 at the John B. Parker household, Lukin Township, Lawrence County, Illinois. John B. Parker, age 31, was a farmer, born in England, and his wife Henrietta, age 47, was born in Illinois, her father in Maryland and her mother in NY. Her sister Eliza L. Greenhood lived in the household listed just before this couple.¹⁰
Henrietta Parker and John B. Parker appeared on the census of 1900 at the John Parker household, Lukin Township, Lawrence County, Illinois. He was age 53, b. Sep 1856, immigrated in 1869, naturalized, and she, his wife, was age 67, b. Mar 1837. They had been married thirty years. Loyd Ridgely, age 85, b. Aug. 1816 and Samuel Ridgely, b.Nov 1840, age 60, were both single and boarders in the family.¹¹
Henrietta Parker appeared on the census of 1910 at the Levan Fornoff household, Lukin Township, Lawrence County, Illinois. At age 77, Henrietta Parker was a boader in the home of Levan Fornoff and wife Della.¹²

     Henrietta Ridgely was born in Sep 1853 at Wabash County, Illinois.¹ She was the daughter of William Simmons Ridgely and Ann Eliza Crowell. Henrietta Ridgely married (1) Marcellus V. Parish on 20 Aug 1874 at Crawford County, Kansas.² Henrietta Ridgely married (2) David C. Green on 9 Jun 1887.^3,4
     Henrietta Ridgely appeared on the census of 19 Jun 1900 at the David Green household, Washington Township, Crawford County, Kansas. David Green was born in Nov. 1847, in Ohio, age 43, and married for 13 years. Henrietta, his wife, was born Sept. 1853, in Illinois, age 47 and also married for 13 years. Her father was born in Ohio and her mother in Indiana. She was the mother of one living child who was not listed in the household. Stephen S. Ridgely, brother-in-law, b. Mar. 1839, age 61, married ten years, was also listed in this family.⁵
Henrietta Ridgely appeared on the census of 1910 at Alva, Woods County, Oklahoma, as follows:
     David C. Green, age 63, married twice, this time for 22 years, b. Ohio, parents b. Ohio, own income
     Henretta R. Green, wife, age 56, married twice, this time for 22 years, b. Ill., father b. Ohio, m. b. Ind.⁶
     In 1911 she was living in Alva, Oklahoma.³ She is on Lloyd Ridgely's list of heirs as Etta R. Green.⁷⁸
Henrietta Ridgely appeared on the census of 1920 at Girard, Crawford County, Kansas, as follows:
     David C. Green, age 73, b. Ohio, parents b. Ohio
     Henrietta, age 66, b. Illinois, father b. Ohio, mother b. Ind.⁹
     Although the biographical listing quoted for David C. Green states that he married Miss Henrietta Ridgely, the 1910 census says that both had been married twice and the 1900 census shows that she had one child who was still living.

     Henrietta Ridgely was born on 23 Apr 1903.^1,2 She was the daughter of George William Ridgely and Susan Emma Cotton.¹ Henrietta Ridgely married Albert William Carey on 26 Oct 1925.¹ Henrietta Ridgely died on 28 Sep 1991 at age 88. An SSDI entry also shows these birth and death dates.³ She was buried at Orio Cemetery, Friendsville Precinct, Wabash County, Illinois.^4,5

     Henrietta Ridgely married Isaac Ludley.¹ Henrietta Ridgely was born c 1785. She was the daughter of Henry Ridgely and Rachel Griffith.

     Henry Ridgely was born at Anne Arundel County, Maryland. He was the son of William Ridgely [III] and Mary Orrick. Henry Ridgely married Rachel Griffith, daughter of Charles Griffith and Anne Davidge, b 1778. Henry Ridgely died in 1799 at Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
      There are two Henry Ridgelys in the 1790 census of Anne Arundel County, Md.
     Henry Ridgley 2 - 2 - 26
     Henry Ridgley 3 2 6 - 3
The latter is probably the record of the Henry who died in 1799 and it indicates 3 males over 16, 2 males under 16, 6 females, 3 slaves. This is not in complete agreement with the known facts about the family. Three of the four youngest children were yet unborn but there are two extra males over age 16 who may have been other relatives or employees living with the family. Charles and William would have been the males under 16. The six women would have been Rachel (wife), Achsah, Anne, Eleanor, Henrietta and Rachel (daughters).
The will of another Henry Ridgely was probated in 1791. His executor was his son Henry. His estate included 19 slaves and he is probably the other Henry Ridgely in the 1790 census. His estate settlement continued after 1800 and these records must be separated from those of Henry Ridgely whose administratrix was his widow, Rachel Ridgely.
In a deed made 22 Sept 1795, Henry Ridgely, a blacksmith, purchased part of a tract of land called Jacob's Discovery from Dorsey Jacob for sixty-seven pounds.
"... Jacob's Discovery, beginning for the same at an old bounded chestnut stump partly burnt down standing on the south west side of a branch and at the distance of about five perches there from and running south eighty eight degrees and forty five minutes, west ninety three perches, then south forty five degrees, west twenty one perches and a half, then East by South eighty one perches and a half, then South forty six degrees, East one hundred perches then North eighty eight degrees and fifteen minutes, East thirteen perches, then North sixteen degrees and fifteen minutes, west one hundred and twelve perches and one quarter of a perch then with a line drawn west to the beginning containing thirty three and one half acres of Land ..." Jacob's Discovery had been patented to Dorsey Jacob in 1795.
      On 16 Feb 1797, a Henry Ridgely advertised his plantation in the Maryland Gazette (Annapolis) as follows:
"I offer for sale my PLANTATION near this city, it contains two hundred and thirty-seven acres, about one half thereof in wood, it borders on the Severn River, and is situate between two and three miles from this city. There are several very beautiful situations and prospects, commanding a view of the river and bay. The improvements are, an overseer's house, a kitchen, and a new framed barn. It has also several springs of excellent water. Possession may be had immediately.
Henry Ridgely"

This ad was repeated as late as August of that year. This may not have been the Henry Ridgely who died in 1799, but compare the above description with that in his estate filed in 1800.
     The bond for the administration of the estate of Heny Ridgely is dated 14 Nov. 1799 and filed in Liber J. G. No. 3, folio 242 at the Hall of Records in Annapolis, Md. The administratrix was Rachel Ridgely, who gave John Ridgely and Charles Griffith as sureties.
"Maryland Court. Know all men by these presents that we Rachel Ridgely, John Ridgely, and Charles Griffith all of Anne Arundel County are held and firmly bound unto the State of Maryland in the full and just sum of one thousand pounds current money, to which payment well and truly to be made and done We bind ourselves, our and every of our Heirs, Executors and Administrators in the whole and for the whole jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our Seals and dated this fourteenth Day of November in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and ninety-nine -- the Condition of the above Obligation is such that if the above bounden Rachel Ridgely shall well and truly perform the office of administratrix of Henry Ridgely late of Anne Arundel County deceased, according to the Law, and shall in all respects discharge the duties of her required by Law, as administratrix aforesaid, without any injury or damage to any person interested in the faithful performance of the said Office, then the above Obligation shall be void, it is otherwise to be in full force and virtue in Law.
Rachel Ridgely (seal)
John Ridgely (seal)
Charles Griffith (seal)
Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of Jno Gassaway.


     Mrs. Bernice Bushfield of Toronto, Ohio, has shown a considerable degree of interrelationship among the people mentioned in Henry Ridgely's estate and that many relatives on both the Ridgely and Griffith sides of the family were early settlers in what is now Ohio county, West Virginia. Beal Pumphrey was a son of Sophia (Ridgely) Pumphrey and a nephew of Henry Ridgely. Richard Boone married Cordelia, daughter of Mary (Ridgely) Pumphrey. Cordelia was a niece of Henry Ridgely. Charles Waters was a brother-in-law of Richard Boone. Mrs. Bushfield also located two further records of this Henry Ridgely family in what is now West Virginia, formerly Virginia. In Deed Book 2, p. 51, (Brooke County, W. Va.) is an indenture dated 28 Dec. 1799: "Beal Pumphrey and Elizabeth, his wife, county of Brooke of one part and heirs of Henry Ridgely deceased, of Anurandel County, State of Maryland ... in consideration of $2,496 to them paid by the said heirs of Henry Ridgely ... a certain tract of land situate in Brooke Co. ... Bounded by Joseph Hedges, William Boners, John Dual [sic] and Wm. Dunlap land contains 206 acres by deed 208 acres by accurate survey for which their is a title obtained from the Commissioners for adjusting the claims to unpatented lands in the county of Monongalia, Yohogania and Ohio, in the names of Jemimia White, now Ogle & Elizabeth Meeks, now Pumphrey whose title is forever quitclaimed to the said Jemima Ogle, Joseph Ogle, attorney for Joseph and Jane Ogle". The tract was back of Beech Bottom on the ridge running to West Liberty. In Feb. 1815, William and Hannah Ridgely sold all their undivided tenth part interest in this land.¹
      The family appears in the 1800 census, after the death of Henry.

Rachel Ridgely
2 males under 10 2 females under 10
1 male 10 to 16 2 females 10 to 16
1 male 16 to 26 2 females 16 t0 26
1 female over 45
and one slave

The male ten to sixteen years of age would be William Henry Ridgely.

      Henry Ridgely's grave has not been found. He lived "on the Head of Magothy river". The following note may apply to this man: "On December 18, 1794, Francis Cromwell sold to Nathan Williams, Henry Ridgely, John Cromwell, William Maccubbin, Zachariah Ashby, Richard Boone, and Charles Waters one acre of land at the head of Rock Creek for the purpose of erecting a Methodist Meeting House. This was the beginning of the Magothy Meeting House or the Magothy Methodist church as it is called today.² Many of these people are mentioned in the records with Henry Ridgely. The Magothy M. E. Church and graveyard and also the Temperance Hall can be found in an 1878 Atlas.³ The only opportunity I have had to search this graveyard came during a cold January, 1958, downpour. I got quite wet and cold, but my search was not satisfactorily thorough.

The historical marker placed at this church in 1977 reads: "Magothy Methodist Church, One of the first Methodist Societies in Anne Arundel County. Log church originally erected on tract acquired in 1764, now the cemetery. Bishop Francis Asbury preached here August 27, 1777. Church built on present site in 1859 was destroyed by fire in 1886. Rebuilt as it now stands, 1887".⁴
      The following is from the Proceedings of the Court, 1797 - 1805:
"At a meeting of the Orphans Court for Anne Arundel County on the Second Tuesday of April 1800 being the 8th day of same month were present
The Worshipful James Mackubin
Jonathan Pinkney Esquire

Rachel Ridgely comes into court and prays to be appointed guardian to Anne, Eleanor, Henrietta, William, Rachel, Sarah, Nicholas and Davidge Ridgely, and the said Rachel Ridgely offers John Ridgely and Charles Griffith as sureties, which sureties the court approves of and orders that bond be taken in the sum of £500 .... "
     The guardian bonds were filed the same day, 8 April 1800, in the following form: (recorded in Liber J. G. 3, folios 258 - 263 and filed in Box 47, folder 37, Hall of Records, Annapolis, Maryland):
"Maryland ___ Ct. Know all men by these presents that we Rachel Ridgely, John Ridgely and Charles Griffith -- all of Anne Arundel County are held and firmly bound unto the State of Maryland in the full and just sum of Five hundred Pounds current money, to which payment well and truly to be made and done, we bind ourselves and every of us, our and every of our Heirs, Executors and Administrators, in the whole and for the whole, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our Seals and dated this eighth Day of April in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred.
The condition of the above obligation is such that if the above bounden Rachel Ridgely as Guardian to William Ridgely of Anne Arundel County shall faithfully account with the Orphans Court of Anne Arundel County as directed by Law for the management of the Property and Estate of the Orphan under her care, and shall also deliver up the said property agreeable to the order of the said Court or the direction of Law, and shall in all respects perform the Duty of Guardian to the said William Ridgely according to law. Then the above obligation shall cease it shall otherwise remain in full force and virtue in Law
her
Signed and sealed in the (Sign) Rachel + Ridgely (seal)
presence of Jno. Gassaway mark
John Ridgely (seal)
Charles Griffith (seal)"

Bonds were file for (1) Davidge Griffith Ridgely, (2) Rachel Ridgely, (3) Nicholas Ridgely, (4) Henrietta Ridgely, (5) William, (6) Eleanor, (7) Anne and (8) Sarah. William's bond was recorded on folio 261.
     Box 47, folder 43 (Hall of Records, Annapolis, Md.) contains the return of the evaluation of the property belonging to the orphans of Henry Ridgely. It was filed 12 June 1800.
"Whereas we the Subscribers whose Names are hereunto subscribed being appointed by the orphan's court of Anne Arundel County, being first duly qualified on the 26 day of May, after Examining the premises of Henry Ridgely late of Anne Arundel deceased do make the Following Return of the estate of Ann, Eleanor, Henrietta, William, Rachel, Sarah, Nicholas and Davidge Griffith Ridgely orphans of the aforesaid Henry Ridgely 221 acres of land, 85 acres land under fencing in tolerable Repair and in cultivation 31 acres cut down 115 in woods. The Principle dwelling house 16 feet wide by 36 feet long part frame and part logs out of repair, one frame barn 16 by 20 out of Repair one corn house 12 by fifteen in tolerable repair, one Meet house 8 by 10 new one Smith's shop 16 by 18 out one log kitchen 12 by 16 much out of Repair one log dwelling house 16 by 20 in tolerable repair one garden enclosed with common pailing 100 feet Squear a young baring Apple Orchard consisting of 120 trees 4 small work horses and one three year old colt 6 grown horned cattle, and six yearlings, 2 sows and fifteen shoats, 5 sheep and good cart, 2 old plows gears etc
Value annually exclusive of the assessment widows thirds and the Heirs parts that is of age considered, we assert it to be fifty two Dollars and fifty one cents.
The words exclusive of Francis Cromwell
first inserted Chas. Waters"

The attached appointment to make this evaluation was given by Jno. Gassaway, Register of Wills, Anne Arundel County. On the back of the above return was the folllowing incorrect arithmetic which helps in the interpretation of the document.
85
115
--------
190
31
--------
221.

     Quoting again from the Proceedings of the Court, 1797 - 1805 (18 July 1800)

"The Court direct agreeably to the Petition of Rachel Ridgely, administratrix of Henry Ridgely late of Anne Arundel County deceased that the said Rachel Ridgely make Sale of the personal property of the deceased for the payment of his Debts and that she return the sale thereof to this court for ratification."
In preparation for the sale, the following notice appeared in the Maryland Gazette (Annapolis) on 24 July, 31 July and 7 Aug. 1800"
"Pursuant to an order of the orphans court of Ann Arundel County, will be SOLD for ready money, at PUBLIC SALE, on Thursday the 14th day of August next, if fair, if not, the first fair day, at the place formerly belonging to HENRY RIDGELY deceased, consisting of stock of all kinds, household furniture, etc. The sale to commence at 10 o'clock in the morning.
July 22, 1800 Rachel Ridgely, Administratrix."
Box 48, folder 4 (Hall of Records, Annapolis, Md.) contains the inventory of the estate and an account of a sale held 14 Aug. 1800. The inventory shows a total value of $1497.12 and included no slaves. Rachel Ridgely was the executrix and the following notation appears on the inventory
Kindred Appraisers
Greenberry Ridgely Francis Cromwell
John Ridgely Nathaniel Hancock
Creditors
Chas. Waters
Phil--- Watts

The "Kindred" notation is a very valuable clue in the indentification of this Henry Ridgely.

Additional sales were held. In the Maryland Gazette for 12 Feb. 1801 the following notice appeared:

"Will be SOLD at PUBLIC SALE, on Wednesday the 25th day of March next, if fair, if not the first fair day, at the late dwelling house of HENRY RIDGELY, deceased, on the head of Magothy river,
All the PERSONAL PROPERTY of the deceased, consisting of some valuable stock of all kinds, household and kitchen furniture, farming utensils and two sets of blacksmiths tools. The above property will be sold for cash only, the sale to begin at 9 o'clock. Rachel Ridgely, Executrix"

This note was dated 5 Feb. 1801 and appeared again in the issues of 19 Feb., 26 Feb., and 5 March.

Sales were reported to the court on 1 Aug. 1801 (recorded in JG 3, p. 488ff and filed in Box 53, folder 24, Hall of Records, Annapolis). Sales held on 2 Oct. 1800 and 5 May 1801 are also mentioned. One item that sold was four lots of old iron. The listing required several pages. Some of the names in the report are: Walter Pumphrey, John Boone, Rachel Ridgely, John Ridgely, Robert Griffith, Acshah Ridgely, Charles Ridgely, Charles Waters, Amasa Linthicum, Mary P. Ridgely, and James Maccubbin. Mention is also made of 234 pounds due Beal Pumphrey and paid to Richard Boone for him. Money was also due to Peregrine Ridgely.
A note to Beal Pumphrey was the cause of further revealing records:
"This my note shall oblige me my heirs Executors administrators and assigns to pay or cause to be paid unto Beal Pumphrey his heirs or assigns the just and full sum of six hundred and twenty four dollars on or before the first day of November 1800 it being for value received with legal interest from the 1 day of November 1799 as witness my hand and seal this thirteenth day of October 1798
Henry Ridgely (SEAL)
witness Richard Boone"
On the back of Henry Ridgely's note was the date 28 Dec. 1799 and it was signed over to Charles Waters "12 Day of November 1801".
The following was filed 20 May 1802 (Chancery Papers 5541, Hall of Records, Annapolis, Maryland)
"To the Honorable Alexander Contee Hanson Esquire Chancellor of Maryland
The bill of complaint of Charles Waters of Ann Arundel County represents that Henry Ridgely of the same county died intestate sometime about the year seventeen hundred and ninety-nine without leaving sufficient personal properety and seised in fee of a tract of land situate in the said county -- that he was indetted to your complainant in the sum of six hundred and twenty four dollars with interest from the first day of November seventeen hundred ninety nine on a note executed by the said Henry Ridgely to one Beal Pumphrey on the thirteenth day of October 1798 and which note was for value received on the 28th November 1799 assigned to your complainant.
"He further states that the said Henry Ridgely left the following children to wit, Achsah married to Brittanham Clarage, Charles Ridgely, Anne Ridgely who are of age [and] Elenor, Henrietta, William, Sarah, Rachel, Nicholas, Davidge Griffith Ridgely all minors and all reside in Ann Arundel County --
"In Consideration of which and inasmuch as relief can only be had in this court were[where?] cases of this nature are congizable and where the land that has descended to minors may be made liable to their ancestors debts, and to the end that the said Achsah Clarage, Britenham Clarage, Charles Ridgely, Ann Ridgely, Elenor Ridgely, Henrietta Ridgely, [Ann Ridgely, marked out] William Ridgely, Rachel Ridgely, Sarah Ridgely, Nicholas Ridgely Davidge Griffith Ridgely of Ann Arundel County commanding them and each of them to be and appear in this Court to answer the premises[?] and that you will decree a sale of the land descended as aforesaid or so much thereof as may be necessary for the payment of his debts and grant such such [sic] other relief as the nature of the case demands. Jno. Johnson"

On 19 May 1803, Alexander Contee Hanson, Chancellor, issued a decree that the land be sold, appointing Francis Cromwell of Ann Arundel County as trustee for making the sale and laying out the conditions for posting bond, making the sale, and reporting back to the court.

An answer is included in which the children and son-in-law admit to the facts as stated. This suit is also recorded in Liber 56, folio 14: Waters, Charles vs. Britanham Clarage and Ashsah uxr, Charles, Ann, Eleanor, Henrietta, Willliam, Rachel, Sarah, Nicholas, and David [sic] G. Ridgely. There is a Bill, Answer, Trustees Report, and Auditors Report. Jacobs Discovery and Piney Grove are mentioned. Francis Cromwell was one of the Trustees.
      In Chancery, February term, 1803, Francis Cromwell, as trustee, was required to insert a sale notice in the Maryland Gazette. On 23 Nov. 1803, the trustees, including Cromwell, filed a report that "Jacob's Discovery supposed to contain 40 1/2 acres at and for the price of $11.06 per acre and Piney Grove supposed to contain 222.75 acres and thirteen perches at and for the price of six dollars and ninety six cents per acre had been sold to Charles Waters of Anne Arundel Co." The sale had been made on the eighth day of the previous August.⁵
     On 14 Nov. 1804, Robt. Denney, Auditor of the Court of Chancery, reported the account between the estate of Henry Ridgely, deceased, and the Trustee as having a value of 732.17.0 (or $1954.26) from the sale of the two parcels of land mentioned above with a balance of 390.9.18, after the Court costs, Auditor's fee, and the claimants claim had been paid. Monetary amounts in this account are variously stated in lbs. Tobacco, dollars, or pounds, shillings, and pence. As an example, the Attorney fee was 600 lbs Tobacco or £3 15s and "seals and taxes" were 300 lbs Tobacco or £1.17.6. Thus there were 12 pence to the shilling, 20 shillings to the pound and the price of tobacco was 12 shillings 6 pence per hundred weight. The dollar was apparently worth 7s 6p.
The account was dated the day of the sale, 8 Aug. 1803, and Charles Waters, the asignee of Beale Pumphrey, was given £234.0.0 with interest "from November 1, 1799 to this day, 3 years 9 mo. 7 days" (or £52.18.4). The interest may have been calculated as 6 percent simple interest. [Chancery Papers 5541]
Each of the ten children, by name, received a tenth part of the balance or £39.0.11 6/10. None of the land proceeds went to the widow.
     The final account of this estate is in Box 41, folder 70, and The Balance and Distribution (see below) is in Box 72, folder 1 (Hall of Records, Annapolis, Md.) Both records were made in 1805.

"Henry Ridgely his distribution 14th Feby. 1805
Anne Arundel Ct. the
14 day of February 1805

to the balance of your final
account passed this day
amounting to - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - £ 162--2--7
John Ridgely and Charles Griffith
Sureties on the Admr.

Memdm. Their is a List of debts
returned as desperate that when collected
will be accounted for amounting to - - - - - - - £ 31--13--77

Mrs. Rachel Ridgely administratrix
of Henry Ridgely late of Anne Arundel
County Deceased

D. Cr. by distribution is as follows Vizt.
to Rachel Ridgely, the widow of the
deceased one third of the
balance £ 54--0--10 1/4

To Acshah Claridge one tenth
part of the balance after the widows
thirds being deducted therefrom is - - - - - - - 10-16-2

to Charles Ridgely, Anne Maccubin,
Eleanor Maccubbin, Henrietta Ridgely,
Rachel Ridgely, Sarah Ridgely, William Ridgely,
Nicholas Ridgely, Davidge G. Ridgely ditto

to fractional parts remaining to
be accounted for - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3/4

Balance of estate accounted for £ 162-2-7

Jno Gassaway Reg. Wills
Anne Arundel County.


     The conclusion that the Henry Ridgely, son of William Ridgely III, was the same as the Henry Ridgely who died intestate in 1799 is based on the following points:
1. The names Greenberrry Ridgely and John Ridgely appear as kindred on the estate inventory of Henry Ridgely who died in 1799.⁶ These are the names of three of the sons of William Ridgely III.
2. The use of the name William and especially the unusual name Orrick among the descendants of Henry Ridgely, d. 1799, argues strongly for a connection with William Ridgely III whose wife was Mary Orrick.
3. William Ridgely III left part of Piney Grove to his sons John, Henry, and Greenberry jointly. A tract of land of this name was in the estate of the Henry Ridgely, d. 1799. (However, Piney Grove must have originally been a large tract and by this time belonged, in part, to several people. It was a tract of 530 acres when patented to Phillip Hammond in 1730.)
4. The chronology is feasible, but requires further support. The second known child of the Henry Ridgely who died in 1799 was born in 1779, implying that Henry was born by about 1756. The 1800 census indicates that Rachel was born by about 1755 and Henry was likely to have been somewhat older.
William Ridgely III married in 1726 and had ten children before writing his will in 1768, at which time at least the five daughers were married. His son, Henry Ridgely, was surely twenty-one or over when he came to probate the estate in 1778. He appears to have been a younger son, but older than Greenberry, born in 1754. This is in good agreement with the estimated birth date for the Henry Ridgely who died in 1799. (Note that it is also possible to insert a generation here, making the Henry Ridgely, d. 1799, a grandson of William III. No supporting evidence is known, however.)
5. Other names appearing in the estate papers of Henry Ridgely, d. 1799, can be shown to be closely related to Henry, son of William III. For example¹: Mary P. Ridgely, sister-in-law; Beal Pumphrey, nephew; Richard Boone, nephew-in-law; Peregrine Ridgely, probably nephew; Charles Waters, married a half-sister of Richard Boone.
6. No other identification of Henry Ridgely, son of William, or of Henry, d. 1799, is known to have been made nor has any conflicting evidence been found.
      The foregoing records constitute conclusive proof that William Henry Ridgely of Wabash County, Illinois, was the son of Henry Ridgely who died in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, in 1799, and his wife Rachel Griffith.

     Henry Ridgely was born c 1851, as estimated from the two numbers I have. He was the son of William Simmons Ridgely and Ann Eliza Crowell. Henry Ridgely died on 28 Apr 1855.¹
     My presumption is that he was born and died between census years and before his brother William Henry was born. He may well be the deceased twin mentioned in the Knight letters: "Mr. Ridgely's twin Henry died of worms April 28th [1855]."² and perhaps he was a twin of Henrietta. If so, however, he did not survive until the estimated age of 4.³

     Henry Davidge Ridgely was born on 8 May 1813 at Virginia.^1,2 He was the son of William Henry Ridgely and Hannah Reed Simmons. Henry Davidge Ridgely married Irena Harrison, daughter of John Harrison and Nancy Higgins, on 16 Aug 1839.³ Henry Davidge Ridgely died on 21 Feb 1885 at Richland County, Illinois, at age 71.⁴ He was buried on 23 Feb 1885 at the Ridgely Family Cemetery, Richland County, Illinois.⁵
     Henry Davidge Ridgely appeared on the census of 1840 at Wabash County, Illinois, as follows:
     Henry D. Ridgely 1 male 20-30, 1 female 15-30.⁶
Henry Davidge Ridgely appeared on the census of 29 Oct 1850 at Richland County, Illinois, as follows:
     1170/1175 Henry D. Ridgley, 37, farmer, b. Virginia
      Irena Ridgley, 27, b. Illis.
      Wm. Ridgley, 9, b. Illis.
      Sarah E., 5, b. Illis.
      Robert Ridgley, 3, b. Illis.
      Mary Ridgley, 5/12, b. Illiis.
      Russel Harrison, 16, farmer, b. Illis.
     [The two Harrisons were brothers of Irene. Their father was dead.]
      George N. Harrison, 24, laybourer, b. Illis.⁷
Henry and Irena Ridgely appeared on the census of 18 Jun 1880 at Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.
     205/208 Ridgely, Henry D. 67, farmer, paralysis, b. Ill., f. b. Md., mother b. NY
      , Irena, 58, wife, keeping house, b. Ill, parents b. NY
      , Sarah 36, dau., at home, b. Ill., parents b. Ill.
      , Mary 30, dau., at home, b. Ill., parents b. Ill.
      , John H. 20, son, farmer, b. Ill., parents b. Ill.⁸
     "Uncle Henry D. was a money maker. Your grandfather Oscar told me one time that when the carpenters began building his (Henry's) barn uncle H D began making barrels at the same time. When the carpenters were through uncle H D had earned enough money to pay them. It was a good sized barn. I saw it many times as I passed by going to school.
"I was told one time that once a man came to our grandfather Orrick and wanted to borrow money and give a mortgage (on his home I think). Grandfather told the man that he did not take mortgages but for him to go to Henry he would."⁹ A biographical sketch of Henry D. Ridgely says:
"HENRY D. RIDGELY was born May 8, 1813, in Virginia. When a child he came to Wabash County, Ill., with his parents, and was raised there on a farm, assisting his father until the age of twenty-one. He then took up the cooper's trade,which he followed for several years, after which he purchased 240 acres of land, selling it afterwards, and in 1838 coming to this section. On his arrival here he bought 160 acres of land, and during the war he owned over 1600 acres. He has probably handled more land than any other man in the county. In 1839, he was married to Irena Harrison, who was born in Wabash County, in 1822. Ten children, eight of whom are living, have been born to them -- two sons and six daughters -- as follows, to wit: Robert (now a merchant at Parkersburg, this county); John (an assistant on the farm); Sarah E., Mary (now Mrs. James Parker); Ellen (now Mrs. Talley); Hannah (now Mrs. Michaels); Nancy Ann (now Mrs. Smith); Elsie J. (now Mrs. Staninger). He and Mrs. Ridgely are members of the Christian Church."¹⁰

Henry D. Ridgely had several land grants in Richland County. Among there were the SW1/4SE1/4 Section 30 Town 2 North Range 12 West (16 Sept. 1853), SW1/4Sw1/4 (23 Aug. 1853) and NW1/4SW1/4 (3 Dec. 1881) of Section 30 T2N R14W.¹¹

The wills of Henry D. and Irene Ridgely are recorded in Will Book B, Richland County, Ill.
     His obituary was published in the Olney Advocate for Wednesday, 25 Feb 1885 and stated that Mr. Henry Ridgely of Parkersburg, father of Robert Ridgely, had died suddenly Saturday evening and the funeral was held Monday morning.¹²

     Homer Edwin Ridgely was born on 30 Sep 1897 at Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.² He was the son of Ira Oscar Ridgely and Maranda Bowers.¹ Homer Edwin Ridgely married (1) Ethel Mae Rash, daughter of James Milton Rash and Mae Belle Albin, on 16 Mar 1919 at the James Rash Home, Richland County, Illinois, at 11 a. m..³ Homer Edwin Ridgely died on 8 Mar 1973 at age 75.⁴ He was buried on 10 Mar 1973 at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.⁵
     In 1912-1913, Homer was enrolled in District 69, Red Head, grade 8, age 16, and atttended 57.5 days.⁶
     Homer attended Red Head School through the eight grades, and when old enough, he obtained a teaching certificate. Beginning in 1916, he taught school for three years. His first term was for 7 months at Oak Grove School for which he recieved $40 per month.⁷ His Teacher's Certificate from the Richland County Superintendent was dated 1 July 1916 and was valid for two years. It was obtained under "Plan I By Examination in Reading, Orthography, Penmanship, Arithmetic, Grammar, Geography, United States History, Illinois History, Civics, Physiology, Pedagogy, Elementary Science and the Principles and Methods of the State Course of Study."⁸
     On 12 Sep 1916, Homer Ridgely wrote, on a penny postcard, to Howard Ridgely at Sumner, saying in part: "Well one day of school is over and another will soon begin. am getting along fine so far. had only 16 present yesterday ???? one or two more today."⁹
     On 5 April, 1917, Oak Grove School held a "Get Together" meeting for and by the community. Dow A. Ridgely was on the school board and Homer was the teacher. Talks were given by several members of the community including:
2. Object of Meeting -- Dow A. Ridgely
3. Benefits Derived from Boys' Corn Contests -- Homer E. Ridgely
12. Value of the Farm Garden as a Money Saver and Food Procucer -- Mrs. Oscar Ridgely.¹⁰
He registered with the World War I Selective Service System on 12 Sep 1918 at Olney, Richland County, Illinois. He described himself as living on RFD #1, Parkersburg, Richland County, Illinois, age 20, born 30 Sep 1897, and his occupation was farming for himself. He was medium in height, medium in build, with gray eyes and had dark hair. His closest relative was Oscar Ridgely of RFD #1, Parkersburg.¹¹
     "Homer Ridgely and Miss Ethel Rash were married at the bride's parents Sunday morning at eleven o'clock, Rev. Guy Bond, pastor of the U. B. church, officiating. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Rash. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Ridgley [sic]. This splendid couple are model young people and have lived in this community all their lives and have many friends. Everyone wishes them a long and happy prosperous life. After the wedding ceremony was performed an elegant dinner was served. The guests were Mrs. and Mrs. Oscar Ridgely and family, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rothrock, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Rash, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Albin and family, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hedrick and family, Misses Elsie Weesner, Addie Koertge, Evelyn Bowers, Messrs. Howard Ridgley, Ralph Ridgley, Howard Koertge, Howard Lambrecht, and Oral Bond."¹²
     Following his marriage, he and Ethel went to a farm west of Olney and later to his grandmother's farm south of Sumner, Illinois. In 1925, he and his family moved to Olney. He never farmed again, although at the time of his death he owned a farm east of Parkersburg.
In Olney, he was first employed by Murray Hardware Store. In 1930, he was elected on the Republican ticket to the office of Richland County Treasurer and served a four year term. For several years he was cashier at the Olney Trust Bank.¹³
Homer Edwin Ridgely and Ethel Mae Rash appeared on the census of 9 Jan 1920 at Olney Township, Richland County, Illinois, as follows: Homer E., age 22, and Ethel M, age 20, were listed under the name Ridegly, renting a farm.¹⁴
     "Homer Ridgely for Treasurer
"Homer Ridgely is announced this week as a candidate for County Treasurer, subject to the Republican primary election April 8. Mr. Ridgely is one of Richland county's finest young men. At present he is employed in the Geo. P. Kaley Clothing & Shoe Co. store where he has been for the past three years. Previous to that time he was a clerk in the Murray hardware store, serving in that capacity for a year.
"He was born on a farm and followed that line until he was importuned to take up the work in Olney's stores. Because of his genial disposition, accomodating ways and likeable qualities he was one of the most successful clerks in the city.
"If nominated by the Republicans he will make an active canvass of the county and his election will be assured."¹⁵
Homer Edwin Ridgely appeared on the census of 14 Apr 1930 at First Ward, Olney City, Richland County, Illinois, as follows:
     Ridgley, Homer E., age 32, first married at 21
      , Ethel M., age 31, first married at 19
      , Helen M., age 8, dau.
      , Esther F., age 4, dau.
     Homer was listed as a census enumerator for the U. S. Government. Nina Cummings, age 69, widow, was living at the same address. Homer and Nina are both listed as owners.¹⁶
     Uncle Homer investigated the Ridgely family history during the time he worked at the Richland County Court House. His records and correspondence helped me get started when I began to do the same thing, years later. An unidentified clipping among the papers of Clara Belle Moore of Parkersburg, Illinois, includes the name of Homer E. Ridgely among the trustees of the Disciples of Christ church who lost their claim to ownership of the "new Elm Street Christian Church, in Olney ... settled yesterday in Richland County Circuit Court when Judge Randall S. Quindry of Fairfield ruled in favor of the Elm St. Christian Church ...." . ... "The suit here is believed to have represented the largest volume of paper work of any legal action in Richland County history."
     "SOCIETY. Ridgely -- Craven
"Clinton, Ill. Journal: Mrs. Helen Craven, 104 East VanBuren Street, and Homer E. Ridgely of Olney, were married Saturday, May 4, at 8 p. m. in the chapel of The First Christian church.
"Mr. and Mrs. John K. Herrington, Clinton, brother-in-law and sister of the bride, were attendants for the ceremony performed by Winston Zastrow, minister.
"A small reception followed in the Herrington home, 104 North Mulberry Street.
"After May 25, the couple will make their home at 528 East Chestnut Street, Olney.
"Mrs. Ridgely was reporter for The Clinton Daily Journal and Public before her retirement April 27.
"Mr. Ridgely is a retired farmer and was in the feed and hatchery business in Olney. He served as country [sic] treasurer of Richland County four years, was on the board of supervisors two terms, and was just appointed the Republican member of the Richland County Board of Review for this year. Mr. Ridgely is also associated with the Winters Abstract & Title Co. of Olney.
Upon her recent retirement, Clinton business and professional people and county officials held a surprise party for her at the courthouse, presented her with a gift, a $100 U. S. Saving Bond. An office party in her honor was held May 10."¹⁷
     "Homer E. Ridgely has been employed as one of the four radio operators at the Olney City Police Department and has begun his duties."¹⁸
     His obituary states:
     "Homer E. Ridgely, 75, of Oblong, formerly of Olney, died early this morning at the Richland Memorial Hospital following an illness of several months.
"He was born in Bonpas Township September 30, 1897, a son of Oscar and Maranda BowersRidgely. He was first married to Ethel M. Rash on March 16, 1919 who preceded him in death on August 8, 1962. On April 14, 1971 he was united with Mrs. Pearl Easterday Wilson, who survives.
"He was a former rural teacher in Bonpas Township, served as Richland County Treasurer from 1930-34, served two terms as a member of the Richland County Board of Supervisors, 1945-1953, Richland County Board of Review, and radio operator for the city of Olney.
"He was a member of Richland Lodge No. 180 IOOF, Olney Encampment No. 61, Rebekah Lodge No. 201, and a member of Olney First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, where he had served as an elder, trustee and teacher.
"Besides his wife, Pearl, he is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Helen Reed and Mrs. Esther Hickel, both of Olney; one brother, George H. Ridgely of Parkersburg; three sisters, Mrs. Leah McNamara of Arkadelphia, Ark., Mrs. Lois Murphy of Route 3, Robinson; and Mrs. Doris Olds of Route 4, Olney; 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grand children; 3 step children, James J. and Robert A. Wright, both of Sumner, Mrs. Wanda Bell of Chillicothe, Illinois, 8 step-grandchildren and 10 step-great-granchildren.
"Services will be held Saturday at 2:00 p. m. in the Chapel of the Zirkle Funeral Home with Rev. Arthur Ritchey officiating assisted by Rev. LaVerl Cook. Interment will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday."¹⁹

     Ilene E. Ridgely was born on 4 Oct 1912.¹ She was the daughter of Dow A. Ridgely and Pearl C. Forney.¹ Ilene E. Ridgely died on 8 Feb 2003 at age 90.³
     She and Irene Delila Ridgely were twins.
     Her obituary states:
     "Ilene E. Ridgely, 90, of Parkersburg, died at 4:25 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2003 at Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney.
"Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Ingram Funeral Home in West Salem. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Walnut Grove Church of the Brethern [sic] near Parkersburg.
"Burial will be in Walnut Grove Church Cemetery.
"Miss Ridgely was born on October 4, 1912, in Richland County, the daughter of Dow and Pearl (Forney) Ridgley.
"She graduated from college with a master's degree in Home Economics and taught school for 40 years. She was a member of Walnut Grove Church of the Brethren and took care of the church cemetery for 25 years. She loved to quilt and gave one to every member of her family. She was also a horse lover and raised her favorite horse, Phil, on a bottle.
"Miss Ridgely is survived by one sister, Bertha Polzin, of Saginaw, Mich; and three brothers, Claybourne Ridgely and his wife Alice, of Schererville, Ind., Kenneth Ridgely and his wife, Mabel, of Olney, and Daniel Ridgely and his wife, Faye, of Parkersburg.
"She was preceded in death by her parents, a twin sister, Irene, and a sister, Carol Marie.
"Memorials may be made to Heifer Project or Habitat Foundation."⁴

     Imogene Olga Ridgely was born on 9 Mar 1917 at Richland County, Illinois.^2,3 She was the daughter of Ira Dennis Ridgely and Mary Blanche Schmidt.¹ Imogene Olga Ridgely married Harry Harold Fishel on 28 Sep 1940 at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.^1,4 Imogene Olga Ridgely died on 20 Feb 2002 at Edwards County, Illinois, at age 84.⁵ She appears in the Social Security Death Index as having died 20 Feb 2002 with the last place of residence listed as West Salem, Edwards County, Illinois. Imogene Olga's SSN was issued in Illinois|9 Mar 1917. .⁶ She was buried at Moravian Church Cemetery, West Salem, Edwards County, Illinois.⁵
     "Imogene Fishel, 84, of West Salem, died at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2002, at her home in rural West Salem.
"Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Moravian Church in West Salem, with burial in the Moravian Cemetery.
"She was born Mar. 9, 1917, in Richland County; the daughter of Ira and Mary (Ridgely) Schmidt. [sic]
"She married Harry Fishel on Sept. 28, 1940, in Wisconsin.
"She was a homemaker, worked at Johnny Manufacturing in Albion, the coil factory in Albion, was a short order cook for the Stop and Shop in West Salem, and worked in the homes of young mothers. She was a member of the Moravian Church in West Salem.
"Survivors include one daughter, Donna Keener and husband, Patrick of West Salem; John D. and wife Wanda Fishel of West Salem, two granddaughters, Bethany Rotramel and Miranda Fishel; three grandsons, John H. Fishel and Chance and Brandon Keener; six great-grandchildren.
"She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
"Memorials may be made to the Moravian Church Fund."⁵

     Ira Ridgely was born on 28 Jun 1859.¹ He was the son of Orrick Ridgely and Nancy Harrison. Ira Ridgely married Nancy Ellen Jones on 12 Feb 1879 at Richland County, Illinois.² Ira Ridgely died on 15 Dec 1893 at age 34¹ and was buried at the Ridgely Family Cemetery, Richland County, Illinois.³
     Ira Ridgely appeared on the census of 18 Jun 1880 at Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois, as follows:

     204/207 Ridgely, Ira 20 b. Ill, parents b. NY[sic]

      , Ellen 17 wife, keeping house, b. Ill. parents b. KY

      , Dow 6/12, b. Nov., son b.Ill. parents b. Ill.⁴
     Ira Ridgely was a kind, generous man and good to his family. He had a tinner make an ice cream freezer and some Sunday afternoons made ice cream for his family. This was a very special treat, because ice cream was not yet a common food. On the Saturday preceding his death (a cold winter day) he had a heavy chest cold and should have remained in the house. Instead, he hitched the team to the open express wagon and took his two sons to West Salem to buy them more winter clothing. He contracted fatal pneumonia. He had never been a very strong man and tired easily.
He kept good horses (a pure Clydesdale team, for example) and good farm machinery. Novelty appealed to him. Once he had two matched teams of oxen -- a red pair (Tom and Jerry) and a roan pair (Buck and Bessy). They were used for farm labor, of course.
At one time, he formed a live stock shipping company together with A. L. Hedrick and _____, but his financial ventures were not successful. Although he did not aspire to public office, he was both a district school board member and district road overseer when he died. He did not use liquor or tobacco in any form. [Biographical paragraphs written for me by Dow A. Ridgely]⁵

     Ira Dennis Ridgely was born on 24 Jan 1894 near Parkersburg, Richland County, Illinois.^3,4 He was the son of Russel R. Ridgely and Margaret Jane Keen.¹ Ira Dennis Ridgely married Mary Blanche Schmidt, daughter of Henry Schmidt, on 29 Feb 1916.⁵ Ira Dennis Ridgely died on 6 Jan 1935 at Olney Sanatarium, Olney, Richland County, Illinois, at age 40.^1,6 He was buried on 8 Jan 1935 at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.⁷ He was buried on 26 Aug 1961 at Moravian Cemetery, West Salem, Edwards County, Illinois.^8,9
     He registered with the World War I Selective Service System on 5 Jun 1917 at Richland County, Illinois. He described himself as living on RR#1, Parkersburg, Illinois, age 23, born 24 Jan 1894 at Parkersburg, and his occupation was farming for himself in Bonpas [township]. He was short in height, medium in build, with gray eyes and had brown hair. He had a wife and baby on the basis of which he claimed exemption from the draft.¹⁰
     His obituary states:
     "Ira D. Ridgley
"Ira D., son of Russel and Margaret Keen Ridgley, was born near Parkersburg, Ill., January 24, 1894. He died at the Olney sanitarium January 6, 1935, aged 40 years, 11 months and 12 days. His last illness, acute sugar diabetes, was of short duration.
"February 29, 1916 he was married to Miss Blanche, daughter of Henry C. and Olga Schmidt. To this union were born one daughter, Miss Imogene Olga.
"In the year 1919, during a meeting conducted by Rev. Guy Bond of Oak Grove United Brethren church he and his wife were converted and soon afterwards united with the same church where he attended regularly and lived consistently until his departure.
"He leaves to mourn their loss his wife, daughter, two brothers, Arthur of Sullivan, Ind; and Ralph of Parkersburg; three sisters, Mrs. Hattie Robe[sic] of Lamar, Colo; Mrs. Della Koertge and Mrs. Dora Clodfelter of Parkersburg; and a host of other relatives and friends.
"He was a dutiful son, a faithful husband, a loving father and a good neighbor. He did not aspire to the "great" things of life as some men count greatness but was always willing to to the "little things" needed for betterment of his home, school, community and church. His entire life was spent in the school district where he was born.
"The funeral services were conducted at Oak Grove church by Rev. Chas. Ivy of Princeton, Ind. Burial in Walnut Grove cemetery.¹¹
     Another obituary for Ira states:
     "Oak Grove . . . The community was shocked Sunday evening when the word was received that Ira Ridgely had passed away at the Olney Sanitarium. He had been sick only a few days with acute sugar diabetes. Funeral services were held Tuesday with burial at Oak Grove with burial in Walnut Grove cemetery. He is survived by his wife and one daughter, two brothe r[sic], three sisters and a host of relatives and friends."¹²

     Ira Oscar Ridgely was born on 13 Dec 1866 at the family home, Olney Township, Richland County, Illinois. He was the son of George Willis Ridgely and Susan Woods. Ira Oscar Ridgely married Maranda Bowers, daughter of Peter Bowers and Mary Brown, on 19 Sep 1888 at Richland County, Illinois. The marriage was performed at the bride's parents home by B. R. Gerhart, M. G. and the witnesses were B. R. Gerhart, Geo. W. Ridgely, S. P. Bowers, and H. M. Findley.^23,4 Ira Oscar Ridgely died about 12:15 in the morning on 2 Jan 1941 at Inglewood Farm, Richland County, Illinois, at age 74.^5,6 He was buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery, near Parkersburg, Richland County, Illinois.^7,8
     Ira Oscar Ridgely used the name Oscar. He was born on his father's farm northwest of Calhoun, Ill. [Mrs. Doris R. Olds, Dec. 1960] and attended Bird School. One of his school mates there was Howard Nicholas who recalls a boyhood scrap between them at school time during which one of them had his ear cut by a piece of cornbread that was thrown. [Howard Nicholas told the story to Doris Olds not long before Dec. 1960.] Oscar attended country schools in Richland and Edwards Counties. He was a farmer in Richland County, first with his father until 1889, then in the same county until his health failed in 1940.
Oscar and Maranda established their home on what became "Inglewood Farm" in Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois, on March 4, 1889 and lived there the remainder of their lives. He joined the Church of the Brethren after their marriage. In their later years, a small house was built for them in the same yard as their former home which they sold to their oldest son. Doris Ridgely Olds had a pair of vases that Oscar bought for Maranda before they were married. He showed them to his grandmother Ridgely before he gave them to his girl friend.

Ira Oscar Ridgely and Maranda Ridgely appeared on the census of 18 Jun 1900 at Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois, as follows: The listing shows:
Ridgley, Oscar Head, b. Dec 1866, age 33, married 11 years, farmer, he and his parents b. in Illinois
, Maranda, wife, b. Oct. 1867, age 32, married 11 years, had three children, all living, b. in Indiana, parents b. in Penn.
, Bertha, daughter, b. Jan. 1890, age 10
, Howard, son, b. Aug 1893, age 6
, Homer, son, b. Sep 1897, age 2.⁹
     For the 1913 school term, three of the Ridgely children were attending Red Head School (District No. 69). They were Homer Ridgely, grade 8, Lois Ridgely, grade 3, and Leah Ridgely, primary. The teacher was Belle Williams, for a six month term. Among the others in attendance were Evelyn Bowers, 8th grade, and Max Bowers, 2nd grade, each of whom attended 22 days. In 1914, a six-month term, students included Leah Ridgely, primary, and Lois Ridgely, grade 3. In 1915-1916, Golda Byram was the teacher and had what was apparently the first seven-month term. Her pupils included Lois Ridgely in 4th grade and Homer Ridgely in "advanced". Golda taught again for the 1916-1917 term. In 1917-18, Bertha Ridgely, age 27, was the teacher, hired with no experience and a 3rd grade certificate. In 1918-19, Fern Provines, age 18, was the teacher with an enrollment of 30. "[But became ill after a month and Golda Byram finished the term, I believe.]"
In 1919-20, Dale Wolfe, age 18 was teacher, hired with no experience and paid $50/month. Doris Ridgely was one of the nine first graders.
In 1920-21, Doris Ridgely was in grade three and her teacher was Roby Libkie who had had one year of experience. In 1921-22, Doras Ridgely was in grade 4 and Lois and Leah were also in attendance. This lists gives birthdates for the pupils. In 1927, teacher Belle Williams had 29 children, including Doris Ridgely in what was her last year at Red Head. For the Fall of 1928, Belle Williams was age 48. In 1929-1930, Vernon Jones was the teacher and this was the first of the eight month terms. In 1931 and 1932, Flo Ridgely was the teacher at Red Head.¹⁰
     Oscar registered the name "Inglewood Farm" on 12 Sept. 1925. The name applied to the farm where he lived, the S 1/2 of NE 1/4 of Section 21, Town 2 North, Range 14 West and the SW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 22, Town 2 North, Range 14 West, a total of 120 acres. Medad H. Simmons (a cousin of Orrick Ridgely) had purchased the SE 1/4 and the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 21 in 1853. After several intervening transactions, George W. Ridgely obtained this 80 acres, with a mortgage held by George N. Harrison. In 1894, George W. and Susan Ridgely sold this land to their son Ira Oscar Ridgely although the mortgage was not released until 1902.¹¹ The other 40 acres does not appear in the public land sales.¹²
     The following is from a newspaper clipping with the hand-written date "Nov. 1937".
          "Thanksgiving Dinner.
"A very enjoyable Thanksgiving day was spent at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Ridgely.
"Thirty-one of the relatives ate dinner together. Tables were arranged so all could be seated at one time. The dinner was somewhat like our foreparents ate. Anyway, it consisted of turkey (not wild though), and venison, with other things to round out the menu. The venison was furnished by Ray Traylor, from Wyoming.
"The day was spent visiting, feasting and hunting. But we found time to thank the Great Provider and Preserver for His goodness to us all.
"The three sisters and one brother had not all been together for almost fourteen years.
"Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Milo Traylor, of Casper, Wyo; Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Moore, of Newellton, La; Mrs. Asa Higgins, Miss Edith Higgins, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Traylor, of Casper, Wyoming; Mr. and Mrs. Billy Higgins, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Higgins and family, Ira Higgins, of Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Homer Ridgely, Helen and Esther, of Olney; Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Ridgely and Mrs. R. B. Murphy, of Chicago; Miss Leah Ridgely, of Forrest, Ill., and Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Ridgely."
     In 1938, they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary and the event was announced in the newspaper as follows (including a picture of the couple):
"CELEBRATE:
"Parkersburg, Ill. Sept 17. -- (Special) --
Mrs. and Mrs. Oscar Ridgely, of this city, will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary tomorrow at their home with a basket dinner and open house.
They were married Sept. 18[sic], 1888, at the home of Mrs. Ridgely, formerly Miss Randa Bowers. Mr. and Mrs. Ridgely have lived their entire married life in Parkersburg.
Their six children are Mrs. Glenn Swank, Ill.[sic]; George Ridgely and Mrs. Ray Murphy, Chicago. Homer Ridgely, Olney, Ill; Miss Leah Ridgely, Forest, Ill., and Mrs. Robert Olds, Arizona."¹³
     His obituary states:

"Funeral Services were held Saturday for Oscar Ridgely, who died at his home near Parkersburg Jan. 2, 1941, at the age of 74 years and 20 days. The services were held at the Bonpas township Walnut Grove church with Rev. Dearing in charge and interment was made in the nearby cemetery. Pall bearers were Clifton Clodfelter, William Hill, Charles Matthes, Charles Rothrock, Frank Rothrock and Raul Dunaway.
"Mr. Ridgely was born near Olney Dec. 13, 1866, the son of George Willis and Susan Woods Ridgely. On Sept. 19, 1888, he was married to Maranda Bowers, also of Richland county. On March 4, 1889 they established a home on the farm where they had lived ever since. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary there in 1938.
"He became a member of the Walnut Grove church of the Brethren about 45 years ago and was a regular and faithful attendant at the church services.
"For about a year he had been afflicted with a heart ailment. Complications caused him much distress during the last week, but a sudden heart attack brought an end to his suffering.
"He is survived by his wife, six children, Bertha Swank, of Montana, Howard, of Parkersburg, Homer, of Olney, Lois Murphy, of Olney, Leah Ridgely, of Alton, Doris Olds of Arizona; eight grandchildren, and three sisters, Lora Traylor, of Casper, Wyo., Sarah Higgins of Parkersburg, and Zella Moore, of Newellton, La."¹⁴
     Aunt Lora Traylor wrote to Maranda Ridgely on 12 Feb 1941: "Your letter received yesterday was so glad to hear from you I think of you so often, and thanks so much for the obituary, I got one out of the Olney paper that was printed 1st week in Jan, but it was wrong in so many places said he was born in Bonpas township and 75 and 7 children so I was glad to get the correct one, yes I think to[o] it is such a consolation to know he lived such a good life and if he isn't reaping his reward the rest of us will have a poor chance ... we will miss Oscar's good memory many times as I said when mother passed away Oscar could answer all of the undertakers questions about her parents that I didn't know."¹⁵