Person Page - 279

     Irene Ridgely was born on 7 May 1879 at Parkersburg, Richland County, Illinois.^2,3,4 She was the daughter of Robert Ridgely and Mary M. Talley.¹ Irene Ridgely married Burl Hamilton Sealock on 22 Aug 1905 at Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois.^5,6 Irene Ridgely died on 26 Jun 1953 at age 74.^7,8 She was buried at Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois.⁹
     Irene Ridgely and Burl Hamilton Sealock appeared on the census of 1910 at Menard County, Illinois, as follows: that Irene had had four children with three of them still living. Burl was a minister in the Christian Church.¹⁰
Irene Ridgely and Burl Hamilton Sealock appeared on the census of 14 Jan 1920 at South Second Street, Vandalia, Audrain County, Missouri, as follows:
Sealock, Burl H. 48 Head
, Irene 40 wife
, Robert R. 12 son
, Burl, jr. 12 son
, John Howard 10 son.¹¹
Irene Ridgely and Burl Hamilton Sealock appeared on the census of 10 Apr 1930 at Normal, McLean County, Illinois, as follows:
Sealock, B. H. Head 58 b. Ind. Salesman for Insurance Company
, Irene wife-H 50 b. Ill p. b. Ill
, Robert R. ab son 22 b. Ill
, Richard B. ab son 22 b. Ind
, John H. son 20 b. Ind.
, W. Paul son 10 b. Missouri

The "H" marks Irene as the homemaker and the "ab" on the two oldest sons probably means they were absent from home.¹²

     Irene Delila Ridgely was born on 4 Oct 1912.¹ She was the daughter of Dow A. Ridgely and Pearl C. Forney.¹ Irene Delila Ridgely died on 25 Aug 1932 at Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois, at age 19; she died of chronic interstitial nephritis and chronic endocarditis while still a school girl. Date of onset was 1930. In this record, the place of burial is given as Oak Grove Cemetery.^1,2 She was buried on 28 Aug 1932 at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.^3,4
     She and Ilene E. Ridgely were twins.
     Her obituary states: September 1, 1932 Irene Delila Ridgely, daughter of Dow and Pearl C. Ridgely, was born in Richland county east of Parkersburg, October 4, 1912. She died August 25, 1932, age 19y 10m 21d. Her entire life was spent in the community. She attended West Salem high school and had to quit half way through her freshman year because of ill health. She looked forward to the time when she could continue her education along with her twin sister, Ilene. She leaves her parents, twin sister Ilene, younger sister Bertha, three brothers; Claybourne, Kenneth, and Daniel, an infant sister Carol Marie preceded her in death. Funeral services at Church of the Brethren Aug 27th with Rev. Moore, of Parkersburg in chare[sic]. Burial was in the cemetery adjacent to the church. [This is from the typed abstract. I do not have a copy of the obituary].⁵

     James Ridgely was born on 21 Jan 1850.¹ He was the son of Orrick Ridgely and Nancy Harrison. James Ridgely married Emma Louise Hedrick, daughter of George Hedrick, on 23 Dec 1868. They were married by the pastor of the German Moravian Church of West Salem.^2,3 James Ridgely died on 12 Jul 1928 at age 78⁴ and was buried on 15 Jul 1928 at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Richland County, Illinois.⁵
     He is named in the wills of both his parents.

James Ridgely appeared on the census of 21 Jun 1880 at District 168, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois, as follows:
     Ridgely, James 30 b. Ill. parents b. Ill.
      , Emma 28 b. Ill. parents b. NC
      , Gideon 9 b. Ill.
      , Stella 7 b. Ill.
      , Minnie 11/12 b. July b. Ill.⁶
     "James Ridgely moved Monday to the farm he recently purchased near Olney from J. B. Porter. During their stay with us have made many friends who regret their leaving this community."⁷
          His funeral services were reported by the Olney Times as follows:
     "JAMES RIDGLEY BURIED SUNDAY"
"The impressive funeral rites of the Odd Fellows Lodge were said over the remains of James Ridgley at the Dunkard church in Bonpas township, Sunday morning.
"Mr. Ridgley, whose death occurred Thursday morning, was a native of this county having been born at Parkersburg 78 years ago. He had spent all his life in this county and was widely known. He was a member of the Odd Fellows lodge and of the United Brethren church. He is survived by his wife, three children, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
"A short service was held in the home at Calhoun Sunday morning. All the church services were conducted by Rev. Davis. At the grave, the Richland Lodge Odd Fellows, took charge with D. P. Moore acting as Noble Grand and Rolla Dean as chaplain. The pall-bearers were members of the lodge, they were Everett Ulrich, James Blain, Robert Dean, Bert Michels, Frank Dean and Arthur Cox."⁸
     His obituary states:
     "James Ridgely, son of Orrick and Nancy Ridgely, was born January 21, 1850, and died July 12, 1928, at the age of 78 years, 5 months and 21 days.
"He was born near Parkersburg and spent his entire live in Richland county.
"On December 23, 1868, he was united in marriage to Emma Hedrick, and to this union were born five children, three sonJames Ridgely and two daughters; Gideon W. Ridgely, of West Allis, Wisc; Mrs. Grant Bogard and Mrs. John Weisner, of Calhoun; two sons, Orrick and Lee, having preceded him in death.
"He joined the United Brethren church during a revival held at Oak Grove by Rev. Bussard in the early eighties, and ever lived a Christian life. He was happy to know the promises to the faithful, and in the last few weeks often expressed his readiness to met his Savior.
"He was a good neighbor and never tired to give a helping hand to his friends and neighbors in time of sickness or need.
"His latter life was trying, being a cripple about six years. He bore his suffering with patience, never complaining of his condition.
"He leaves to mourn his departure a companion, one son and two daughters, eight grandchildren and two great-granchildren."⁴

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

     Jean Ridgely was born c 1922.² She was the daughter of Edgar Alva Ridgely and Iva Blanche Huddleston.¹ Jean Ridgely may be the Jean R. Grieger who appears in the Social Security Death Index as having died on 3 Jul 1996 with the last place of residence listed as Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. Jean's SSN was issued in Indiana, and her birthdate is given as 28 Oct 1922.³
     As of 1970, Jean Ridgely lived at 2946 North 8th Avenue, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona.¹

     Jehoshaphat Ridgely was born at All Hallow's Parish, Anne Arundel County, Maryland.¹ He was the son of William Ridgely , Immigrant and Elizabeth (?).¹
     Newman says Jehoshaphat married Frances Ruley in St. Anne's Parish on 16 Nov. 1721 and gives further detail.²

     John Ridgely was baptized on 20 Apr 1711 at All Hallow's Parish, Anne Arundel County, Maryland.² He was the son of William Ridgely [II] and Jane Westall.¹ John Ridgely married Elizabeth Mayo on 1 Nov 1736.³
     Under the terms of his mother's will, John Ridgely inherited the remaining part of Abingdon on which she was living.⁴

     John Ridgely married Anne Griffith, daughter of Charles Griffith and Anne Davidge.² John Ridgely was born c 1740.² He was the son of William Ridgely [III] and Mary Orrick.¹ John Ridgely died c 1818.²

     John Henry Ridgely was born on 2 Aug 1860.¹ He was the son of Henry Davidge Ridgely and Irena Harrison.¹ John Henry Ridgely died on 22 Jan 1924 at age 63.^1,2 He was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Parkersburg, Richland County, Illinois.^3,4
     In the biography of his father, it is stated that he was then an assistant on the farm.
He never married, did not speak clearly and was somewhat retarded.
     His obituary states: January 24, 1924. "J. H. Ridgely, 66, died Tuesday at the home of his sister, Mrs. J. M. Findley, in Parkersburg, of Bright's disease. Survived by five sisters: Mrs. Finley [sic], Mrs. Al Michaels, Mrs. W. A. Smith, Mrs. G. A. Talley, & Mrs. J. H. Parker, all of Parkersburg." The age at death differs from my calculation. 24 Jan 1924 was a Thursday, implying 22 Jan as the date of death.⁵

     Joy Ridgely was born on 29 Sep 1896.² She was the daughter of Edwin A. Ridgely and Mattie Bowlby.¹ Joy Ridgely married William F. Campbell on 16 Aug 1917.^1,3 Joy Ridgely died on 11 Apr 1947 at age 50.⁴ She was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia.⁵

     Kenneth Edgar Ridgely was born on 17 Mar 1918.¹ He was the son of Dow A. Ridgely and Pearl C. Forney.¹ Kenneth Edgar Ridgely married Mabel Bernice Rash, daughter of James Milton Rash and Mae Belle Albin, on 19 Apr 1941.^1,3 Kenneth Edgar Ridgely died on 6 Oct 2004 at Burgin Manor, Olney, Richland County, Illinois, at age 86⁴ and was buried on 9 Oct 2004 at Haven Hill Cemetery, Olney, Richland County, Illinois.⁵
     His obituary states:
     "Kenneth E. Ridgely, 86, of Olney, died at 10:34 p. m. Wednesday, October 6, 2004, at Burgin Manor.
"Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Summers-Kistler Funeral Home in Olney. Burial will be in Haven-Hill Cemetery in Olney.
"Mr. Ridgely was born on March 17, 1918, in Richland County, the son of Dow and Pearl (Forney) Ridgely.
"He married Mabel Rash on April 19, 1941. She survives.
"He was a retired farmer and former owner of feed grain and fertilizer elevators in Parkersburg. He attended Walnut Grove Church in Parkersburg and was a member of the Olney Elks Lodge and Parkersburg Ruritan Club.
"Mr. Ridgely is survived by his wife, Mabel Ridgely of Olney; two sons, Timothy Ridgely and his wife Dotti of Parkersburg, and Randy Ridgely and his wife Marianne of Olney; two daughters, Rebecca Wilson and her husband Larry of Olney and Sharon Miller and her husband Stanley of Ridgway; a sister, Bertha Polzin of Saginaw, Mich; and 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
"He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Eileen, Irene and Carol and two brothers, Daniel and Clayburn.
"Memorials may be made to Parkersburg Ruritan or American Heart Association."⁴

     Leah Margaret Ridgely was born on 26 Jun 1908 at Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.^2,3 She was the daughter of Ira Oscar Ridgely and Maranda Bowers.¹ Leah Margaret Ridgely married John "Charles" McNamara on 12 Jun 1943 at Villa Park, DuPage County, Illinois.⁴ Leah Margaret Ridgely died on 21 Dec 2001 at Arkadelphia, Clark County, Arkansas, at age 93.⁵ She has a memorial stone at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.⁶
     In 1912-1913, Leah was enrolled in District 69, Red Head, year "P", age 5, and atttended 30 days.⁷
     At least once, Leah started an autobiography. This is a transcript from 2+ pages of notes torn from a steno-type notebook, written in 1977:
"From Red Head, District 69, to Teacher's College, Columbia -- and beyond by Leah Margaret Ridgely McNamara
"Of course I don't remember, but according to the Ridgely family history by Doris and Dan Olds I was born at on June 26, 1908, the fifth child of Oscar and Maranda (Bowers) Ridgely. I have a picture of the house where the family lived at that time. This picture was probably taken about 1914 and I can only hope it had looked better in 1908. The "new" house in this later picture was built in 1909 and is still standing in 1997. Moving-in day must have been a great event. But let's get back to the old house. I remember it as a wonder world of importance for a growing family. For my sisters and me it was a great play house; for the family it was a work shop with a heavy work bench holding tools and an anvil on which we cracked many, many hickory and black walnuts; for storage (in the south-west room) of apples, wheat, and other things. O, let's not forget the old vinegar barrel that stood just inside and to the north of the front door. Never have I tasted or smelled more potent vinegar than that which we could get from that old barrel.
"There are some things I believe about my early years because I heard about them. I was born with dark hair except for two white spots big enough to be seen across the room. (So I say I've always had gray hair.) During my first winter my sister Lois and I had whooping cough and Father and Mother would each hold one of us during frequent coughing spells. ... I learned my ABC's from blocks that stayed in the family play room (the unfinished room over the kitchen) for many years. I remember them well. Miss Edna Friedly, one of the Red Head teachers who boarded with our family durng my preschool years, gave me chiffonuere (sp?), which is still one of my prized possessions. (Today, May 2, 1997 it is stored in the big closet in the blue room.) Another prized "oldie" from the early years is the green metal bank my brother Homer gave me. (Today it sits on the antique thread chest.)" [Ends here.].⁸
     "Three hundred forty six applicants, 176 boys and 170 girls, representing 78 of the eighty-five rural and village schools, took the county final exam. 274 applicants were successful in passing the examination. Of this number, 150 will receive diplomas which will entitle them to enter high school.
Leah Ridgely of Red Head School ranks first. Her average grade is 96 3-10. The following are the ten highest average grades and the names of the pupils earning them with the name of schools they represent:
1st - 96.3, Leah Ridgely of Red Head
2nd - 96.2, Lois Ridgely of Red Head"
. . .
"The following pupils and the schools they represent earned the highest grade in each of the ten subjects: . . . Reading, 99 by Leah and Lois Ridgely of Red Head; Grammar, 97 by Lois Ridgely of Red Head . . . Geography 98 by Leah Ridgely; U.S. History, 97 and Physiology 97 by Lois Ridgely; Agriculture, 96 and Civics 100 by Leah Ridgely.
"The following is a list of Normal scholarships awarded to the honor students . . .Leah Ridgely of Red Head . . ."⁹
     Leah completed eight grades of school at the rural Red Head School in Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois. In 1924 she went to Chicago to school and received a B. S. degree from Lewis Institute. Several years later she received the M. A. degree from Teacher's College, Columbia University, New York, New York. Beginning her teaching in 1930, Leah taught in the secondary schools at Forrest and Alton, Illinois, and at Kenosha, Wisconsin, for a total of 13 years.¹⁰
     Leah Margaret Ridgely appeared on the census of 15 Apr 1930 in the household of George Howard Ridgely at 3523 Congress Street, Ward 29, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.¹¹
     Leah Margaret Ridgely graduated on 19 Jun 1930 from Lewis Institute, Chicago, Illinois.¹²
     In the second term of summer school, 1931, Leah attended the University of Colorado. She completed courses in Roman Religion, English Literature and Elementary Swimming (non credit).¹³
     Aunt Leah kept a diary for several years. In 2011, I am reading a five-year diary begun 19 Dec 1934 when given a diary by her friend Merle. During this time Leah was living in Forrest, Illinois, and teaching high school Latin and American History there. She was dating a man named Ed, although not exclusively. When Ralph S. appeared on the scene in 1937, he seemed to generate more excitement. Frequent mentions are made of Doris and Bob Olds, Lois and Ray Murphy, and George and Mary Ridgely, all living in Chicago and Homer and Ethel Ridgely, living in Olney, Illinois. At times Bertha Swank and her three children visited from Montana. When school was out on 21 Dec 1934, Leah drove down to Richland County for vacation. George and Mary went down on the 24th. They opened presents with their parents on Christmas Eve. Dec 25: "What a Christmas! But we missed Doris dreadfully. There were 15 here to eat turkey -- not so many for desert."
During the spring of 1935, she planned a trip to Europe. Her bus left Chicago on 16 June. At Detroit, they had their baggage inspected and sealed and it was opened at Niagara Falls. She arrived at New York on 18 June and set sail on the 19th, a "cold and chilly and damp" day. She was aboard the Berengaria and experienced seasickness at times but attended several lectures on board. They reached London about midnight on June 25th: "Saw Big Ben and the Thames in spite of fog." June 26: "A perfect day! Took tour with Universal Tours in the morning. The best birthday yet! Saw the Prince of Wales." June 27: "British Museum. Shopping. Windsor Castle. Eton College. Runnymede. Stoke Regis. Hampton Court." On June 29 she flew to Holland and saw Rotterdam and the Haag. On June 30, it was on to Paris. Then the diary is blank until 1 Aug. when she got up at 5:00 to see the sun rise and the statue of Liberty. On the same day, she left New York on the bus, headed for Philadelphia, Washington, D. C., and eventually Chicago.
On 8 June, 1936, she began work at Columbia in New York, attending both in Intersession and summer school, taking courses in History and Latin. School ended with exams on Aug 14. On 29 Aug 1936, she was in Olney, Illinois, and mentions going over to see George's and Homer's farm. On 29 Nov 1936, she went with Ed to the McNamara's in Villa Park for dinner. Subsequently, she went with Ed to the McNamara's a few more times.
On 2 Jan 1937, she mentions reading George's thesis. 6 Mar 1937: "Met Ralph S. and liked him a lot. Ed took me to McNamara's after dinner." 11 Apr 1937: "Ralph S. came at 6:00 & he and I had dinner & saw "Private Property". I came home on 2:00 train." In 1935 and 1936, she had been rather dissappointed with her $50 annual raise at Forrest, considered leaving and sent out several applications. However, in 1937 she was offered a $125 annual raise, to $1425 for the next year. On 11 June 1937 Ray Murphy graduated. From 14 June to 21 Aug she was again in summer school at Columbia. Travelling by train, she made an overnight stop in Newark, Ohio, to visit Doris. On 19 June "I bought suits for Doris' boys at Lord and Taylors." On the return trip, 21 Aug, "Doris, Danny, and Jackie got on the train at Newark. The boys were so good! Ethel met us in Effingham. Lois, Doris, & I came home [to Inglewood]."
22 April 1938: Leah rode with George and Mary to Inglewood. "I was shocked at Geo. buying and Dad's selling the farm." On 24th April they drove back to Forrest and she wrote "I couldn't help weeping" and on 26 April she wrote "Am still not over the shock of the farm news." 21 May 1938: "I left Forrest at 5:15 & got to Chi. -- shocked to learn Lois was in St. Luke's hospital. Geo. & Doris & I went to see her in the P. M. I got to Forrest about 9:00 P. M." On 23 and 24 May she received the news from George that Lois was doing nicely. On 2 June, Lois came home feeling fine. On the 4th of July she was in the middle of a vacation trip and saw the fireworks at Mt. Vernon before going back to Columbia for another term of summer school. 10 Aug 1938: "Got an A on my paper from Dr. Poteat [Possibly in Latin, her major. -- DWO]." She and five other ladies drove back from New York on another touring trip through Vermont, New Hampshire, Canada (Quebec and Montreal), Niagara Falls, Buffalo, Ohio and back to Charleston [Illinois], on 19 Aug, where Lois, Doris and Danny were, then back to Inglewood. 20 Aug 1938: "Seemed good to be home. Danny & Jackie are sweet. Danny blew bubbles all day." 6 Nov 1938: ""Ed, Lois, Charles, Alice, & Jack arrived at 12:30 -- left at 7:30. Marjorie's funeral. I drove the Packard. 1st time." [Sounds like the McNamara family; could be Ed's Packard; I don't recognize Marjorie who died 3 Nov 1938 and for whom Leah ordered flowers -- DWO.]
Many of the entries for 1939 are empty; there are none after 6 Aug 1939.¹⁴
     Following her marriage in 1943, she and Charles lived at Villa Park, Illinois, for 21 years. Then Charles retired and the family moved to Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where they built a home and where Leah continued to live after Charles' death. As a girl Leah was more likely to be found working inside the home than outside, doing the family cooking or sewing. She continued to use those talents, as she sewed for others and baked and beautifully decorated many, many cakes for weddings or other special occasions. She also made many leaf-shaped cookies, sugared and painted in fall colors and shared these creations with family, friends and church.¹⁰
     On 15 March 1965, the McNamaras moved in at 1411 Evans. [Their Arkadelphia address.]"¹⁵
     Leah was very active in the Red Cross chapter in Clark County, Arkansas, which she joined in November 1972. In July 1983, while she was director of the chapter, she was honored by Citizens First State Bank with their "First Citizens Award."¹⁶
     In 2011 I am reading Aunt Leah's five-year diary that begins with 1984. Much of it is blank. There are no entries after 7 May for any year and all of 1989 is blank. She is a widow and had now been living in Arkadelphia for several years and was supplementing her retirement income by working for the American Red Cross part-time, by doing alterations and other sewing for people, and by baking and decorating cakes and cookies. David was living with her, but went back to Illinois on 13 Jan 1985. According to a 10 Jan 1986 entry, he was expected to return in April and he was living with her in 1987 and 1988. While at home, he often prepared their meals for them so his chef training or cooking experience came in handy for them. In 1987, he worked sometimes in Hot Springs.
On 9 Feb 1985, Doris reported that Lois had been diagnosed with Parkinson's. On 7 Mar 1987, Leah wrote: "Bob's and Jack's birthdays."¹⁴
     On 16 August 1989, Leah signed a consent form with her wish to donate her body to the University of Arkansas College of Medicine. Her witnesses were Diane McNamara, Houston, TX and John C. McNamara, 31291 Ceanothus Dr., So. Laguna, CA.¹⁷
     For several years Aunt Leah opened her home to college students as renters of a room. On 6 Aug 2014, James Crews posted some of his memories of Leah on my wikitree web site.
     Her obituary states:
     "Leah Margaret Ridgely McNamara, of Arkadelphia, died Friday, December 21, 2001. She was born June 26, 1908, near Parkersburg, Illinois, the daughter of Oscar and Maranda Bowers Ridgely. He education was received from Red Head School where she completed the eighth grade, after which we earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Lewis Institute in Chicago in 1930, and a Masters Degree from Columbia University in New York in 1938. She was a teacher in public high school in Illinois and Wisconsin for thirteen years. After her marriage to Charles McNamara on June 12, 1943 they made their home in Villa Park, Illinois for twenty-one years. They moved to Arkadelphia, Arkansas after his retirement from Commonwealth Edison Company in Chicago. She was an active member in St. Andrew Methodist Church, a member of the board of the United Methodist Women of Little Rock Conference, Arkansas Council of Churches, a Sunday School teacher for many years, and served in the capacity of Executive Secretary of the Clark County Chapter of the American Red Cross for seventeen years.
"She is preceded in death by her husband Charles McNamara in 1967, and her son David McNamara in 1994, and her stepson John McNamara in 2001. In accordance with her will, her body was donated to the Department of Anatomy of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
"She is survived by one daughter, Diane McNamara of Arkadelphia, Arkansas and one sister Doris Olds of Spartenburg [sic], South Carolina.
"Memorial services will be announced at a later date by Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Memorials may be made to American Red Cross."⁵

     Lee D. Ridgely was born on 7 Sep 1887.¹ He was the son of James Ridgely and Emma Louise Hedrick.¹ Lee D. Ridgely died on 26 Dec 1895 at age 8.¹

     Leone Valnette Ridgely was born on 18 Oct 1910 at Mound Valley, Labette County, Kansas.^1,2 She was the daughter of Charley Henry Ridgely and Matilda Edson.¹ Leone Valnette Ridgely married Charles Orrin Hopper on 27 Apr 1952 at Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma.³ Leone Valnette Ridgely appears in the Social Security Death Index as having died 30 Nov 2002 with the last place of residence listed as Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. Leone Valnette's SSN was issued in Kansas. Also, her birth date is given as 18 Oct 1910.⁴
     She had no children.³

     Lloyd Griffith Ridgely was born on 5 Aug 1816.¹ He was the son of William Henry Ridgely and Hannah Reed Simmons. Lloyd Griffith Ridgely died on 24 Oct 1911 at the home of William Harrison, West Salem, Edwards County, Illinois, at age 95.^2,3 He was buried at Ridgely Family Cemetery, Wabash County, Illinois.
     Lloyd is mentioned in all three reference lists described under William Henry Ridgely. His full name and birth date are given in Ref. 1. In the 1860 census of Wabash County, Ill., he is listed as age 46, b. Ohio, head of the family including Eliza, Charles, Nicholas, and Samuel, of whom the last three were "Idiotic" and all four were born in Wabash County.⁴ He was born in Virginia, Ohio or New York acccording to the 1860, 1870 or 1880 census, respectively. His obituary gives his birth place as Lawrence County, Ill. He never married and his old age was spent with his nephew, George William Ridgely, Medad's son. At the time of his death, he was visiting his nephew, William Harrison, near West Salem., Ill. He had just visited Dow A. Ridgely who then took the notes mentioned in Ref. 3. The petition for the probate of his will was filed in Wabash County on 3 July 1912. He is buried in his father's cemetery. There are no dates on his marker.

The 1870 census shows:
Ridgely, Loyd, 53 b. VA
, Hennietta, 35 b. Ill.
, Charles, 43 b. Ill. Idiotic
, Nicholas, 43 b. Ill. Idiotic
, Samuel, 30 b. Ill Idiotic
Parker, John B., 24 b. Ill.⁵

The 1880 census listing of Wabash County shows:
Ridgley, Loid, 68 b. NY parents b. NY
Samuel, 40[?] brother b. Ill parents b. NY
George W., 20 nephew b. Ill. parents b. Ill.⁶

In 1900, Loyd Ridgely, b. 1816 in Virginia, and Samuel Ridgely, b. 1840 in Illinois, were living in the family of John and Henrietta Parker in Lukin Township, Lawrence County, Illinois. In 1910, Loyd G. Ridgely, b. in Virginia, and Samuel Ridgely, b. in Illinois, were uncles living in the family of George W. Ridgely in Friendsville Precinct, Wabash County, Illinois.⁷

"Your letter of Oct. 24 just rec'd today (via Girard) announcing the death of our dear old Uncle Lloyd Ridgely that morning at your Bro. Willies, West Salem. I thank you for the kind thoughtful letter ... I have thought of Uncle Lloyd scores of times the last year promising myself to go to visit him ere long. Yes, I always loved and revered him. He was always kind and sympathetic, so seldom complained of anything or anybody, tho suffering very poor health for so many years, his living to almost his 96th year is indeed surprising and proves that careful dieting and habits will ensure the long life for even frail constitutions."⁸ Lloyd Ridgely is the source of much on the information on the William Henry Ridgely family. This is true even in death, since his estate records include a list of heirs which names many of the children and grandchildren of his brothers and sisters. The petition for the probate of his estate gives his death date as April, 1912, but this is clearly incorrect. His obituary gives his birthdate as 30 August and may be correct.

Lloyd is frequently spelled Loyd in our family records.

Lloyd Griffith Ridgely appeared on the census of 7 Jul 1870 at Friendsville, Wabash County, Illinois, as follows:
     67/67 Ridgely, Lloyd, 53, b. Va.
      P(Struck out), Henrietta, 35, keeping house, b. Ill.
      , Charles, 43, b. Ill., idiotic
      , Nicholas, 43, b. Ill., idiotic
      , Samuel, 30, b. Ill., idiotic
      Parker, John B., 24, farm laborer, b. Ill.⁹ He left a will on 6 May 1910.
     "The Last Will and Testament of Lloyd G. Ridgely of the Precinct of Friendsville in the county of Wabash and State of Illinois made and published the Sixth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ten
"In the name of God, Amen, I Lloyd G. Ridgely, of the Precinct of Friendsville, in the county of Wabash and State of Illinois, of the age of Ninety-three years and being of sound mind and memory do hereby make, publish and declare this my Last Will and Testament in manner following, that is to say:
"First -- It is my will that my funeral expenses and all my just debts shall be fully paid.
"Second -- I give and devise to my nephew George Ridgely and to his wife jointly, the east half of the northwest quarter of section One (1) and the north half of the south west quarter of said Section One (1) all in township One (1) north, range thirteen west (13), West, Wabash county, Illinois, and containing in all one hundred forty-nine (149) acres more or less, subject to the following conditions and impositions to be fully Kept, and observed by my said nephew, to wit: He, my said nephew, is to provide for me and my brother, Samuel G. Ridgely, a suitable home in the house upon the above described lands, furnish the same with the proper comforts and to provide sufficient and proper food, prepared and served to us, to provide proper and suitable clothing for myself and brother aforesaid, to furnish all medical treatment and medicine that may be necessary in an illness from which I may suffer or any illness from which my said brother shall suffer; said care and providing for as above stated shall be for and during the natural life of myself and my said brother.
"It is also my will that the devisees herein named shall erect and maintain a good and sufficient fence around the graves of my brothers and parents, said fence to inclose all the graves now in the graveyard on said land, said fence to be a substantial iron fence; they are also to place head stones at the graves of my two brothers buried in the graveyard, and also at the graves of myself and my brother, Samuel G. Ridgely aforesaid within a reasonable time after our decease.
"The devisees herein are to pay all taxes assessed and levied against me from this date.
"It is expressly my will that the aforesaid devisees shall use special care in keeping clean and clothing my said brother, Samuel G. Ridgely on account of his unfortunate condition and my said devisees are to use only kind words and treatment towards him at all times and that they, at all times, keep me posted upon the occurrences of the neighborhood and community.
"This devise is made to George Ridgely and Emma Ridgely each jointly so long as their natural lives, then to George's children so long as [some words missing from my photocopy] shall attend to any and all business [words missing] all rents and pay over to me the proceeds therefrom, to sell and deliver all crops and rents I may have or that may be due me.
"It is my will that should these devisees fail or refuse to carry out the conditions and impositions herein contained then the devisees to them herein contained shall be null and void.
"It is my will that the devisees herein shall be in full of all the rights of George Ridgely aforesaid in my estate and the remainder of my estate both real and personal shall go to my other heirs equally among them, except my nephew Charlie Ridgely who is to have $25.00 - in full of his share.
"Lastly -- I hereby nominate and appoint George Couch of West Salem, Illinois, to be the executor of this my Last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me made.
"In witness whereof, I have set hereunto my hand and seal the 6th day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ten.
Lloyd G. X his mark Ridgely (seal)
"The above instrument, consisting of One double sheet, was now here subscribed by Lloyd G. Ridgely, the Testator, in the presence of each of us and was at the same time declared by him to be his last Will and Testament and we at his request sign our names hereto in his presence as attesting witnesses.
Sarah G. Stelzer of Mt. Carmel, Ill.
Docindia Ritchey of " " "L
"Probate of Will State of Illinois Wabash County
"In the County Court of said county, In Probate October Term A. D. 1912
"Personally appeared in open court Sarah G. Stelzer and Lucindia Ritchey, subscribing witnesses to the foregoing instrument of writing purporting to be the last Will and Testament of Lloyd G. Ridgely, late of Wabash county, deceased, who being duly sworn according to law, do depose and say, each for himself, that the foregoing is the last Will and Testament of the said Lloyd G. Rigely, deceased: that they subscribed their names thereto as the attesting witnesses at the request of the said Testator, and in his presence and in the presence of each other on the 6th day of May A. D. 1910.
"That he there and [sic] subscribed his name therto in our presence and declared the same to be his last Will and Testament; and that the said Testator at the time of executing the same as aforesaid was of full age of sound mind and memory and under no constraint.¹⁰
     His obituary states:
     Obituary of Lloyd Ridgely, Mount Carmel Morning Register, Mount Carmel, Ill.
Tuesday, 24 Oct. 1911.

COUNTY'S OLDEST RESIDENT DIES
Mr. Lloyd Ridgley[sic], aged 95,
passed away at home of relatives
IN WEST SALEM THIS MORNING

Had lived a bachelor all his life
and was one of the old pioneers.

"Mr. Lloyd Ridgley, who was claimed to be the oldest resident of the county at the time of his death, and one of the most prominent and well known pioneers of this section of the State, died at the home of a relative in West Salem this morning at 3:45, after a few days illness, of bronchial pneumonia.
"Mr. Ridgley was 95 years old on the 30th of last August. He was born in Lawrence county, but for the greater portion of his life lived on a farm between Lancaster and Orio. He was never married, and for the greater portion of his life lived alone on his farm, until a few years ago, when he became unable to care for the duties of his home, at which time he went to live with a nephew.
"He made frequent trips here and there among his relatives on visits and it was on one of these visits that death overtook him. He had gone to Parkersburg and other points to the west and returned as far as West Salem, where he was visiting with a nephew, when he was taken ill for the last time.
"He was well known throughout the county and particularly so in the north and northwest part, where he lived. He was respected and known as one of the best men in the county.
"Of this immediate family there remains surviving him only one brother, Samuel.
"The funeral will be held in the Christian church at West Salem, Wednesday afternoon, and burial will be made in the old family graveyard on the farm."² On 3 July 1912, in Wabash County, Illinois, George Couch filed a petition for the probate of the will of Lloyd Ridgely, stating that Lloyd Ridgely had died at William Harrison's in Edwards County in April 1912 [sic]. Although Lloyd's will had appointed George Couch as executor, he now "resigns said trust in favor of George W. Ridgely, a nephew at whose place in Wabash County, Illinois, Lloyd Ridgely aforesaid, lived, unmarried and with no descendants. Lloyd left real property evaluated at about $10,000 and personal property evaluated at about $600 and "said deceased left surviving him no widow or children, and the following named persons as his only heirs at law and legatees; and their respective places of residence as far as known are as follows:
[Lloyd's brother]
Samuel Ridgely, Lancaster Illinois
[children of Lloyd's deceased brother, Medad Ridgely]
Charles Ridgely, Mound Valley, Kansas
George W. Ridgely, Lancaster, Illinois
[children of Lloyd's deceased sister, Emily Harrison]
Henry Harrison, Lancaster, Illinois
Dow Harrison, West Salem, Illinois
William Harrison, West Salem, Illinois
Geor. Harrison, West Salem, Illinois
Minnie Reed, Albion, Illinois
[grandchildren of Lloyd's sister, Emily through her deceased dau., Angeline Harrison Brines]
Fred Brines, Belmont, Illinois
Orman Brines, Belmont, Illinois
Cora Brines, Belmont, Illinois
Ola Brines, Belmont, Illinois
Myrtle Brines, Belmont, Illinois
Glydes [sic] Brines, Belmont, Illinois
[children of Lloyd's deceased brother, Henry D. Ridgely]
Sarah Finley, Parkersburgh, Illinois
Mary Parker, Parkersburgh, Illinois
Ellen Talley, Parkersburgh, Illinois
Hannah Michaels, Parkersburgh, Illinois
Nancy A. Smith, Parkersburgh, Illinois
Jno. H. Ridgely, Parkersburgh, Illinois
[grandchildren of Henry D. thru his deceased son, Robert Ridgely]
Orman Ridgely, Eureka, Illinois
Ollie Ridgely, Eureka, Illinois
Irene Sealock, Petersburgh, Illinois
[grandchildren of Henry D. thru his deceased dau., Elsie Jane Ridgely Staninger]
Ralph Stanager, West Salem, Illinois
Rolla Stanager, West Salem, Illinois
Robert Stanager, West Salem, Illinois
Bessie S. Gentz, West Salem, Illinois
Mary S. Goodson, Atwood, Illinois
Bertha S. Doty, Delphi, Indiana
[children of Lloyd's deceased brother, Orrick Ridgely]
James S. Ridgely, Calhoun, Illinois
Russel Ridgely, Parkersburgh, Illinois
[grandchildren of Orrick thru his deceased son, George W. Ridgely]
Oscar Ridgely, Parkersburgh, Illinois
Sarah Higgins, Sumner, Illinois
Zella Moore, Bridgeport, Illinois [Lora Traylor was not named]
[grandchildren of Orrick thru his deceased son, Ira Ridgely]
Dow Ridgely, Parkersburgh, Illinois
Willie (possibly Willis) Ridgely, Parkersburg, Illinois
[grandchildren of Lloyd's deceased brother, Abel Ridgely, thru his deceased son, Edwin Ridgely]
Joy Ridgely, Olney, Illinois
Dale Ridgely, Olney, Illinois

Arthur Hedrick, 1018 E. Leonard St., St. Louis, Mo.
Ira Hedrick, Walhalla, Illinois
Bertha Hedrick, Seattle, Washington
Jersey Cunningham, Heyworth, Illinois
[children of Lloyd's deceased brother, Abel Ridgely]
Wm. S. Ridgely, Olney, Illinois
George A. Ridgely, Olney, Illinois
Alice Martin, Olney, Illinois
Elizabeth Vandeveer, West Salem, Illinois
[children of Lloyd's deceased brother, William S. Ridgely]
Stephen Ridgely, 1331 Jersey Ave., Kansas City, Kans.
Edwin Ridgely, Girard, Kan.
Lizzie R. Root, Girard, Kans.
Etta R. Green, 822 Santa Fe St. Alva, Okla.
[grandchild of William S. Ridgely, thru his deceased son, William H. Ridgely]
Edna Ward, Pittsburg, Kans."

This record was sent to me in Sept. 1966 by Dow A. Ridgely. He told me that he thought he got about $2 from the estate. This record does not indicate the relationships to the testator. Fortunately, the order is a partial guide to these relationships and I have, after much study, added bracketed information as a key to the family groups.¹¹

     Lois Irene Ridgely was born on 24 Jan 1906 at Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.² She was the daughter of Ira Oscar Ridgely and Maranda Bowers.¹ Lois Irene Ridgely married Raymond Brereton Murphy, son of Frank J. Murphy and Leona Brereton, on 10 Dec 1933 at Crown Point, Lake County, Indiana.³ Lois Irene Ridgely died on 26 Jun 1993 at her home, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois, at age 87.⁴ She was buried on 29 Jun 1993 at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.^5,6
     In 1912-1913, Lois was enrolled in District 69, Red Head, age 7, year 2, and atttended 119 days.⁷
     "Three hundred forty six applicants, 176 boys and 170 girls, representing 78 of the eighty-five rural and village schools, took the county final exam. 274 applicants were successful in passing the examination. Of this number, 150 will receive diplomas which will entitle them to enter high school.
Leah Ridgely of Red Head School ranks first. Her average grade is 96 3-10. The following are the ten highest average grades and the names of the pupils earning them with the name of schools they represent:
1st - 96.3, Leah Ridgely of Red Head
2nd - 96.2, Lois Ridgely of Red Head"
. . .
"The following pupils and the schools they represent earned the highest grade in each of the ten subjects: . . . Reading, 99 by Leah and Lois Ridgely of Red Head; Grammar, 97 by Lois Ridgely of Red Head . . . Geography 98 by Leah Ridgely; U.S. History, 97 and Physiology 97 by Lois Ridgely; Agriculture, 96 and Civics 100 by Leah Ridgely.
"The following is a list of Normal scholarships awarded to the honor students . . .Leah Ridgely of Red Head . . ."⁸
     Lois Irene Ridgely appeared on the census of 15 Apr 1930 in the household of George Howard Ridgely at 3523 Congress Street, Ward 29, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.⁹ Lois Irene Ridgely graduated on 19 Jun 1930 from Lewis Institute, Chicago, Illinois.¹⁰
     Lois attended school at the rural Red Head School until she completed eight grades. In 1923 she went to Chicago to attend school. She received a B. S. Degree in 1930 from Lewis Institute and became a teacher there in the Biology Department, a position she held for about 10 years. Lois is one of those rare persons who, no matter what situation arises, seems always to handle it well. Her sisters frequently took advantage of this and sought her advice.¹¹
     ""Having an operation for appendicitis is not a pleasant way to spend a vacation," says Lois Ridgely Murphy, assistant in Biology. Mrs. Murphy started to teach in the summer term, but her work was interrupted by the necessity of the operation. She has been back with us since the beginning of fall quarter."¹² Lois and Ray adopted six children and raised two of Ray's nephews, Fred and Frank Roberson, who were sons of Ray's sister, Helen Murphy (Mrs. Fred Roberson, Sr.)
     The Murphy family lived in Olney for a few years and then lived at Robinson, Illinois, for over 30 years.
     Her obituary states:

"Lois Irene Murphy, 87, Parkersburg, formerly of Robinson, died about 11:10 a.m. Saturday, June 26, at her residence.
"Born Jan. 24, 1906, in Richland County, she was the daughter of Ira Oscar and Maranda Ridgely. She was a retired homemaker and member of Otterbein United Methodist Church, Robinson, Camp Fire Girls, Women of the Moose, American Legion Auxiliary, Ladies Auxillary Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Elks, 20th Century Club, AAUW and Business and Professional Womens Organization of Robinson.
"Dec. 10, 1933 she married Raymond B. Murphy and he preceded her in death in 1980. Also preceding her in death are her parents, a son, Fred M. Roberson; two brothers; and a sister.
"Surviving are four sons and daughters-in-law, Roger S. Murphy and Donna M. Murphy, Edwardsville, W. Frank and Sandra Roberson, Corinth, Miss., Robert P. Murphy, Pittsburg, Pa., and Raymond M. and Georgine Murphy, Bethlaham [sic],Pa; three daughters and sons-in-law, Mrs. Donald (Karen K.) Stremme, Parkersburg, Louie I. Murphy, Robinson and Mrs. Mark (Joyce E.) Woodard, Robinson; two sisters, Leah McNamara, Arkadelphia, Ark., and Doris Olds, Spartanburg, S. C; 16 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
"Graveside service at 10 p.m., Tuesday at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Parkersburg, with Rev. Ed Rudiger officiating. Friends may call from 4-8 p. m. today at Kistler Funeral Home, Olney.
"Memorials may be made to the Richland Memorial Home Health Care or Parkinson's Disease Foundation."¹³

     Lora May Ridgely was born on 28 Dec 1873.¹ She was the daughter of George Willis Ridgely and Susan Woods. Lora May Ridgely married Milo M. (or L.) Traylor on 10 Aug 1892.² Lora May Ridgely died on 21 Apr 1959 at Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California, at age 85.^3,4 She was buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.⁵
     She spent her last years in Long Beach, California.⁶
     Her obituary states:
     "Mrs. Lora M. Ridgely Traylor, 85, widow of Milo Traylor, died Tuesday at Long Beach, Calif.
"The body is being returned to the King Funeral Home in West Salem.
"Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the West Salem Church of the Brethren, with burial in the Church of the Brethren cemetery.
"She is survived by a son, Ray of Hamond, Ind."⁷

     Lucinda Ridgely was born on 19 Jan 1851.¹ She was the daughter of Orrick Ridgely and Nancy Harrison. Lucinda Ridgely married Andrew Lafayette Hedrick, son of George Hedrick and Fannie M. (?), on 13 Apr 1870 at Richland County, Illinois.^2,3 Lucinda Ridgely died on 5 Jan 1890 at age 38.^1,4 She was buried at the Ridgely Family Cemetery, Richland County, Illinois.⁵
      On 27 Sept 1967, Lucinda Carl of Colorado Springs, Colorado, sent me the following transcript from the family Bible of her grandmother, Lucinda Ridgely Hedrick.

MARRIAGES
January 1st, 1872
New Year Present to Lucinda Hedrick From my Father Orrick Ridgely. Retail Price $7.50

Orrick Ridgely and Nancy Harrison married Jan 2nd 1840
Andrew L. Hedrick married Lucinda Ridgely April 13, 1870


BIRTHS
My Father Orrick Ridgely was Borned Sept 13th 1817
Mother Nancy Ridgely was Born Jan 17th 1822
William H. Ridgely was Born Sept. 30 1840
George W.Ridgely was Born Mar 29th 1844
Hannah Ridgely was Born May 30th 1848
James Ridgely was Born Jan 21st 1850
Lucinda Ridgely was Born Dec 19th 1851
Russil Ridgely was Born June 28th 1859
The above is a Record of my Fathers Family

DEATHS
William H. Ridgley Departed this life Nov 27th 1840
Hannah Ridgley Departed this life March 20th 1849
Orick Ridgley Departed this life Mar. 8th 1884

MEMORANDA
Andrew L. Hedrick was born Oct. 14th 1846
Lucinda Hedrick was born Dec 19th 1851
Arthur W. Hedrick was born January 28th 1871
Jersey Bell Hedrick was born February 28th 1873
Ira Orick Hedrick was born August 28 1875
Bertha Albertine Hedrick was born Sept 29th 1883
-------------
"The above are the things that my grandmother Lucinda Ridgley Hedrick wrote in the Bible I have. She also has a record of A. L. Hedrick's family. Notice she spelt Russil which I feel should be Russell."¹
     She is named as the wife of A. L. Hedrick in her father's will and as a deceased daughter in her mother's will.

     Lulu Ridgely was born on 29 Nov 1884.² She was the daughter of George Albert Ridgely and Martha Ann Madding.¹ Lulu Ridgely married Wylie L. Kell on 8 Oct 1908.^1,3,4 Lulu Ridgely died on 26 Nov 1911 at age 26.² She was buried at Marion Church Cemetery, Edwards County, Illinois.⁵
     She and Wylie L. Kell had no children.¹
     Her obituary states:
"Mrs. Lulu Ridgley Kell was born near Parkersburg, Illinois, November 29th, 1884 died at St. Johns hospital, St. Louis, Mo. Wednesday 26th, 1911, and was burried [sic] November 29th at Marion church, in Edwards county, Illinois, the day she would have been 27 years [old]. At the age of nine and one-half [years] she confessed her faith in Christ [and] united with the Christian church [at] Parkersburg. On October 8th, 1908, she was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Dr. Wylie L. Kell, who [in] the deepest sorrow mourns her departure, and waits lovingly for the reunion in the life beyond. Deceased leaves also, under the dark cloud of a hopeful sorrow, father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ridgley, of Parkersburg; two brothers, Edgar and Claud, of Gary, Indiana; one sister, Miss Ulla, of De Kalb, Illinois.
"She was a devoted and affectionate [wife,] a loving [----and dutiful] daughter and sister and a most sincere and faithful christian.
"She was taken ill at her home in Bridgeport November 15th, and after undergoing a severe operation in St. Louis on November 20th, she fell asleep in Jesus Sunday night at 10:30 o'clock, November 26th.
Her immediate relatives, including her husband, are devoted believers in Jesus, and under the great burden of their irreparable loss, are bearing their great grief with a fortitude worhty of their profession. May the author of hope sustain them.
                    Rev. J. S. Rose"

[I have filled in a few places, in brackets, where my copy is not legible.].⁶

     Margaret Ridgely was the daughter of William Ridgely , Immigrant and Elizabeth (?).¹
     Newman says this Margaret Ridgely married Nicholas Saunders in All Hallow's Parish, 24 Dec. 1727.¹

     Margaret (nmn) Ridgely was born on 29 Jan 1914 at Gary, Indiana.^1,2 She was the daughter of Claude Vernon Ridgely and Bessie Maguire.¹ Margaret (nmn) Ridgely married George Murray Dalby on 9 Nov 1940.³ Margaret (nmn) Ridgely died on 8 Sep 2014 at Hobart, Indiana, at age 100.² She was buried at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrilllville, Indiana.²
     Her obituary states: MARGARET RIDGELY DALBY HOBART, IN
"Margaret Ridgely Dalby of Hobart, a Gary native, born on January 29, 1914 to Gary pioneers Judge C.V. and Bessie Maguire Ridgely passed away peacefully on September 8, 2014 in Hobart, Indiana.
After attending Holy Angels Catholic School and graduating from Horace Mann High School in 1931, Margaret attended St. Mary's College at Notre Dame, Indiana for two years, transferring to the University of Chicago, graduating in 1935 with a Ph.B, a Bachelor of Philosophy. Margaret's studies included Latin, French and Greek. She taught fifth and sixth grade English at Lew Wallace School until her marriage to George Murray Dalby in 1940. Margaret was a former president of the Gary Junior Assembly and the Beta Rho Chapter of Tri-Kappa. She volunteered for Gary St. Mary's Mercy Hospital Junior League and was a member of St. Mary's College Alumnae Club. She volunteered for St. Mary's Medical Center Auxiliary in Hobart.
Margaret's legacy is her children, their spouses, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and her extended family and friends. Margaret was a great mother, serving as the emotional anchor of the family with grace and humor. She had a kind and generous heart, was dearly loved by family and friends and will be greatly missed. Living through the Depression had a lasting effect on her life and valued hard work, believing that family and friends were far more important than material things. Once Margaret made a friend, she was a friend for life. Her fierce independence allowed her to live at her home throughout her entire life, always doing for herself when she could. She was a wise woman who believed in lifelong learning. Margaret loved to garden, paint, sculpt, cook and entertain. She loved to read and play bridge. Margaret had a wonderful celebration of her 100th birthday with her extended family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Murray Dalby; her brothers: William (Alice), and Robert as well as her sisters: Helen Lauerman (James) and Mary Root (David). She is survived by five sons and two daughters and their families: George R. Dalby of Farmington Hills, MI, his daughter Megan Dalby-Jones (Kristi) their sons Parker and Ian of Chicago, IL; daughter Martha Goodman (Robert) their daughter Meredith of Albuquerque, NM, their son Mark (Lisa) of Bend, OR, their sons Owen and Benjamin; son Robert Dalby of Merrillville, IN; son R. Spencer Dalby (Susan) of North Reading, MA, their daughter Neysa Torrisi (Jeremy) of Great Lakes, IL, their sons Jake and Joah; their son Spencer Dalby (Beth) of Wakefield, MA and their son Sam; son Frederick Dalby (Sidonia) of Northampton, MA and their daughters Elizabeth and Christina of San Francisco, CA; son David Dalby (Annie) their sons Harrison and Aiden of Powell, OH; and daughter Ann Nunley and her children David and Margaret of Hilliard, OH. Margaret also leaves Megan's mother, Mary of Toledo, OH, her sister-in-law Jane Ridgely of Merrillville, IN and numerous nieces and nephews. For many of Margaret's last years she was cared for by the kind, caring and loyal health aides from Welcome Home.
Funeral service Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 9:30 a.m., from Burns Funeral Home, 701 East 7th Street, Hobart, to St. Bridget Church, 568 E. 2nd Street, Hobart, for a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m., Rev. Dominic Bertino officiating. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville. Friends are invited to visit with Margaret's family at Burns Funeral Home (Hobart) on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. St. Mary's Auxiliary Service at 4:45 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to the charity of your choice or to St. Mary's College, Development Office, Le Mans Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556-5001. www.burnsfuneral.com - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nwitimes/obituary.aspx?pid=172422173#sthash.p9oIXgIB.dpuf.²

     Margaret Josephine Ridgely was born on 15 Jul 1920.^2,3 She was the daughter of Ralph Wallace Ridgely and Addie Koertge.¹

     Maria Ridgely was born. She was the daughter of William Henry Ridgely and Hannah Reed Simmons.
     Maria Ridgely is mentioned only in Ref. 2. Perhaps she is the same as the unnamed girl who died young mentioned in Ref. 3.

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

     Martha Ann Ridgely was born c 1908.² She was the daughter of Edgar Alva Ridgely and Iva Blanche Huddleston.¹ Martha Ann Ridgely may be the Martha Ridgely who appears in the Social Security Death Index as having died in Apr 1978 with the last place of residence listed as Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California. Martha Ann's SSN was issued in Illinois, and her birthdate is given as 6 Jan 1908.³
     As of 1967, Martha Ann Ridgely lived at Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.¹ She had no children.¹

     Mary Ridgely was born on 14 Dec 1849.¹ She was the daughter of Henry Davidge Ridgely and Irena Harrison.¹ Mary Ridgely married James Harrison Parker on 13 Dec 1882 at Richland County, Illinois.^2,3 Mary Ridgely died on 4 Apr 1924 at age 74¹ and was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Parkersburg, Richland County, Illinois.⁴
     They had no children.⁵

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

     Mary Elizabeth Ridgely was born on 7 Mar 1909 at Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois.² She was the daughter of Orman Ridgely and Bertha Rutilia Hoyt. Mary Elizabeth Ridgely married Caesar Klaus Jr. on 3 Feb 1933 at Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois.^3,2 Mary Elizabeth Ridgely died on 10 Mar 1991 at age 82.⁴
      "Mary Elizabeth Ridgely was the youngest child of Orman and Bertha Ridgely. Her brother gave her the nickname "Skee", after a character in the comics, and she has been known by that name ever since.
"After being valedictorian of her class at Eureka High School in 1927, Skee attended Eureka College. She transferred to the University of Illinois, however, and graduated from there with a major in French.
"Skee married Caesar Klaus Jr., the son of Swiss immigrant, Caesar Klaus Sr. He was a close friend of her brother Rob, and they had become acquainted through him.
"Caesar and Skee lived in Peoria for a while, but they soon returned to Eureka. There Caesar had a furnace repair business for forty years. He also worked for Klaus Radio in Peoria, which was a family business. Caesar and Skee were very active in the social community of Eureka, as the Ridgelys had been.
"Caesar and Mary Elizabeth Klaus had four natural children (of which two died in infancy) and three adopted children. There were Caesar III, Karen (died), Terry, Wilhelmina (died), Ketra (adopted, Kandy (adopted), and Kathy (adopted).
"Caesar died of cancer in 1972.
"Skee now lives in Maple Lawn Health Care Center in Eureka, Illinois."²

     Mary Elizabeth Ridgely was born on 27 Aug 1915.¹ She was the daughter of Claude Vernon Ridgely and Bessie Maguire.¹

     Mary Louise Ridgely was born on 18 Mar 1917 at Blue Earth, Faribault County, Minnesota.³ She was the daughter of Gideon Willis Ridgely and Luella May Shirley.¹ Mary Louise Ridgely married Henry A. Roth on 10 Jul 1938.³