Person Page - 280

     Medad Reed Ridgely was born on 25 Dec 1835.¹ He was the son of William Henry Ridgely and Hannah Reed Simmons. Medad Reed Ridgely married Louisa Collins on 10 Feb 1859 at Wabash County, Illinois.² Medad Reed Ridgely married Mary E. Knowles on 17 Dec 1896 at Wabash County, Illinois.³ Medad Reed Ridgely died on 2 Nov 1898 at Wabash County, Illinois, at age 62.⁴ He was buried at Ridgely Family Cemetery, Wabash County, Illinois.⁵
     Medad is listed with his parents in the 1850 census of Wabash County, Ill., and was named in his father's will. He was a resident of Illinois and lived in Friendsville Precinct, Wabash County. He was buried in the family cemetery mentioned in his father's will, which was by this time known as Lloyd Ridgely's family cemetery.
The family is listed in the 1860 census of Wabash County as follows:
Medad Ridgley 24 b. Wabash
Louisa 19 b. Ill.
George W. 6/12 b. Wabash

Dow Ridgely had a letter stating that Medad Ridgely was reported to have served in the Civil War, but that no record of service had been established.
     "Medad Ridgely is married to a woman I never saw. He has bought the land over the creek where Lambert used to live but he now lives in a house he built by his father's."⁶
Medad Reed Ridgely and Louisa Ridgely appeared on the census of 1 Jul 1870 at Round Prairie Precinct, Wabash County, Illinois, as follows:
     Ridgely, Medad, 34, farmer, b. Ill.
      , Louisa, 29, keeping house, b. Ill.
      , George, 10, b. Ill.
      , Clara, 7, b. Ill.
      , Charles, 2, b. Ill.⁷
Medad Reed Ridgely appeared on the census of 4 Jun 1880 at Montana Township, Labette County, Kansas, as follows:
     26/26 Ridgely, Medad R., 44, Huckster, b. Ill., parents b. England[sic]
      . Louisa, 39, wife, keeping house, b. Ill., parents b. Ky.
      , Clara E., dau., 17, dom. servant, b. Ill., parents b. Ill.
      , Charely H., 12, son, at home, attended school, b. Ill., parents b. Ill.
      Hindreliter[?], Henry, 47, boarder, divorced, farmer, b. Penn., parents b. Penn.⁸

     Medesta Pauline Ridgely was born on 6 Sep 1911.¹ She was the daughter of Arthur Edward Ridgely and Lenora Gaddey.¹ Medesta Pauline Ridgely died on 25 Aug 1912.¹ She was buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.²

     Mildred E. Ridgely was born on 21 Oct 1907 at Pocahontas, Pocahontas County, Iowa.¹ She was the daughter of Gideon Willis Ridgely and Luella May Shirley.¹ Mildred E. Ridgely married Silas A. Willey on 4 Dec 1924 at Blue Earth, Faribault County, Minnesota.¹ Mildred E. Ridgely died on 26 Dec 1975 at age 68.² She was buried at Prairie Home Cemetery, Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin.³

     Minnie Ridgely was born on 19 Jul 1879.¹ She was the daughter of James Ridgely and Emma Louise Hedrick.¹ Minnie Ridgely married John Henry Weesner on 22 Mar 1899; she was 19, he was 28.² Minnie Ridgely died on 2 Jun 1970 at Olney, Richland County, Illinois, at age 90³ and was buried on 4 Jun 1970 at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.^4,5
     Minnie Weesner and John Henry Weesner appeared on the census of 4 May 1910 at Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois, as follows:
     Weesner, John H., head, 38, married once, 11 years, b. Ill., parents b. N. C., general farmer
      , Minnie E., 32, married once, 11 years, 1 child, none living, b. Ill., parents b. Ill.⁶
     Her obituary states:
     "Mrs. Minnie Weesner, 90, of 413 E. North Avenue, passed away early this morning at the Burgin Nursing Home where she had been a patient for the past 3 months.
"A native of Edwards County, Mrs. Weesner was born the daughter of James and Emma Hedrick Ridgely. She was married to John H. Weesner and he passed away on September 10, 1949. She and her husband operated a farm in the Walnut Grove community for many years. She was a member of the Olney Church of Christ.
"She leaves a sister-in-law, Mrs. Chloe Weesner of Olney, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and infant son, one sister and three brothers: Mrs. Stella Bogard, Gid Ridgley, Lee Ridgley and Orlie Ridgley.
"Funeral services will be held on Thursday afternoon at two o'clock in the Walnut Grove Church with Bro. William Read officiating. Interment will be in the Church cemetery.
"Friends may call at the Summers-Rainey Funeral Home after 3 p.m. Wednesday."
[Who was the brother, Orlie Ridgely? -- DWO]⁷

     Nancy Ann Ridgely was born on 18 Apr 1856.¹ She was the daughter of Henry Davidge Ridgely and Irena Harrison.¹ Nancy Ann Ridgely married William Albert Smith on 24 Aug 1876 at Richland County, Illinois.^2,1,3 Nancy Ann Ridgely died on 7 Apr 1925 at Edwards County, Illinois, at age 68.^1,4 She was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Parkersburg, Richland County, Illinois.^5,6
     Nancy Ann Smith and William Albert Smith appeared on the census of 1880 at Richland County, Illinois. This family listed as:
     Smith, Albert           25 b. Ill., parents b. Ill.
      Nancy           24 b. Ill., parents b. Ill.
      Maud           1 b. Ill., parents b. Ill.⁷
Nancy Ann Ridgely appeared on the census of 1 Jun 1900 at Parkersburg, Madison Township, Richland County, Illinois, as follows:
Smith, Albert, age 45, b. 1854, m. 24 yrs., b. Ill., parents b. Ill
, Nancy, wife, b. 1856, age 44, m. 24 yrs., 7 children, 4 living, b. Ill., parents b. Ill.
, Maud, dau., b. Feb. 1879, age 21, single, b. Ill.
, Myra, dau., b. Apr. 1881, age 19, single, b. Ill.
, Lucy, dau., b. Sept. 1883, age 16, single, b. Ill.
, Ross, son, b. Oct, 1884, age 15, single, b. Ill.⁸

     Nancy J. Ridgely was born on 18 Nov 1878.¹ She was the daughter of Russel R. Ridgely and Margaret Jane Keen.¹ Nancy J. Ridgely died on 23 May 1880 at Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois, at age 1.
She is listed in the 1880 mortality census of Richland County, Illinois, as a female, age 1, b. Illinois, died in May of malarial fever which she had had for a month.²

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

     Nicholas Ridgely was born c 1743.¹ He was the son of William Ridgely [III] and Mary Orrick.¹ Nicholas Ridgely died in 1830.¹

     Nicholas Ridgely was born c 1792. He was the son of Henry Ridgely and Rachel Griffith.¹
     Possibly this is the Nicholas Ridgely, chair maker, age 55, listed with his wife Ann, age 44, in the 18th Ward of Baltimore City in the 1850 federal census.

     Ola Ridgely was born on 13 Mar 1875.² She was the daughter of Robert Ridgely and Mary M. Talley.¹ Ola Ridgely died on 11 Jul 1940 at age 65.² She was buried a 11 Jul 1940 at Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois.³

     Olive L. Ridgely was born c 1896. She was the daughter of Medad Reed Ridgely and Mary E. Knowles. Olive L. Ridgely married Thomas Benton Walling on 30 Jul 1913 at Mt. Carmel, Wabash County, Illinois.² Olive L. Ridgely appears in the Social Security Death Index as having died Sep 1983 with the last place of residence listed as Joliet, Will County, Illinois. Olive L.'s SSN was issued in Illinois. Also, her birth date is given as 3 Nov 1895.³
     Olive L. Walling and Thomas Benton Walling appeared on the census of 1920 at Hamilton Street, Lockport Township, Will County, Illinois, as follows:
     Walling, Thomas B. 30 b. Ind.
      Olive L. 24 wife b. Ill. parents b. Ill.
      William E. 5 son b. Ind.
      Harold K. 1 3/12 son b. Ind

The Social Security Death Index shows an Olive Walling, b. 3 Nov. 1895, d. Sept. 1983, whose last residence was in Joliet, Will Co., Ill. Perhaps the most likely Thomas Walling from this index was the one born 30 July 1889, d. Aug. 1962, last residence in Illinois.⁴
Olive L. Walling and Thomas Benton Walling appeared on the census of 1930 at Wheatland Township, Will County, Illinois, as follows: The listing shows:
Walling, Thomas, age 39, m. at age 24
, Olive, 34, wife, m. at age 18
, Eugene W., age 15, son
, Harold K., age 11, son
, Robert W., age 8, son.⁵

     Orman Ridgely was born on 24 Oct 1873.^2,3 He was the son of Robert Ridgely and Mary M. Talley.¹ Orman Ridgely married Bertha Rutilia Hoyt on 5 Nov 1902 at Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois.³ Orman Ridgely was buried at Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois.⁴ He died on 21 Jan 1939 at age 65.^5,3
     "Orman Ridgely attended Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois. While there, he met Bertha Rutilia Hoyt, whom he later married. Bertha, or "Bird", was the daughter of Francis Marion Hoyt (a Civil War veteran from New York) and Emily Josephine (Hale) Hoyt.
"For a short time after their marriage, Orman and Bird resided in Marshall County, Illinois. However, they soon moved back to Eureka. ...
"Still an active lawyer at age 65, Orman Ridgely died in 1939 of a heart attack while attending the memorial service for a judge in Pontiac. Bertha Rutilia (Hoyt) Ridgely had a stroke and died while on a train bound for Kansas City, Missouri, where she was going to visit some relatives. This was in 1940."³
     Orman Ridgely registered with the World War I Selective Service System on 12 Sep 1918 at Woodford County, Illinois. He described himself as living at Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois, age 44, born 23 Oct 1873, and his occupation was self-employed lawyer in Eureka. He was medium in height, medium in build, with gray eyes and had brown hair. His closest relative was Mrs. Bertha R. Ridgely, his wife.⁶
Orman Ridgely appeared on the census of 1930, as follows:
Ridgely, Orman Head 54 1st marr. at 25 b. Ill p. b. Ill Lawyer
, Bertha Wife-H 53 1st marr. at 24 f. b. NY m. b. Wisc.
, Francis dau. 26 single
, Rutilia dau. 24 single Lawyer
, Robert son 22 single Travelling Salesman, Multigraph Co.
, Mary E. dau. 21 single.⁷
"The following history is copied from the record of the memorial service for Orman Ridgely which was held in the Circuit Court of Woodford County on February 25, 1939. Orman Ridgely had been the president of the Woodford County Bar Association.
"LIFE's Record closed for Orman Ridgely on Saturday, Jan. 21, 1939"
"He was born in Wabash County, Illinois, on October 24, 1873. When but a young man his parents established their home in Eureka and here he spent the rest of his life. He attended the grade and high school at Eureka and graduated from Eureka College in 1895. When but a boy, living at Olney, Illinois, he had determined that he would be a lawyer and that ambition followed him all through his school years. He was admitted to the Bar of this State in 1900 and at once opened an office in Eureka which he maintained until the day of his death.
"He entered into the practice of law with limited finances and his success in his profession was the result of his own efforts. The true success and measure of a man's powers is his ability to stand alone and build his own career. This, Mr. Ridgely, did without aid or favor from others.
"It was not long before he rose to the top in his profession and for many years prior to his death he ranked as one of the leading lawyers in Central Illinois. He had a very wide practice that gave him valuable training and experience in nearly every field of law. He had a quick, alert mind and was able to diagnose the weakness in the case of his adversary with speed and clarity. He was at his best in trial work and contested matters. He fought for his clients with such zeal and energy that he established a reputation second to none for his loyalty and devotion for the cause he represented. In the office, as well as in the Court room, he was studious and painstaking in his work in behalf of his clients. He loved his work and spent may hours in his library searching for authorities to support his cases. He had marked ability in being able to analyze and distinguish the decisions of Courts on close questions of law.
"Too much cannot be said of his unselfish devotion to his friends and clients. He was always more concerned about giving counsel and aid and help to those who entrusted him with their welfare than to any monetary gain he might receive. No lawyer worked harder for the interests of his clients than Orman Ridgely, and this was true, irrespective of whether he ever expected to receive compensation for his services or not.
He merited and earned the respect and confidence of his clients and was especially held in high esteem by the Court and his fellow attorneys. For a number of years he was President of the Woodford County Bar Association and carried with honor the duties of the position. His desire and effort to maintain a high and honest respect for the law and the courts was one of his constant endeavors. It was one of his main every day objectives to develop and keep the legal profession on a superior plane so that the layman regarded the profession with respect and honor. He personally believed in keeping the ethics of the profession on a high and exalted basis. Despite his faithful and burning desire to serve his clients with all the zeal and ability at his command, he was always able to take an adverse decision from the Court with gentlemanly grace and without anger or disrespect.
"Orman Ridgely was not only in the front rank of his profession but he was a public spirited citizen, being ever ready to aid in all enterprises which bid fair to benefit the community. He was a leader outside as well as within his profession and his advice was often sought, as a layman, on various progressive measures, and such aid he gave freely both to friend and foe.
"He had a strong and persuasive personality that made him a leader of men in and out of the courtroom. He was admired by his fellow lawyers, his friends, clients, and neighbors. As a friend and neighbor there was none truer or more faithful or loyal. In his home he was always kind, considerate, and indulgent.
"In his death, this community has lost an able and outstanding lawyer, the county and State a citizen of unsullied character, and the home and ideal husband and father."³ An unidentified newspaper clipping (property of Emily and Lorena Reid) says:
"Bloomington, Ill. Jan. 22 (Special) Funeral services for Orman Ridgely, 65 years old, president of the Woodford County Bar Association will be held tomorrow in Eureka. Mr. Ridgely died yesterday in Pontiac, where he had gone to attend a memorial service for the late Circuit Judge Clyde H. Thompson of Livingston County. He was born in Lancaster, Illinois and went to Eureka in 1891. He was graduated from Eureka College in 1895 and was admitted to the bar in 1898. He was a Republican leader in the county for many years."⁸

     Orrick Ridgely was born on 13 Sep 1817 at Wabash County, Illinois.¹ He was the son of William Henry Ridgely and Hannah Reed Simmons. Orrick Ridgely married Nancy Harrison, daughter of John Harrison and Nancy Higgins, on 2 Jan 1840 at Richland County, Illinois.^2,3 Orrick Ridgely died on 8 Mar 1884 at Richland County, Illinois, at age 66.⁴ He was buried at the Ridgely Family Cemetery, Richland County, Illinois.⁵
     Orrick Ridgley was accepted into the membership of the Wabash Presbyterian Church at Orio by exam on 26 April 1849. Mrs. Orrick Ridgley was baptized into this church on the same date.⁶

Orrick Ridgely was a farmer. The few notes I have from the Richland County land records show that he obtained the NW1/4 SW1/4 Section 29, T2N, R14W (40 acres) on 19 Sept. 1848 and the E1/2 SE 1/4 Section 30, T2N R14W (80 acres) on 25 Aug. 1853. He had other land as well. His homestead was in Bonpas Township near the Ridgely Family Cemetery in which he is buried. (Section 29 T2N Range 14W).
Orrick Ridgely appeared on the census of 29 Oct 1850 at Richland County, Illinois, as follows:
     1169/1174 Orric Ridgley, 31, farmer, b. Illis.
      Nancy Ridgley, 26, b. Illis.
      George W. H. Ridgley, 6, b. Illis.
      James Ridgley, 5/12, b. Illis.⁷
     "I do not have a Bible that belonged to Orrick Ridgely. ... Grandfather Orrick gave each of his sons and daughter a Bible 10 inches by 12 inches. I have the one he gave to my father and mother. And at the present time I have in my possession the one he gave to James Ridgely. On the memorandum page are words stating from whom to whom and price $7.50.
In my fathers record in my Bible it is stated that Orrick Ridgely was born september 13, 1817; departed this life March 8, 1884."⁸
Orrick Ridgely and Nancy Harrison appeared on the census of 18 Jun 1880 at Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois, as follows:
     206/206 Ridgely, Orrick 69, farmer, b. Ill, f. b. Md, m. b. NY
, Nancy 56, wife,keeping house, b. Ill, parents by N.Y.⁹ Orrick Ridgely left a will on 22 Oct 1883 at Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.
"The last will and testament of Orrick Ridgely of the Township of Bonpas in the county of Richland and the State of Illinois made and published the Twenty second day of October in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighty Three IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN. I, Orrick Ridgely of the Township of Bonpas in the County of Richland and State of Illinois of the age of sixty six years, and being of sound mind and memory, do hereby make, publish and declare this my LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT in the manner following, that is to say:
FIRST -- It is my will that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be fully paid.
SECOND -- I give and bequeath to my son Ira Ridgely at my demise, the west half of the south west quarter and north half of the south east quarter and north east fourth of the north west quarter of section Twenty nine (29) Township Two (2) North Range fourteen west (14).
THIRD -- I give and bequeath to beloved wife Nancy Ridgely all the personal estate owned at my demise, notes, moneys and chattle property belonging to me at my death to have and to hold the same unto her and her heirs as her own individual property to will and dispose of at her pleasure.
I also give and bequeath to my said wife Nancy Ridgely for and during her natural life the north east fourth of south west quarter of section Twenty nine (29) Township Two (2) north Range fourteen (14) west and at her demise I give the title in fee simple to my son Ira Ridgely to said land last described. To have & to hold the same unto him and his heirs forever. In explanation of the foregoing written bequests, it is proper to say that I have before this period of time made advancements to my other children. Viz. George W. Ridgely, James Ridgely, Russel Ridgely and Lucinda Ridgely now Lucinda Hedrick wife of A. L. Hedrick in both personal and real property.
LASTLY -- I hereby nominate and appoint George W. Ridgely my son (without bond as such Executor) to be the Executor of my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me made.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the 22nd day of October in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighty three.
(signed) Orrick Ridgely

The above Instrument, consisting of one whole sheets, was now here subscribed by Orrick 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 our presence as attesting witnesses.
Thos. Tippet of the City of Olney
John Kuster of the City of Olney"

          Estate of Orrick Ridgely, deceased. Letters Testamentary.

State of Illinois
Richland County
In County Court, March Term, 1884
The People of the State of Illinois, to all to whom these presents shall come --- GREETING:
KNOW YE that Whereas Orrick Ridgely late of the County of Richland and State of Illinois, died, on or about the 8th day of March A. D. 1884, as it is said, after having duly made and published his last Will and Testament, a copy whereof is hereunto annexed, leaving, at the time of his death, property in this State, which may be lost, destroyed or diminished in value, if speedy care be not taken of the same; and inasmuch as it appears that George W. Ridgely has been appointed executor in and by the last Will and Testament, to execute the same.
Now, to the end that the said property may be preserved for those who shall appear to have a legal right or interest therein; and that the said Will may be executed according to the request of the said testator we do hereby authorize the said George W. Ridgely as such executor, to collect and secure all and singular the goods and chattels, rights and credits, which were of the said Orrick Ridgely at the time of his decease, in whosoever hands or possession the same may be found in this State; and well and truly to perform and fulfull all such duties as may be injoined upon him by the said Will, so fare as there shall be property, and the law charge him; and in general to do and perform all other acts which now are or hereafter may be required of him by law.
Witness: John van Gunten Jr. Clerk of the said County of Richland and the seal of said Court, this 18th day of March 1884.
John van Gunten Jr.
Clerk of County Court
Seal of the County Clerk of
Richland County, Ill.¹⁰

     Orrick N. Ridgely was born on 17 Jun 1843.¹ He was the son of Henry Davidge Ridgely and Irena Harrison.¹ Orrick N. Ridgely died on 8 Feb 1846 at age 2.¹ He was buried at Ridgely Family Cemetery, Wabash County, Illinois.²

     Orrick Nelson Ridgely was born on 17 Aug 1886.¹ He was the son of Ira Ridgely and Nancy Ellen Jones.¹ Orrick Nelson Ridgely died on 30 Sep 1890 at age 4.¹ He was buried at Ridgely Cemetery, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.²

     Priscilla Ridgely was the daughter of William Ridgely [III] and Mary Orrick.¹ Priscilla Ridgely married William Griffith, son of Charles Griffith and Mary Wolden.²

     Rachel Ridgely was born c 1788.² She was the daughter of Henry Ridgely and Rachel Griffith.

     Ralph Wallace Ridgely was born on 24 Dec 1898.¹ He was the son of Russel R. Ridgely and Margaret Jane Keen.¹ Ralph Wallace Ridgely and Addie Koertge obtained a marriage license in 1919 at Richland County, Illinois.² Ralph Wallace Ridgely married Addie Koertge, daughter of Herman Conrad Koertge and Mary Josephine Summerfield, on 1 Mar 1919.³ Ralph Wallace Ridgely and Addie were divorced in 1931.⁴ Ralph Wallace Ridgely married (2) Flo Amanda Reckling on 25 May 1931.^3,5 Ralph Wallace Ridgely died on 8 Jul 1950 at age 51^3,6 and was buried on 10 Jul 1950 at Moravian Cemetery, West Salem, Edwards County, Illinois.^7,8,9
     He, as Ralph W. Ridgley, registered with the World War I Selective Service System on 12 Sep 1918 at Olney, Richland County, Illinois. He described himself as living on RR#1, Parkersburg, Illinois, age 19, born 24 Dec 1898, and his occupation was farming for himself and Russell R. Ridgely. He was medium in height, medium in build, with brown eyes and had black hair. His closest relative was Russell R. Ridgely, also of RR#1, Parkersburg. He signed as Ralph W. Ridgley.¹⁰
     By the time of the 1930 census, this family appears to have broken up. Addie K. Ridgley, age 32, first married at age 21, born in Illinois, was listed as a servant in the household of Max R. Hill in Vincennes, Knox County, Indiana. Ralph Ridgley , age 30, born in Ilinois, first married at age 20, was listed as a servant in the household of Leslie Calhoun in McLean County, Illinois. M. Josephine Ridgely, age 9, was listed in the household of Harmon C. and M. Josephine Koertge of Bonpas Township, Richland Co., Illinois as a grandaughter. Lee M. Ridgley, age 8, was listed as a nephew in the family of Ira D. and Blanch M. Ridgely, also in Bonpas Township. Doris Olds, among her notes, has one that says Ralph was divorced in 1931.
     His obituary states:
     "Ralph Ridgely, 51, well known farmer of Bonpas Township, passed away at his home Sunday. He is survived by his wife, Flo; one son, Lee Ridgely of Carlisle, IN and four daughters, one residing at Danville and three at home. He was the son of the late Russell and Margaret Ridgely of Bonpas Township and the last survivor of their seven children. Funeral services were held in West Salem and burial was in the Moravian Cemetery, West Salem."¹¹

     Ray Arnal Ridgely was born on 18 Mar 1908 at Mound Valley, Labette County, Kansas.^1,2 He was the son of Charley Henry Ridgely and Matilda Edson.¹ Ray Arnal Ridgely married Edna May Gwartney on 20 Apr 1943 at Reno, Nevada.^3,4 Ray Arnal Ridgely appears in the Social Security Death Index as having died 22 Nov 1988 with the last place of residence listed as Parsons, Labette County, Kansas. Ray Arnal's SSN was issued in Kansas. Also, his birth date is given as 18 Mar 1908.⁵
     He and Edna May Gwartney had no children.³ As of 1966, Ray Arnal Ridgely lived at 1429 Main Street, Parsons, Kansas.⁶

     Robert Ridgely was born on 7 Nov 1847.¹ He was the son of Henry Davidge Ridgely and Irena Harrison.¹ Robert Ridgely married Mary M. Talley on 5 Oct 1871.¹ Robert Ridgely died on 26 Feb 1906 at age 58¹ and was buried at Olio Township Cemetery, Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois.²
     Robert Ridgely and Mary M. Talley appeared on the census of 10 Jun 1880 at Madison Township, Richland County, Illinois, as follows:
142/146 Ridgley, Robert, 32, Dry goods store, b. Ill, father b. Va., m. b. Ill.
, Mary M., 29, b. Ill., parents b. Tenn.
, Orman, 6, son, b. Ill., parents b. Ill
, Olie, 5, dau., b. Ill., parents b. Ill.
, Irene, 1, dau., b. Ill., parents b. Ill.³

     "Members of the Parkersburg Christian Church will be celebrating the 100th year anniversary of their church Sunday, August 15 beginning with their regular service at 9:30 a.m. The all white church building is the original structure built there in 1883. The building was constructed one year after its official founding in August 1882. The church was started by Robert Ridgely, Harvey Mulllins, and David Yeager who were among the 51 charter members of the church. During the first anniversary celebration held there in 1883, nearly 2000 people attended the dedication service. ...⁴ "
     His obituary states:

     "ROB. RIDGLEY IS DEAD. Former Parkersburg Citizen Dies at Home in Eureka.
"Robert Ridgley [sic], a former well-known citizen of Parkersburg, died at his home in Eureka Monday as the result of a severe attack of typhoid fever.
"The funeral was held at the home Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. J. H. Rose, of Mt. Vernon, who was an old friend.
BORN IN COUNTY
"Mr. Ridgley was born on a farm near Parkersburg Nov. 7, 1842[sic]. He lived there until he was 17 years of age and then began to learn the blacksmith trade at Parkersburg.
"In 1868 he went to Lancaster to look after his father's interest in the store of Couch and Ridgley, but they moved the entire stock to Parkersburg a few years later.
"In 1872 he and his brother-in-law C. A. Talley, bought out this store and later Mr. Talley retired leaving Mr. Ridgley the sole proprietor. This business engaged him until 1892 when he moved to Eureka.
"He was married in 1871 to Mary M. Talley, who survives him. Three children survive. They are Mrs. B. H. Sealock, of Polo; Ola Ridgley and Orman Ridgely, an attorney, both of Eureka.
Mr. Ridgley was one of the organizers of the Christian church at Parkersburg in 1882."⁵

     Robert Ridgely was born on 19 Sep 1907.^3,4,5 He was the son of Orman Ridgely and Bertha Rutilia Hoyt.^1,2 Robert Ridgely died on 23 May 1960 at age 52.^6,7 He was buried a 23 May 1960 at Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois. The years of birth and death are on the tombstone.

      "Robert Ridgely was the only son of Orman and Bertha Ridgely. He was sometimes called 'Grinny' because he 'always had a smile on his face.' Rob married Gladys Darnell, but was later divorced. He was a salesman in Peoria, Illinois. Rob and Gladys had two children, Robert and William."⁸

     Robert (nmn) Ridgely was born on 2 Nov 1921.¹ He was the son of Claude Vernon Ridgely and Bessie Maguire.¹ Robert (nmn) Ridgely died on 23 Jan 2011 at St. Mary's Medical Center, Hobart, Indiana, at age 89.²
     His obituary states:
     "Robert Ridgely, age 89, of Merrillville, passed away with loved ones by his side at St. Mary's Medical Center on January 23, 2011. He was a livelong resident of Gary and Merrillville, IN. He was born on November 2, 1921 to Judge C. V. and Bessie Maguire Ridgely. He attended Holy Angels School and graduated from Horace Mann High School and Indiana University School of Business. He was employed by Calumet Securities Corp. for 43 years, having retired in 1994.
"A World War II Army veteran, Robert served as a medic with the 339th Combat Engineers in New Guinea and the Phillipines for 3 1/2 years and post-war as a Lieutenant with the 113th Engineering Division of the National Guard.
"Robert is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Jane; children Patrick (Sharon) Ridgely, MD of Minnetonka, MN; Timothy (Patty) Ridgely and grandsons: Michael Ridgely and Jamey Mulliagan; step granddaughter, Tiffany Wentz; and step great-grandson Parker Wentz of Seattle, WA; Brian Ridgely of Raleigh, NC; Kathy Ridgely Beal and grandchildren : Andrew, Alexandra, and Christoper Beal of Rowley, MA; sister Margaret (late George) Ridgely Dalby; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Terence Ridgely of Wales, United Kingdom: parents: Judge C. V. and Bessie Ridgely; sisters: Mary (David) Ridgely Root and Helen (James) Ridgely Lauerman; brother, William (Alice) Ridgely.
"Robert was a beloved husband and devoted father who loved his family and church. He was a voracious reader and avid traveler. Always ready with a smile or a joke, Bob was known for his wonderful sense of humor, which brghtened the lives of those around him.
"Robert was a member of St. Joan of Arc parish in Merrillville and previously was a member of St. Marks and SS. Peter and Paul parishes. While at SS. Peter and Paul, he was on the parish Council and a member of the Andrean Foundation.
"Family and friends may call at Pruzin Brothers Funeral Service, 6360 Broadway, Merrillville on Wednesday from 3:00 - 7:00 P. M. with a prayer service at ____ P. M. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 9:30 A. M. from Pruzin Brothers Chapel and 10:00 A. M. from St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church (200 E. 78th Ave., Merrillville) with Rev. Roy Beeching officiating. At rest Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville. Family and friends may share an online condolence or memory at:
"www. Pruzinfuneralservice.com."²

     Russel R. Ridgely was born on 26 Mar 1854.² He was the son of Orrick Ridgely and Nancy Harrison. Russel R. Ridgely married Margaret Jane Keen on 7 May 1876.^3,4 Russel R. Ridgely died on 15 Feb 1928 at age 73. He was born at the family homestead and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George Koertge, having lived entire life in Richland County, Ill.⁵ He was buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Richland County, Illinois.⁶
     Russel R. Ridgely and Margaret Jane Ridgely appeared on the census of 18 Jun 1880, as follows:
     206/209 Ridgely, Russel 25, farmer, b. Ill parents b. Ill
      , Margaret, 22 wife b. Ill. p. b. Ky.⁷
     His obituary states:
     "Russel Ridgley, son of Orrick and Nancy Ridgley, was born at the family homestead, March 26, 1854, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George Koertge, February 15, 1928, age 73 years, 10 months and 20 days, having lived his entire life in Richland county.
"He was married to Margaret Keen May 7, 1876, who preceded him to the great beyond January 3, 1923.
"To this union was born seven children: Nancy, having died in infancy; Hattie Rabe and Arthur E., both of Lamar, Colo; Della Koertge, Dora Clodfelter, Ira D. and Ralph W., all of Parkersburg, Ill.
"He was converted in young manhood at Oak Grove. Then after he and his young wife established a home, he united with the Church of Christ at Berryville and since that time led a life of Christian activity and usefulness, never failing to lend a hand to his friends and neighbors in time of sickness, sorrow and need.
"He was afflicted with a complication of diseases for a number of years, and for the past few weeks had been confined to the homes of his children. February 7 he was confined to his bed and in one week quietly slipped away.
"He leaves to mourn his departure six children, fourteen grandchildren, one brother, a host of other relatives and friends.
"Heaven now retains our treasure
Earth her lonely vigil keeps
"And the sunshine loves to linger
Where our dear parents sleep."⁸

     Rutilia Ridgely married Robert Hall.¹ Rutilia Ridgely was born on 4 May 1906.¹ She was the daughter of Orman Ridgely and Bertha Rutilia Hoyt. Rutilia Ridgely died in Sep 1999 at age 93.²
      "Rutilia was the second child of Orman and Bertha Ridgely. She, too, graduated from Eureka College. So did Robert Hall, whom Rutilia married.
"For a while they lived at Peoria, but in the early 1950's they moved to Joliet.
"Rutilia and Bob Hall were both teachers. They had two children, Robert Ridgely ("Robin") and an adopted daughter Elizabeth ("Libby").
"Bob Hall died of heart failure in the mid-1970's. Rutilia and Libby still live in Joliet."¹

     Samuel Gunn Ridgely was born on 9 Mar 1840.¹ He was the son of William Henry Ridgely and Hannah Reed Simmons. Samuel Gunn Ridgely died on 21 Jul 1915 at age 75. He was buried at Ridgely Family Cemetery, Wabash County, Illinois.²
     Samuel is named in his father's will and list of heirs, in Ref. 1 (from which the full name and date of birth are taken), Ref. 2 and Ref. 3, in the 1850-1880 census records of Wabash County, and in the estate records of Lloyd Ridgely. He is listed as "idiotic" in the 1860-1880 census reports and lived with Lloyd Ridgely. "Samuel was extremely deficient mentally. When Uncle Lloyd visited us, he brought Samuel along and looked after him like a child. Mother used to say that Grandma (Emily Orenda) used to say that her father mistreated her mother and that there were several children who did not live."³ Samuel was the only member of his generation mentioned in Lloyd's estate and was the last surviving member of this family.
     "Samuel Ridgley" is listed as idiotic in the 1880 census of Wabash County. The instructions say "An idiot is a person the development of whose mental faculties was arrested in infancy or childhood before coming to maturity." For such people, a column was provided to record the size of the head as large, small, or natural. For Samuel, it was recorded as small.⁴
Samuel Gunn Ridgely appeared on the census of 1900 at the John Parker household, Lukin Township, Lawrence County, Illinois, as follows: Loyd, b. Aug 1816, age 85, and Samuel, b. (month not legible) 1840, age 60, were boarders with their sister, Henrietta Ridgely Parker.⁵ Wabash County Estate file 289 shows a petition of 6 Dec 1913 to appoint a conservator of the estate of Samuel Ridgely. Samuel was summoned on 6 Dec to be in court on 13 Dec. On 13 Dec 1913, a jury decided that a conservator of the estate was needed.⁶
George W. Ridgely was appointed conservator Samuel Ridgely by the Wabash County Court. George W. Ridgely, George Harrison and Frank Storkman were bondsmen.⁶
A notice of his estate appeared in the Mt. Carmel Register of 5 June 1916. His inventory of 30 Aug 19⁷16 showed no real estate but included an amount received from the estate of Henrietta Parker and the partition sale of the lands of Lloyd Ridgely's estate ($619.85) and from the personal estate of Lloyd Ridgely. Witnesses were George W. Ridgley, George Harrison and Frank Starckman. The record shows that "he was a man over seventy years of age, and had during his whole life time been a man of unsound mind, distracted and feeble minded and wholly incapable of managing or caring for any property whatever, and his mind was so bereft that he was not fit or capable of understanding the value of money or other value on property and caring for same." In Aug., 1916, a charge from George W. Ridgely was made to the estate of Samuel Ridgely "for services rendered ... in care attention, board & clothing and medical attention Sept. 1908 to death, July 21, 1915."⁶

     Sarah Ridgely was the daughter of William Ridgely , Immigrant and Elizabeth (?).¹
     Newman says Sarah married John Barry in All Hallow's Parish on 19 June 1712.¹

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

     Sarah Ridgely was born c 1790. She was the daughter of Henry Ridgely and Rachel Griffith.
     She was living in Baltimore, Maryland in 1840.

     Sarah Elizabeth Ridgely was born on 12 Nov 1845.¹ She was the daughter of Henry Davidge Ridgely and Irena Harrison.¹ Sarah Elizabeth Ridgely married James Michael Findley on 6 Nov 1900 at Richland County, Illinois.^1,2 Sarah Elizabeth Ridgely died on 28 Mar 1925 at Richland County, Illinois, at age 79.³ She was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Parkersburg, Richland County, Illinois.⁴
     They had no children. (per Miss Arna Michael and Mrs. Mary Marshall.)

     Sarah Emma Ridgely was born on 1 Mar 1913.² She was the daughter of Gideon Willis Ridgely and Luella May Shirley.¹ Sarah Emma Ridgely appears in the Social Security Death Index as having died 7 Dec 1994 with the last place of residence listed as Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. Sarah Emma's SSN was issued in Wisconsin. Also, her birth date is given as 1 Mar 1913.³ She died on 7 Dec 1994 at age 81.³
     Sarah Emma Ridgely lived at 9524 West Mitchelll Street, West Allis, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.²