1882 History of Linn County, Missouri

BIOGRAPHY

Jesse Wilson Ridgway (Deceased)                                 Brookfield City and Twp, page 559

    Mr. Ridgway was a native of Howard county, this State, born January13, 1827.  He was reared in the county of his birth, and received such an education as the schools of his neighborhood at that time afforded.  In 1850, he was married to Miss Melcena True, a native of Boone county, Missouri.  The following year the young couple left their home and friends, and came to Linn county, settling on the farm in Brookfield township where his widow and family still reside.  At that time the country was but sparsely settled, and Mr. and Mrs. Ridgway experienced all the hardships incident to pioneer life.  They bought a piece of wild lane, and by their own hard labvor succeeded in improving it into one of the best and most comfortable places in the township, containing two hundred and ninety-five acres.  They have reared a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters, of whom five are still living.  Their names are Laura E., William E., W. Thompson, Sampson G., Mary J., Arthur E., and Jesse W.  Two of these, William and Arthur are dead.

     Many persons will remember Mr. Ridgway as one of the early settlers of Linn county.  His well-known character of honesty, integrity, and fair dealing, made him many warm friend during his life, and it is to be regretted that he was cut off while in its prime.  He died December 28, 1868, and his loss is not only not easily replaced to the county of which he was a citizen, but can never be replaced to his family to whom he was such a kind husband and father.  The life of Jesse W. Ridgway was in every sense and eminent success.

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Transcribed, in total, by kkfitch © 2009.  All Rights Reserved.