RIDLONS OF SACO, MAINE,
649
think that was a 'tarnal, all-killin' job, mister? What say?" During this
description he had held his lame foot in his hands on his knee, and with
contortion of body, movement of hand, and facial expression, illustrated
in a forcible manner his rude amputations and sufferings. Men are few
who could undergo such painful operations upon their own flesh, and with
their own hands; and one must be armed with strong nerves to hear the
old man tell the story unmoved. The bones of his feet were left with
sharp edges and caused him great pain ever after when walking; as the
motions of the foot, and weight of his body, pressed them into the flesh,
keeping it always sore. "Uncle Nat" always loved the sea, and spent
considerable time fishing along the coast of Maine, in after life.* He lived
a while with his uncle, Abraham Ridlon, when young. He was about
medium height, had round shoulders, long jutting eye-brows, gray eyes,
large nose, broad mouth and chin, and short, thick neck. In his prime his
hair was dark-brown. He was eccentric, odd, and willful, but quite con-
versational and humorous. Kind of heart and honest, "Uncle Nat" had
many friends, and the many "sailors' yarns "he used to spin, after he be-
came a “land-lubber," will never be forgotten by those who knew him.
His second wife predeceased him, but I have no record. He lived with
his youngest children during his last years, on his own farm, on the "Ferry
Road," nearly opposite the homestead of his brother Edmund. Died in
1873, and at his request, was buried in the same suit of sailors' clothes he
had been twice married in; and we may hope he made a safe voyage to
the harbor of eternal rest. He had issue twelve children, of whom here-
after. I have his portrait.
Edmund Ridlon* (1), fifth son of Lewis (1), was born in Saco, Me.,
Sept. 7, 1800; married July 15, 1820, Ruth, daughter of Jeremiah and
Mercy Smith, and had issue twelve children, of whom hereafter. He lived
on a farm on the river side of the "Ferry Road," in Saco, nearly opposite
his brother Nathaniel's house, and only a little way down the hill from
the cemetery. He resembled his brother last mentioned: had sandy com-
plexion, Scottish type of features, long, shaggy eye-brows, and a surly,
determined expression of face. His shoulders unlike nearly all the
Ridlons were narrow and sloping. His constitution was vigorous till
old age; he enjoyed a good dinner. Eccentric as any member of the clan;
said many queer and witty things, now remembered and told by the
townspeople. His wife predeceased him. Mr. Ridlon died in 1878, aged
78 years. Children now living on the homestead farm. Portrait in my
home.
―
Henry Ridlon (2), sixth son of Lewis (1), was born in Saco, Me.,
Sept. 4, 1802; married Nancy, daughter of his uncle Gibbins Ridlon, April
11, 1826, and settled on the "Ferry Road," so called. His first wife died
March 20, 1835, leaving four children, of whom hereafter; and Mr. Rid-
lon married, secondly, Feb. 6, 1845, Lucretia T. Edgecomb, of Saco; she
was born Oct. 29, 1817, and is still living with her children in the city of
Saco. Mr. Ridlon died Feb. 19, 1869, leaving four children by his second
wife. He was a quiet, retiring man, honest and kind to all. Complexion
light, height medium, features Scottish.
* For many years successively, the Ridlons of Hollis and Buxton went to Saco,
and out a-fishing with Uncle Nat Ridlon, the latter always acting as "skipper."
The old "tar" knew the good fishing-places, understood the management of a
boat, and they always took good "fare" when under his directions.
