508
RIDLEYS OF RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TENNESSEE.
did not, however, become entirely disconnected from study as were many
students in the State at the time. He passed a brilliant examination be-
fore two boards, in the various branches of medical science, and received
certificates of proficiency; was subsequently examined by Doctor Stone,
of New Orleans, who assured him that their institution would graduate
him if he would go there. He united with the Texas Annual Conference
in 1863, was stationed at Texana during 1864, and at Wharton in 1865–6.
In 1867-8 was stationed at Richmond, and in 1869-70, at Hempstead,
Tex. In 1871-2 he located as a physician and continued till his health
failed, when he purchased a drug-store which he kept till he rejoined the
conference in 1878, and was stationed at Hempstead for 1879. He is a
very popular man in both professions, and as a Mason his oratorical ability
has been many times called into requisition. He has organized several
literary societies of great worth; has been commisioned_chief justice of
Waller County, Tenn.; declined a nomination for the Legislature and
other positions of honor. I have letters from prominent professional
men in Texas who are acquainted with Rev. George V. Ridley, in which
he is represented as a man of high professional and social standing, and
of great personal worth.
Xarifa-Gazelle Ridley (1), youngest daughter of Georges (4), was
born in Maury County, Tenn., July 20, 1843; died May 13, 1844.
Helen-Mar Ridley* (1), eldest daughter of Thomas (4), was born
in Tennessee, May 26, 1835; was married to William Cooper, and resides
in Lamar County, Tex.; five children.
Cap. Dee-Hardman Ridley (1), eldest son of Thomas (4), was born
in Tennessee, Dec. 9, 1837; married Aug. 3, 1870, to Mary F. Provins,
and had issue three children, of whom hereafter. He entered the Con-
federate army in 1861, as a private in the Ninth Texas Infantry, com-
manded by S. B. Maxey. He was promoted to a lieutenancy, and served
the latter part of the war as captain. He has held the office of district
clerk for Lamar County, Tex., and served two terms as clerk of that
County, where he resides.
Lydia-Everet Ridley (3), second daughter of Thomas (4), was born
in Tennessee, Nov. 17, 1842; was married to William Roland, and lives
in Lamar County, Tex. Four children.
Octavus-LeGrand Ridley (2), second son of Thomas (4), was born
in Tennessee, Nov. 1, 1844; died in 1862 or '63.
Mary-Elizabeth Ridley' (7), eldest daughter of Johns (3), was born
in Maury County, Tenn., Oct. 28, 1829; was married to Dr. James Jones,
of Mississippi, a gentleman of high culture, who, although wealthy and
unembarrassed, became demented, and in a fit of insanity shot her dead
in 1858; he is now confined in the Mississippi Asylum for the Insane.
Mrs. Jones received a thorough collegiate education and a piece of her
composition is still regarded as being one of the finest pieces of English
literature by competent critics. She was also highly cultivated. Had
issue.
Richard-Renshaw Ridley' (1), eldest son of John³ (3), was born in
Belmont, Ala., July 24, 1828; married Sept. 10, 1851, to Mary C. Walker,
and is now (1879) living at Liberty, Tex. He graduated with highest
honors at Jackson College, but returned to his trade as blacksmith. He
