RIDLONS OF HOLLIS, MAINE.
629
brother of Billings Hood, and lived in Turner, Me., where she died June
3, 1864. She was a twin to Lydia
Lydia Ridlon' (1), seventh daughter of Matthias (2), was born in
Saco, Me., Sept. 28, 1801; was married to Daniel True, and lived in
Wayne, on a large farm, where she died Feb. 6, 1875. Deacon True is
still living (1883). These two sisters (twins) were not tall, but considera-
bly stout in old age; they had dark eyes, and coarse features. But few
persons could distinguish one from the other, so close was their resem-
blance. The author has their portraits in India-ink, nicely framed.
Catherine Ridlon' (1), eldest daughter of James (1), was born in
Saco, Me., June 4, 1779, and was married July 5, 1804, to William Hop-
kinson, of Limington. No record of her death.
Dea. Joseph Ridlon' (1), eldest son of James (1), was born in Saco,
Me., May 26, 1782; married in March, 1802, Molly, daughter of William
Hopkinson, of Buxton, Me., and lived for some time on his father's farm
in Hollis. He purchased of Ebenezer Lewis a part of the farm formerly
owned by his uncle, Abraham Ridlon, which joined the land of his father
on the north-west, it being a part of the "Dalton Right," purchased of
Col. Thomas Cutts, of Saco, and made that his permanent home. He
embraced religion in early life, and became an active member of the
Baptist church in Limington, maintaining a consistent Christian walk
during life. He was a wheelwright by trade, and one of the most careful
and thorough workmen. His motto was to attempt nothing that he
could not do well. He never slighted work where it could not be seen,
and whatever left his hands stood the test of time. Mr. Ridlon was a care-
ful, judicious, and successful farmer; everything about his buildings and
fields had a neat and orderly appearance, and he required of his hired.
help the same thoroughness he exercised himself. He took a peculiar
pride in his hay-field, and could mow so smoothly that his swaths could
hardly be seen after the hay was taken off. He was careful in all his busi-
ness transactions, and could not bear to be in debt to any one. Moderate
in movements, and retiring in disposition, pleasant, generous, and ac-
commodating as a neighbor, he lived in peace with all men. He was of
medium height and size; had a very high forehead, regular features, gray,
deep-set eyes, light complexion, and serious expression of face. He was
very deeply wrinkled on his forehead and about the eyes. In walking he
carried his head bent forward and his eyes turned downward, as if search-
ing for something on the ground; and when with his ox-team, he went
some distance in advance, swinging his goad-stick toward his lead-cattle.
Mr. Ridlon died in his old home June 13, 1858, aged 76 years; his widow
survived him, and died at the home of her son Joseph, in Gorham, Dec.
11, 1870, aged 86 years; they were buried in the "Old Ridlon Burying-
ground," near his homestead. Issue five sons, of whom hereafter.
James Redlon (3), second son of James (1), was born in Little
Falls Plantation (now Hollis), Me., Aug. 19, 1784; married Dec. 9, 1802,
Sarah, daughter of William Hopkinson, of Buxton (same County), and
had issue two children, of whom hereafter. He settled down at Salmon
Falls, on Saco River, and lived there a few years; thence removed to a
part of his father's farm, and lived in a dwelling he made from an old
school-house that stood near the present residence of Jacob Townsend.
According to Hollis town records, he was "Lieut. James Ridlon, Field-
driver," in 1818. He was esteemed as an honest and promising man.
