RIDLEYS OF NEWARK-ON-TRENT, ENGLAND.
477
Six months before Mr. Ridley's death he was thrown from his carriage
and sustained injuries from which he was confined to the house three
months under treatment, but recovered and attended to his business as
usual. On the Sabbath previous to his death he supplied the pulpit in
the absence of his pastor, and addressed the school in the afternoon. In
the evening he was at the service. After returning home from business
Monday evening he sat with his wife on the veranda till about half-past ten
o'clock; when he returned to the parlor to enjoy the music of his young.
est daughter. They sang their evening hymn, "Nearer, my God, to thee,"
engaged in family-prayer, and retired at midnight. In a short time his
wife was aroused by his heavy breathing and physical anguish, and after
two brief prayers to God, apoplexy ended his life, July 31, 1883, almost
before his family were aware of his danger.
His funeral was in Parkville Methodist Church, and was attended by
six hundred of the employes of the dry-goods house of which he was the
head. Two hundred Sabbath-school children sat in the front pews. The
casket was surrounded with many elaborate offerings. After the services
the employes and children filed around the church to view the remains of
their departed friend, each of the children dropping a flower upon the
casket as they passed. "The young of the congregation sobbed as if they
had lost a father, the middle-aged wept as if he had been a brother, and
the aged bowed as if feeling that a stay was gone, sorrowing most
of all that they should see his face no more." Mr. Ridley was buried in
Greenwood by the side of his first wife, who died in 1863. He left issue
six children, of whom hereafter.
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In his will he left one third of his real estate, other than that employed
in business, to his wife Carrie, and also gave her one hundred thousand
dollars, together with his household goods and carriages. The other two
thirds of his real estate go in equal shares to his children. The dry-
goods business is left to his sons,- Edward, Albert, and Arthur. To
his daughters twenty-five thousand dollars each is left, and to his grand-
son, Edward Ridley, thirty-five thousand dollars. The sum of five hun-
dred dollars a year for seven years is left for the Parkville Methodist
Church, and two hundred dollars a year for the same time for the Sab-
bath-school. The value of the estate is estimated at two million dollars.
One clause in the will provides that if any of the legatees attempt to con-
test the will in a court of law, he or she shall forfeit any bequest in his
or her favor.
Jane Ridley (1), eldest daughter of James¹ (1), was born Nov. 12,
1818, and died Sept. 9, 1863.
William-Moor Ridley (1), second son of James¹ (1), was born Oct.
22, 1821, at Newark, Nottinghamshire, Eng., and is a professor of music
and organist in Liverpool. He married and has issue; names do not ap-
pear.
Eliza Ridley (1), second daughter of James¹ (1), was born Jan. 19,
1824, and died Feb. 15, 1824.
Robert-Mosley Ridley2 (1), third son of James¹ (1), was born at New-
ark-on-Trent, Dec. 15, 1824; deceased.
Betsey-Mosley Ridley2 (1), third daughter of James¹ (1), was born
March 16, 1826, and died July 27, 1852.
Mary-Ann Ridley' (1), fourth daughter of James¹ (1), was born April
16, 1829, and died May 4, 1829.
Alfred Ridley² (1), fourth son of James¹ (1), was born at Newark-on-
