RIDLONS OF CLARENDON, VERMONT.
703
at Parker's (Boston), and went to see the Zaostaske Sisters, or Ada Rich-
mond, at the Howard Athenæum, or Lydia Thompson's troup, at the Globe.
He knew many of the city "sports," and had friendly bouts with "the
gloves with Sol Aaron, and most of the "fraternity " of Howard Street.
He spent a good deal of money, and just before the end of the year, was
called before the faculty and mildly disciplined. Appreciating their consid-
eration, he reformed, and during his sophomore year worked hard. Two
weeks before the end of the year, however, he was again called before the
faculty, and accused of breach of rules, of which (he says) he was not
guilty. An example was wanted, and having no proof but his own state-
ment, and having a bad reputation the year before, he was expelled from
the college. Stung by this injustice, he went to Chicago, Ill., and en-
tered the University of Chicago; by working hard during all the sum-
mer vacation, he made up some junior studies, and was allowed to enter
the senior class of '75. He now gave up his connection with the AX
society, and became a ▲ KE. He made up the remainder of his junior
studies, and was so successful in his senior work that he was chosen class-
poet on class day, and had the salutatory oration awarded him at com-
mencement day; thus having the satisfaction of receiving the degree of
A. B. from a college of a higher standing than that from which he had
been expelled, and that a year sooner. As he now looks back, his expul-
sion from Tuft's College seems to him the most fortunate thing that ever
occurred to him. He now became a member of Momence Lodge 481, of
Free and Accepted Masons. His graduating oration was upon the infalli-
bility of the Pope, and because he treated the subject in what seemed to
him a purely logical and scientific way, he was roundly denounced as a
Catholic, in a speech made by an ex-president of the college, at the alum-
ni-dinner. "Hereafter," he said, "we shall see to it that no Roman
Catholic graduates from our (Baptist) institution." The following Sep-
tember found him in New York city, studying medicine at the College of
Physicians and Surgeons, with Prof. E. C. Seguin as preceptor. He took
the three years' course and graduated in March, 1878. In June following
the University of Chicago conferred upon him the degree of A. M. He
entered the competitive examination for interne at St. Luke's Hospital,
and gained the position, going on duty July 1, 1878, and serving as assis-
tant-surgeon, assistant-physician, house-surgeon, and house-physician till
April 1, 1880. In the midst of this service he was married. The New
York Evening Express printed the following: "Special dispatch - New-
port, June 4 (1879). At the hour of eleven this forenoon Trinity Church
was well filled with the élite of this place, to witness the performance of
a marriage ceremony in the upper ranks of fashion. The high-contract-
ing parties were Dr. J. F. Ridlon, of New York city, and Miss Emily C.
Robinson, daughter of Madame M. J. Robinson, of Newport and New
York. The ceremony was performed by Rev. George J. Magill, rector of
Trinity. The ushers were Messrs. R. O. Harris and F. E. Cabot, of Bos-
ton, and George F. Crane and Dr. Walter Mendelson, of New York.
There were four bridesmaids: Miss A. M. Harris, of Boston, Miss Ernestine
Houget, of New York, and Miss Josie Gorton and Miss Annie Gorton, of
Newport. The bride was elegantly attired in heavy corded white silk
dress, en train, with tulle veil, and a profusion of orange-blossoms. She
carried a magnificent boquet of white roses. After the wedding a recep-
tion was held at Madame Robinson's cottage. Numerous elegant and
costly gifts were received by the bride. The happy couple leave this af-
