RIDLEYS OF SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA. 487
Robert Ridley (2), third son of Thomas (2), was born in Southamp-
ton County, Va.; married Mary-Eliza, daughter of John N. Blunt, of
Greensville County, Va., and had issue four children, of whom hereafter.
At an early period he manifested a decided taste for the legal profession.
He was at one time a student at William and Mary College in Williams-
burg, Va.; and subsequently at the University of Virginia. After the
completion of his classical course, he entered the law-office of the distin-
guished John Y. Mason, as a student of law. Having passed through the
usual routine of study, he appeared at the bar, and gained much distinc-
tion and a lucrative practice. He represented Southampton County in
the Legislature, and served as a member of the Convention called to amend
the State Constitution. As a member of the Convention and in the legis-
lative halls he was no idle looker-on, but zealously defended the interests
of the State. His urbane manners and charming conversation won him a
place in the hearts of his fellow-men, and his associates were among the
most respectable and cultivated of his generation. His health became
somewhat impaired during his application in Conventional duties, and with
short intervals of improvement continued to decline until the month of
August, 1852, when his useful life was terminated. Mr. Ridley's wife was
all that could be desired, proving an amiable companion and faithful help-
meet in all relations of life.
Nancy Ridley (1), only daughter of Thomas (2), was born in South-
ampton County, Va., and died single.
Ridley (?), eldest son of Francis¹ (1), was born in Southampton
County, Va., and died without issue.
Francis-Thomas Ridley (2), second son of Francis (1), was born
in Southampton County, Va., Sept. 5, 1817; married Elizabeth-Norfleet
Goodwyn, daughter of Dr. William B. Goodwyn, and had issue six chil-
dren, of whom hereafter. Mr. Ridley inherited his father's possessions,
including the old Ridley homestead, where he at present resides. He was
at one time a student in Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., and afterwards
at the University of Virginia. He studied law, but never practised it as
a profession, preferring to devote his time to agricultural pursuits. In
person he scarcely reaches the medium height, with a mould of body and
limb which inclines to the stout order of men. His colloquial powers are
good; his manner affable and agreeable. The eldest living member of
this family.
SIXTH GENERATION.
Leonidas Ridley (1), eldest son of Thomas (3), was born in South-
ampton County, Va., Sept. 16, 1838, and died Sept. 4, 1853. He was a
lad of much promise, and at the time of his death was being prepared to
enter the University of Virginia.
Roberta-Mary Ridley (1), eldest daughter of Thomas' (3), was born
in Southampton County, Va., Jan. 31, 1840; she was of a very delicate
constitution, and died April 6, 1872.
Eliza-Ann Ridley (1), second daughter of Thomas (3), was born in
Southampton County, Va., Oct. 16, 1841; was married to Anseline B. Ur-
quhart in February, 1863, and is the mother of seven children.
6
Margaret-Frances Ridley (1), third daughter of Thomas (3), was
born in Southampton County, Va., March 18, 1843; was married to Jo-
seph W. Urquhart in February, 1864, and is the mother of seven children.
Nathaniel-Thomas Ridley (3), second son of Thomas5 (3), was born
