John Ridgeway, 1797-1852, Podcast #3

Hello, my name is George E. Ridgeway Jr.

This is the 3rd podcast of my fifth generation grandfather, John Ridgeway.

Allow me to register this disclaimer before I begin this narrative.

"The things I am about to tell of John Ridgeway are valid as far as I know. If I have noted something that is not true, please let me know in this blog and I will review it and correct if need be. Thank you."

When I went back to Illinois in the summer of 2009, I was able to get a copy of John Ridgway's will. Only recently was I able to translate John's writing into a readable typed version when I have made an interesting discovery. I learned that the will disclosed was that John knew that he was very ill and knew that he would die soon. Although, John didn't mention him by name, John Ridgway wrote the will in such a way to hold off inheritance to his heirs until Ann's youngest child reached 21 years of age. That would have been my 4th generation grandfather Barzilla (Benjamin) Franklin Ridgeway.

Initially, John gave all of his personal property to Ann Ridgway for her sole use. Then he gave her the West half (80 acres) of the NorthWest quarter of Section 16 of Township 12 North, Range 9 East. He gave her the South one third part (53 acres) of the Northwest quarter of Section 26 of Township 12 North, Range 9 East. The remaining two thirds of Section 26 he left to be used to fray any debts he might have after his death and leaving Ann a means to pay them. Until reading this will I did not know that John owned the NW quarter of section 16.

John made stipulation that should Ann die before her youngest child reached 21 years, then the proceeds of the land were to be used to support Ann's children until her youngest reached 21.

Now that I see the location of John and Ann's Section 16 in relation to the Riddel farm, I think even more that John was not buried on the Riddel Polling farm. John's farm is just across the road. I think he was buried on his own land on section 16. It is even possible that his stone some how got carried to the Riddel farm. 158 years is a long, long time and a lot can happen between then and now.

Until next time, Good Day and keep on searching.