Jasper County IL Archives Biographies.....Ridlen, John S. 1820 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 October 25, 2011, 7:41 pm

Source: See below
Author: Lake City Publishing Co.

JOHN S. RIDLEN is the owner of a beautiful country home, situated in the midst
of a valuable farm of three hundred acres on section 6, Willow Hill Township,
Jasper County, about one mile south of the village of Willow Hill. A native of
the Buckeye State, he was born in Clermont County on the 8th of March, 1820, and
is of Scotch descent on the paternal side, and of French extraction on the
maternal side. His parents were Stephen and Ann (Belleville) Ridlen. The father
was born in Maine September 15, 1788, was a farmer by occupation, and had served
in the War of 1812. In an early day he emigrated to the Buckeye State, where he
made his home until 1852. That year witnessed his arrival in Jasper County,
where he purchased land, the farm upon which our subject now resides. The
remainder of his life he spent in this county. His death occurred in January,
1864, and to his family he left quite a large estate, which had been acquired
through his own industrious efforts. His wife, who was born in Pennsylvania
December 12, 1791, also spent her last days in Jasper County.

  We now take up the personal history of our subject, who in the usual manner of
farmer lads was reared to manhood. He spent most of the time with his parents
until twenty-nine years of age, when he left the parental roof to make a home
for himself. He wedded Miss Mary Bennett, who was born December 18, 1828, in
Ohio. Her death occurred on the 6th of December, 1882. She left a family of
seven children, as follows: Martha Ellen (deceased), who was the wife of John
Parr, a prosperous farmer of Jasper County; Margaret Ann, widow of James
Bartley; Eliza Jane, wife of James R. Manning, who is engaged in agricultural
pursuits in Jasper County; Lydia C., who married Frank P. Hurt, a farmer of the
same county; Sarah F., wife of William H. Lovrig, of Jasper County; William P.,
who follows farming in this community; and Mary C., wife of Harrison Conrad,
also a farmer of Jasper County. On the 7th of November, 1887, Mr. Ridlen was
again married, his second union being with Miss Lucy J. Gardner, a native of
Illinois. They are well-known people of this community and rank high in social
circles. Mr. Ridlen has spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits. When a
young man, he purchased a farm in Hancock County, Ind., and operated it until
1865. In that year he sold out, and choosing Illinois as the scene of his future
labors, came to Jasper County. Soon after his arrival he bought the farm on
which he now resides. It is complete in all of its appointments, supplied with
all modern improvements and conveniences, and is considered one of the best
farms of the locality. In his political views, Mr. Ridlen is a Democrat. He has
served ns School Director and has been Roadmaster for a number of years. With
the Baptist Church he holds membership. In the community in which he makes his
home he is recognized as an upright and honorable man and public-spirited and
progressive citizen.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

Portrait and Biographical Record of Effingham, Jasper and Richland Counties
Chicago: Lake City Publishing Co.
1893


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