Brief Life History of William
When William Ridley was born on 16 June 1823, in Maresfield, Sussex, England, United Kingdom, his father, Henry Ridley, was 36 and his mother, Elizabeth Pomphrey, was 40. He married Ann Horscroft on 21 July 1851, in Nutley, Sussex, England, United Kingdom. They were the parents of at least 5 sons and 5 daughters. He lived in Ontario, Wayne, New York, United States in 1860. He died on 23 June 1903, in Nutley, Sussex, England, United Kingdom, at the age of 80.
Photos and Memories (1)
Do you know William? Do you have a story about him that you would like to share? Sign In or Create a FREE Account
Family Time Line
Sources (12)
- William Ridley, "United States Census, 1860"
- William Ridley, "England and Wales Marriage Registration Index, 1837-2005"
- William Ridley, "England and Wales, National Index of Wills and Administrations, 1858-1957"
Spouse and Children
Children (10)
+5 More Children
Parents and Siblings
Siblings (7)
+2 More Children
World Events (8)
1825 · The Crimes Act
The Crimes Act was made to provide a clearer punishment of certain crimes against the United States. Part of it includes: Changing the maximum sentence of imprisonment to be increased from seven to ten years and changing the maximum fine from $5,000 to $10,000.
1827 · Slavery Becomes Illegal in New York State
During the years 1799 to 1827, New York went through a period of gradual emancipation. A Gradual Emancipation Law was passed in 1799 which freed slave children born after July 4, 1799. However, they were indentured until 25 years old for women and 28 years old for men. A law passed 1817 which freed slaves born before 1799, yet delayed their emancipation for ten years. All remaining slaves were freed in New York State on July 4, 1827.
1846
U.S. acquires vast tracts of Mexican territory in wake of Mexican War including California and New Mexico.
Name Meaning
English: habitational name from any of various places called Ridley (Cheshire, Kent, Northumberland) or Ridley Hall in Terling (Essex). The Cheshire, Kent, and Northumberland placenames probably derive from Old English (ge)ryd(d) ‘cleared’ + lēah ‘woodland clearing’. The Essex placename may derive from Old English rēad ‘red’ + lēah. A Northumberland family of this name included Bishop Nicholas Ridley, who was burned at the stake in 1555 for refusing to recant his Protestant beliefs.
Possibly also an altered form of Swiss German Riedle or Riedler (see Ridler ).
Dictionary of American Family Names © Patrick Hanks 2003, 2006.
Possible Related Names
Discover Even More
As a nonprofit, we offer free help to those looking to learn the details of their family story.