Pvt. Algernon Ridley

RIDLEY, HAC

Posted By: Ruth M. Hackett
Date: 6/30/2013 at 23:12:44

Pvt. Algernon Ridley

In Estherville, Iowa, on Tuesday, the 8th inst. [Feb. 1872] Algernon H. Ridley died, age 36 years and one month.

Mr. Ridley was born in the of Maine, and emigrated to this county 14 years ago, thus making him among the earliest pioneers who settled in these then Northwestern wilds, and he has proved himself one of our most worthy, industrious and enterprising citizens. When the savage hordes of the Northwest threatened the frontier settlements with devastation and destruction, Mr. R. was among the first who volunteered his services to protect and defend the borders from the murderous attacks of the unmerciful Sioux and kindred warlike tribes.

For three years and three months he proved himself a worthy soldier and a faithful sentinel on the outposts, and experienced all the dangers, hardships and many hair-bredath (sic) escapes incident to campaigns which gave peace and security to the Northern border. Having faithfully performed his duty as a soldier, he returned to Emmet county, at the close of the war, and gave his exclusive attention to agricultural pursuits, and by well directed effort in that direction, became one of our most honored and substantial farmers. In September last, while engaged in running a threshing machine his leg came in contact with of the machinery and was so frightfully mangled that amputation became necessary. What was supposed to be eminent medical aid, was summoned from a neighboring state to render him assistance which surgical science has the power to bestow, but from malpractice, or some inexplicable cause, he has suffered untold physical agony from the date of injury, up to the hour of his earthly dissolution.

To those virtues which distinguish the moral and upright citizen, Mr. R. has but few peers in this county. He was an earnest, but unassuming advocate of sobriety--a faithful, confiding friend and generous neighbor, and possessed, in an eminent degree, many of those peculiar characteristics of true manhood which makes his loss seem almost irrepairable (sic) in this community.

His worthy family and numerous relatives in this locality have the heartfelt condolence of all who prized him for his many excellent qualities of both head and heart, and extend to them, in this their hour of sorrow, that unalloyed sympathy which such sore affliction generates in the heart of "all who feel for others woes."

--from the Northern Vindicator of Estherville, Feb. 10, 1872