Elmer S. Ridenour is successfully engaged in farming in Milo township, where he owns one hundred and fifteen acres of fertile land. He was born in Clayton county, Iowa, near Elkport, on the 4th of July, 1882, a son of George W. and Mary (Smith) Ridenour, both natives of that county, where their marriage occurred. The paternal grandfather, James Ridenour, settled in Clayton county many years ago, moving there from Pennsylvania. During the Civil war he came to Delaware county and resided in Milo township for five years, after which he returned to Clayton county and bought land there, to the cultivation of which he devoted his energies until his death, in 1911. His widow resides with her son, George W. Ridenour, in Clayton county and has reached the ripe old age of eighty-one years. The maternal grandparents of our subject are both residing upon a farm near Elkport, Clayton county. To Mr. and Mrs. George W. Ridenour were born three sons: Elmer S., of this review; and Glenn and Claud, both residing in Clayton county.
     Elmer S. Ridenour was reared in his native county and there attended the public schools in the acquirement of his education. He has devoted his time and strength to the work of the farm and has found agriculture congenial, profitable and conducive to health. Although he is quite a young man he owns one hundred and fifteen acres of excellent land in Milo township, within six and one-half miles of Manchester, the county seat. He raises graded stock in addition to cultivating his fields and finds mixed farming most remunerative. He utilizes the most modern machinery in his work and endeavors to apply the scientific agricultural knowledge of the day to the operation of his farm. His progressive spirit and enterprise insure him continued success as an agriculturist,
     On the 11th of December, 1902, Mr. Ridenour was united in marriage with Miss Maggie Nietert, a daughter of Charles and Maggie (Gaylon) Nietert natives of Prussia arid Pennsylvania respectively. At the age of five Mr. Nietert was brought to the United States by his parents, who made their way to Clayton county, Iowa, where the family home was established. Mr. and Mrs. Nietert were married in that county and became the parents of nine children, namely: Charles, a resident of Manchester; Susie, who married Henry R. Dolley and resides in the state of Washington; Henry, who lives at Small, Idaho; Minnie, who died at the age of seventeen years; Andrew, residing in Walla Walla, Washington; Maggie, now Mrs. Ridenour; Stella, who married Thomas Dalton and lives at Masonville, Iowa; Robert, who makes his home at Kimball, South Dakota; and Katie, who married Floyd Dufoe and also resides at Kimball, South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Ridenour have two children, Jeannette and Alma.
     Mr. Ridenour is a republican and has served as school trustee, doing all in his power to further the interests of the schools in his district. He is well known in his locality and the respect which is generally accorded him is fully merited as his life has been one of industry, achievement, justice and fair dealing.