Every so often, we misplaced things, and we eventually convince
ourselves they are lost for good. Other times, things are taken, and the sands
of time seem to cover every track of evidence. After taking everything into
account, there are seasons to rejoice when the lost has been found. This is what happened today with the Confederate tombstone of
William A. Ridgeway.
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| William Alexander Ridgeway & his wife Salena "Jones" Ridgeway |
Through an interesting set of circumstances, Mr. Ridgeway’s
tombstone mysteriously disappeared many years ago without a trace from the
Smith Hensley Cemetery, in Baxter County, Arkansas. The tombstone was recently
discovered somewhere near Kansas City, Missouri, in a garage next to a house
that was being razed. Since the
tombstone’s engraving designated Mr. Ridgeway had served in the Confederacy, a
gentleman contacted the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Connections were made to
bring the stone back home, and subsequently it was returned to Baxter County. We
had the opportunity to reset his monument with the local Sons of Confederate
Veterans group, the 27th Arkansas Infantry, Camp 1519.
I recently had the opportunity to see his 98 page biography
he dictated in 1906. While digitally scanning its pages, it was a surreal experience
as I would stop and read out loud the words of a man who experienced many pivotal
points of our nation’s history. A descendant of W. A. Ridgeway, Royce Jones, has taken the task of transcribing this
journal. It will be an interesting read when completed. Below are some of the
facts gathered so far. More will be forthcoming.
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| Rest in Peace Lt. Ridgeway |
Visit the grave-site of W. A. Ridgeway on Find A Grave.
Enjoy your Ozarks’ History.
William Alexander "Uncle Billie" Ridgeway
aka W. A. Ridgeway
Paternal Great Grandfather: Thomas Ridgeway sailed from England to
Georgia at age 14. Attacked by a British soldier with a sword which
convinced him to fight with Gen. Washington in the Revolutionary War.
Paternal Grandparents: James and Elizabeth Ridgeway.
Maternal Grand Parents:of Jesse and Susan Goodwin
Father: John Ridgeway, was born in Halifax County, Virginia August 8th, 1791. Died in 1872.
Mother:Rebecca "Goodwin" Ridgeway was born in 1802 in Trigg County, Kentucky. Died in Weakley County, Tennessee in 1886.
Paternal Grandparents: James and Elizabeth Ridgeway.
Maternal Grand Parents:of Jesse and Susan Goodwin
Father: John Ridgeway, was born in Halifax County, Virginia August 8th, 1791. Died in 1872.
Mother:Rebecca "Goodwin" Ridgeway was born in 1802 in Trigg County, Kentucky. Died in Weakley County, Tennessee in 1886.
W. A. Ridgeway had 6 siblings.
Three brothers: Jesse G., James M., and Samuel H.
Ridgeway.
Three sisters: Susan, Elizabeth, and Mary Ann.
Civil War: Enlisted September 1, 1863 at Cottage Grove, TN, by Capt. Bowman. Brown horse valued at $700. Present on roll for Mar/April 1864 as Private. Present on roll for May/June 1864 as 2nd Lieutenant, "Elected 2nd Bvt. Lieutenant 20th of May, 1864". Wounded at Harrisburg (Tupelo, MS), "lacerated ... of the wrist"; granted 30 days leave July 26, 1864.
W. A. Ridgeway was married 3 times:
1st: Married to Angeline Kennedy: May 7th, 1846. Angeline "Kennedy" Ridgeway September 4th, 1874. She was the mother of fifteen (15) children. Three died in infancy, twelve lived to be grown and had families.
Mr. Ridgeway came to Arkansas in the autumn of 1874.
2nd: Married to a widow Ann Montgomery on November 18th. 1877. Ann "Montgomery" Ridgeway was born Oct. 20, 1833. She died May 30th, 1883. No children by this woman.
3rd: Married to Salina Jones on March 10th, 1887. Salina "Jones" Ridgeway was born Aug. 20, 1837. She died Dec. 20, 1928. She is buried in the Fairview Cemetery in Buford, Baxter County, Arkansas.
His personal claim: He knew David Crockett.
