William A. Ridgeway: Restoring What Was Lost

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.

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 27^th 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.

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.

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.