Ohio Biographies



John R. Ridenour


In an analyzation of the life, the work and the character of John R. Ridenour it is evident that undaunted enterprise, indomitable purpose and resolute principles have ever been potent elements in his career and have been the means of advancing him to a prominent position in the county in which he makes his home. He is now serving as postmaster of Alpha and there conducts a grocery store, being a well known factor in mercantile interests of that place.

Mr. Ridenour was born in Beavercreek towntship, July 20, 1835, and is a son of Henry and Mary Ann (Hyland) Ridenour. His father was born in Martinsburg, Berkeley county. West Virginia, in November, 1804, and the mother was born in Washington county, Maryland, near Hagerstown. Henry Ridenour came to Ohio in the year 1828, at which time he located in Seneca county, where he engaged in farming. After two years, however. he returned to Maryland and was there married in March, 1830. Immediately afterward he brought his bride to Ohio and this time settled in Knox county, but in the spring of 1833 he removed to Greene county, taking up his abode near where the vi!lage of Alpha now stands. Here he engaged in the operation of rented land until 1855, when with the capital he had acquired through his own efforts, he purchased sixty-five acres of, land. To this he afterward added and at the time of his death was the owner of a good farm of ninety-five acres. He gave his political support to the Democratic principles as advocated by Jackson until 1856, wben he espoused the cause of the new Republican party and was one of its stanch adherents throughout his remaining days. His death occurred December 8, 1880, and his wife, who was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, died March 1, 1876, their remains being interred in Beaver cemetery. In their family were three sons and two daughters: Anna P., a resident of Xenia; John R., of this review; Upton H., who was killed in a runaway accident in December. 1862; Thomas Jefferson, of Osborn. this county: and Mary E.. who is living in Xenia.

After acquiring a common school education, John R. Ridenour devoted his entire time to farm work until he entered the army. He attempted to enlist in 1862 but did not pass muster and it was not until the 2d of May, 1864, that he was received as one of the defenders of the Union in the field of battle. In June, 1863, he had become a member of the National Guard in the township and was mustered in at Camp Dennison in the following May as second sergeant of Company D. One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry. The regiment participated in the battle of New Creek and was engaged in scouting and guard duty. In September, 1864, Mr. Ridenour was mustered out and returned home, resuming the quiet pursuits of the farm, where he remained for a year and a half. After his marriage he then purchased property near the fair grounds at Xenia, continuing to engage in the tilling of the soil there until 1886, when he sold that farm and bought land in the western part of Beavercreek township, making his home at that place for three and one-half years. On the expiration of that period he came to Alpha and in September, 1889, began the erection of the building which he now occupies as a store and postoffice.

On the 30th of September, 1874. Mr. Ridenour was wedded to Miss Sarah J. Prugh, of Montgomery county, Ohio. She is a member of the Methodist Protestant church and is a most estimable lady. Mr. Ridenour belongs to the Grand Army Post, to the Old Guard of Dayton, and is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he has been a stalwart Republican. He became a resident of Alpha in September, 1889. and the following November was appointed by Benjamin Harrison as postmaster, serving continuously until Cleveland's administration. During the McKinley administration, Frank Merrick was appointed to the position, but on account of the criticisms which his administration invoked, he was removed and Mr. Ridenour was again appointed and has served continuously since September, 1898. In 1871 he was elected justice of the peace and for three terms filled that position. He also filled out an unexpired term as township clerk, while for one term he was township trustee. In public office he has ever been found faithful, capabie and trustworthy. He is public-spirited in an eminent degree. National progress and local advancement are causes both dear to his heart. Kindness, amiability and courtesy not only characterize his social relations but are a marked factor in his business life.

 

From History of Greene County, Ohio, by George F. Robinson (S. J. Clarke Publishing Co, 1902)

 


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