On 3 Jul 1892,
John Ridgeway, son of
Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, married
Ellen Norman, daughter of
James Norman and Harriet Woodland at
St Peter’s Church,
Uplowman. Witnesses were James Norman and William Norman, the bride's father and younger brother, respectively. Another younger brother,
George Norman, later married John Ridgeway's cousin, Ellen Stone.
The couple had clearly met at Widhayes Farm (
Grade II Listed), as in 1891, John Ridgeway (20) working as an Agricultural Labourer, had been lodging with James Wood at Widhayes, Uplowman and at the same time, Ellen Norman (20) had been employed as a General domestic servant in the household of Edward Chave (39), a prosperous Farmer, at the Farm, Widhayes, Uplowman.
John and Ellen had three children:
- William Henry Ridgway born 1893
- Thomas Ridgway born Q1 1894 (Died Q2 1894, aged 0)
- Annie Elizabeth Ridgway born 26 May 1895, bap. 30 Jun 1895 at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman
In 1901, John Ridgeway (30) Cattleman on farm, Ellen Ridgeway (29), William H (8) and Annie E (6) were living at Little Sellake, Higher Town,
Halberton.
In 1911, still at Sellake, Halberton, were John Ridgway (40), Ellen Ridgway (39) and William Henry (18) Farm Labourer. Meanwhile, Annie Ridgway (16) was working as a General domestic servant in the household of Retired farmer, Robert Pearce (89) at Locks House, Witnage, Sampford Peverell.
In 1939, John Ridgway, Assisting Cowman, and Ellen Ridgway (b. 23 Dec 1871), were living at Whipcott, Red Ball.
John Ridgway (77) of Whipcott, Holcombe Rogus, died on 22 Mar 1947 at Gamlins,
Greenham, Stawley. Probate was granted to
Herbert John Howe, quarry proprietor and Arthur John Exton, solicitors managing clerk, leaving effects of £2282 12s (worth around £91,590 in 2021).
Ellen Ridgway (81) of Gamlins, Greenham, Somersetshire died on 11 Sep 1952 at
Mountbatten Nursing Home Taunton, leaving effects of £2942 9s 2d. Probate was granted to Arthur John Exton, solicitors managing clerk.