Individual markers for John Elliot Baker Ridley and wife Mary at lower left. They are buried either in or adjacent to the Dudley plot.

Nashville Banner (FEB 13,1902)

Brother J. E. B. Ridley.
Brother Ridley had a work to do, and he did it well. His labors, tools, disappointments, and trials of this life came most triumphantly to a close at the home of Brother George H. Porch, in Nashville, Tenn., on February 12, 1902. Brother Ridley was born on January 11, 1862, near Donelson, Davidson County, Tenn., making his life here on earth forty years, one month, and one day. He only had the advantages of the common country schools during his boyhood days, but after he grew to manhood he went to Burritt College and remained there three years, during which time A. T. Seitz was president of the college. While he was at college, in August 1882, at the age of twenty years, he was baptized into Christ by Brother A. B. Herring, making just one-half of his forty years spent in the vineyard of the Lord. On February 17, 1885, Brother Ridley was married to Miss Mary E. Freily, of Bledsoe County, Tenn., and their devotion to each other and to the children which blessed their union was most beautiful. There are few preachers who have a more patient, self-sacrificing wife than Brother Ridley. With a brave heart she helped him bear all of his burdens and cheerfully shared with him his joys and sorrows. They had! eleven children born unto them, two having died in infancy. There are five boys and four girls who are left fatherless and now look to a broken-hearted mother for advice. Thus far the children have been well trained. The two oldest boys, Watson and Vernon, have positions and have begun to help to support the family. Brother Ridley taught school the first two years after he was married and preached some on Lord's days. He held his first protracted meeting in Jackson County, Tenn., and from that time on he continued to preach till his health was so impaired that his physician told him he would have to quit. He would hold from eight to ten protracted meetings every year, and with much success. During a meeting at Brown's Chapel, Jackson County, he had fifty-seven additions to the one body; while during one meeting in Kentucky; at the close of a sermon, seventeen persons came forward. Such in gatherings made his meetings very interesting and made his heart to rejoice. As a rule, his audiences increased and were very attentive. He always had something to say and said it with all the earnestness of his soul. Both saint and sinner would learn something from his discourses, because every sentence was filled with meaning. He seemed to preach with the idea of his Savior: "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." His last protracted meeting was held in West Nashville, Tenn., in November, 1900. This meeting continued about one month and closed with several additions. He seemed to gain the confidence of the brethren wherever he went; but he did not compromise the truth to do this. In the spirit of John the Baptist, who reproved the king for marrying his brother's wife, he was not afraid to tell any brother his faults. His preaching was in the fear of God and the love of the truth. About five years before his death Brother Ridley had la grippe, which laid the foundation for the dreaded disease, consumption; but having so much zeal and earnestness, he continued to preach till strength failed him. I was called last year to hold a meeting at his home congregation the last of June. While there I was taken sick, and he was so anxious for the success of the meeting he would go and preach one sermon when I could not be there. This, I suppose, was the last time he ever preached. Some of his friends thought it would improve his health to go to Texas, but he did think he could make the trip for the want of means. Kind brethren said the money to bear the expenses would be forthcoming; so he, attended by his daughter, Bertha, and young Brother Obarbton, went to Kerrville, Texas. After reaching Kerrville, he wrote: "I stood the trip out here quite as well as or better than we expected. I am very hopeful that I will improve in this climate." Nine days later he wrote: "I feel so thankful for all that has been done for me, and yet I feel so unworthy of so many blessings that God bestowed upon me. If the Lord is still gracious to me and I should become stronger, I shall try to do more for the Lord." After his physician told him he would be forced to quit preaching, he then wrote asking me to take as many of his meetings as I could. I met some of the engagements and found the brethren in much sympathy with him in his sad afflictions. While he was able to preach he was well supported, but after he gave up preaching he made known his needs and many good brethren opened their generous hearts and gave to him liberally. He was not a beggar, neither did he have to beg; but the brethren felt and realized that he was worthy of every dollar they gave him. A godly man has a promise of this life and of that which is to come. We have been told that the doctrine we preach will do to live by, but will not do to die by; but this can be denied in Brother Ridley's case. He taught the doctrine and lived by it and was not afraid to die by it. In one of his letters to me while in Texas Brother Ridley said: "While my physical strength has failed me, my spiritual strength has not. My faith and confidence in God's word and my hope of eternal rest seem stronger and brighter than ever before. I have arrived at the time when I enjoy my faith and my sweet hope of eternal rest more than I could enjoy it before. I don't feel alarmed at the thought that I might not get well; I don't lie down at night feeling afraid; and I am not in a constant dread of death. This perfect peace of mind is worth more to me than gold." O for a faith that will meet the storms of life and pass without fear through the cold waves of death! In his last letter he wrote these lines: "I think the cords of life are gradually giving way, and ere long I shall be laid to rest, that sweet rest that the Lord has promised and that this world cannot give rest, sweet rest, from all earthly labor, toil, care, and pain." How sweet to lie down to rest in the promises of Jesus! As a speaker, Brother Ridley was clear and forcible and fortified every point with very logical arguments. In his investigation of a subject he was very exhaustive. His sentences were well rounded and made beautiful by good language. His enthusiasm grew in every sermon, and he spoke with a feeling that the world depended for salvation upon every word that was spoken. He opposed every innovation and hated every evil way, but loved mankind, feared God, and reverenced his word; and, then, he trusted in the precious promises of the blessed Savior. We must all, sooner or later, leave this world. I have been sad in the departure of my very dear friend and brother and coworker in our Master's vineyard, but I hope we may have a grand reunion in the bright and glorious home prepared by Jesus for all who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. On account of the very bad weather we had a short service at Sister Ridley's home in Nashville. There were only a few kind hearted and sympathizing friends present. The body was carried to Mount Olivet and placed in a vault, to remain until about the middle of May, when it will be buried at Mount Olivet. He: "The time for debating and discussing My dear brother, thou hast bravely fought under the direction of thy Captain the battles of life, and the victory is thine; the crown of everlasting joy, peace, and gladness will be given, and God will gladly welcome thee into his eternal city of light and love. --- Columbia, Tenn. F. C. Sowell. Gospel Advocate, May 8, 1902, 290-91.