Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1885-09-24

statue 10 shc Late James Il. EtidgIey
Unvefted In baltimore.


BA1TMoRn, Sept. 22.-The unwilling
Of the monument in Harlem Park to the
memory OF the late James L. Ridgley,
secretary to the Sovereign Grand Lodge
of Odd Fellows, took place this afternoon
in the presence of an immepse throng.
The monument is Of granite, with an alti-
tude of 40 feet, the apex being bronze
statue Of Mr. Ridgley. A line Of process
sion was formed on Gay street in front of
the hall of the order, and was
preceded by platoon of police,
under command of the chief and
deputy marshals. These were followed
by the chief marshal of the order, John
Jakes and staff. The line was in eight
divisions, consisting of uniformed
patriarchs from all jurisdictions, en-
campments and lodges from Penusyl-
vania, Kentucky, Delaware, New Jersey,
New York, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio,
orphan children Of deceased Odd Fellows
encampments and lodges from Virginia,
West Virginia, Rhode Island, Connecticut
| and Maryland. The seventh division
consisted of subordinate lodges md en-
equipments, and the grand lodge ami
encnmpment of Maryland, and aged Odd
| Fellows in carriages, and the last of the
mayor and city council, with the officers
and members of the Sovereign Grand
Lodge occupying the post of honor. The
line moved through the principal streets
to the Harlem Park, route of two miles
after review at the city hall by Gov.
Lloyd and Mayor Latrobe.
The monument was unveiled by
Sovereign Grand Sire Henry f. Carey,
who made an appropriate address upon
the late Mr.. Ridgley, recounting his
Jealous efforts for the protection of the
order, of which he had so long been a
prominent and useful member.
| The style of the monument Is modern,
ornate Gothic. The ornamentation, in
scription, panels and columns are highly
| polished. 1t is composed of IA massive
blocks of granite. The aggregate weight
of these blocks is about 40 tons. A
colossal statue of james l.. Ridgley sur
mounts the entire structure. The total
elevation is 40 feet. The first base is Is
feet 6 inches square. 1t rests on founda-
ton of stone laid in hydraulic cement.
The second bnse is Is feet squire. The
third base is 10 feet square. These
bases are finely finished. Each has wash
on the top edge, which makes handsome
finish for the piece resting on it. The
fourth section in the first moulded piece
shows some pretty work. The front panel
presents reversed shields at each end. The
letters F., L. and L. are cut on the face
of the panel. They appear to happy
effect. The first die block is feet square
Each side boasts of a polished panel suit.
ably inscribed.
James Lot Ridgley was born il
Baltimore. january 9th, 1907. His
father was Lot Ridgley, an old and re
spected merchant. His mother was Mar.
Williams of Prince Georges county. MIR
Ridgley was graduate of Mount st
Mary's College, Emmittsburg He reat
> law with David Hoffman. He was nd
mitted to the Baltimore bar in June, 1928
!; He was n city councilman in 1884 ant
1885. In 1888 he was elected to tn
, house of delegates. He was mem
, Der of the constitutional convention
of 1919 and 1864. In 1852 he wa
, elected register of wills, an
served for II years. He was collector @
. internal revenue under President Lincoln
I; He filled the same office under Presider
s Johnson. AS I'm Odd Fellow he will b
2, remembered the longest. He was infinite
!, in 1929. He was an active member till L
died, in 1881. Mr.. Ridgley in lS2
= married Jane Anna, daughter of Najt
e Joseph Jamison. She died in 1885.
1886 he married q. Esther p, secon
daughter of Major Jamison. Mr.. Ridgle
was man Of fine literary attainment
) His most elaborate work is his history
V Odd Fellowship.