The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-07-30
JONATHAN M. RIDENOUR.
Death Comes to Him Suddenly as He Is Enjoy.
ing Walk Near His Residence.

Jonathan M. Ridenour, one of the oldest
and most prominent residents of this city,
died suddenly near his residence, No. 500
North Pennsylvania street, yesterday aft
ernoon. While out walking he stopped to
talk with Thomas Sharpe, near the corner
of North Pennsylvania and Seventh streets,
and on leaving him, walked a few steps
and fell to the pavement. Mr.. Sharpe
went to his assistance. but found him dy-
ing Mr.. RidenOur living but moment aft
or his friend reached his side. His death
resulted from heart failure, and was appar-
emily painless one. He had been in
jured by a fall in February last, in which
his hip was broken. and although he was
apparently recovering from that injury, it
is supposed that the hurt then received
was, in part. at least, the
result of the heart trouble.
He had a similar attack at the New Deni-
son last Saturday, but recovered shortly
thereafter from its effects, and was feeling
better yesterday morning than at any time
since his injury.
Mr. Ridenour was of Virginia ancestry,
but was born in Preble county, Ohio, near
the Indiana line, Aug. q. 1870 His parents
moved over into the little town of College
Corner, when he was an infant, and he
grew to manhood there, entering business
as country merchant, and accommodating
considerable property. He took an active
interest in the development of this section,
and was the prime mover in the construc-
ton of the c., II. q l. railroad, now q part
of the c., III. Il ID. system. He was the first
president of the c., H. 81 l.. and came to
this city thirty five years ago in its inter
est He at once became prominently iden-
titled with the interests of this city.
He continued his connection with the rail-
road, serving as its president for twenty
years, and was director of the reorgan-
lied company at the time of his death, be-
in point of continuous service, in
the State. In 1873, with 9TH
ers, he purchased the Indianapolis
Journal and for about two years was it's
manager. He gave his attention mostly to
the business department., but now and then
wrote articles. He was progressive, and
added improvements to the plant, the most
noticeable of which was perfecting
press the first ever brought to the city;
He also served as president of the Central
Bank. and was once president of the Board
of Aldermen and member of the Board of
County Commissioners, and supervisor for
the national census Of 1880. He lost the
bulk of his property III the panic of 1875,
but still retained his interest in business
matters, although he never recovered from
his revsrses of the panic year.
Mr.. RidenOur was the oldest of seven
sons. and is the first of the brothers to go.
mother. who died five or six years ago. was
one of the earliest settlers of Ohio, and at
q reunion held at the old home in her honor
near the State line short time preceding
her death several generations were gath
cred. and the proceedings were of a most
interesting character. He leaves wife
surviving him and three children--his son
Albert Ridenour. now engaged in business
in Kansas City; Miss Emma Ridenour. of
the city school board; Mrs. j. b. Porter of
Oxford, o.. and Mrs. John Fl. Stewart, of
this city. Much of Mr. Ridenour's life was
devoted to increasing the happiness and
prosperity of others. and his death will be
helped by his generous kindness. In the
days of his prosperity he was a liberal giver
to every worthy enterprise. and the first
gifts to Asbury, now DePauw. University
funeral. which will be private one. will
be held from the family residence Friday
afternoon.