Mary Ridgely

     Mary was born on Saturday, 31 May 1800 in Buckeye Town District, Frederick County, Maryland. This date was calculated from her age at death. She was probably named after her maternal grandmother, Maria Catherine Heim. She was often referred to as Polly. Mary married James Smith Gurwell on 30 April 1818 in Wayne County, Ohio. They were married by Rev. D. Hutchison of the United Presbyterian Church. On the certificate it said "Mrs. Polly Ridgely". This was an error or miss transcribtion as iit should have read "Miss" not "Mrs." James & Polly had children: Westell Ridgely [ca 1820], Jacob Young [4/26/1821-8/31/1883], Anna Keys [8/29/1823 m. 11/30/1841 George H. Partee.Purtee], John Bear [5/15/1827-8/09/1906], James [1828], William Harrison [1831-1903], Elizabeth H. [3/14/1833-10/09/1902 m. 4/08/1851 William R. Shook], Henry S. [7/16/1835-9/13/1920 m. Jane Lingle], Mariah [3/--/1838-9/05/1863], Mary E. [1/--/1840-1/--/1874] & Enos [1841 m. Phebe Dunkins]. 11 September 1850, Mary and her husband, James, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Pulaski Township, Williams County, Ohio. Enumerated in this household were James Gerwell [66 Pennsylvania], his wife: Mary [50 Maryland], children: Jacob [28 Ohio], Ann [25 Ohio], John [23 Ohio], William [17 Ohio], Elizabeth [17 Ohio], Henry [15 Ohio], Maria [12 Ohio] & Mary [10 Ohio].² Mary's husband, James, died on 7 January 1856 in Pulaski Township leaving her a widow. 6 June 1860, Mary was listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Pulaski Township. Enumerated in this household were Mary Gurwill [60 Maryland], Henry Gurnill [26 Ohio], Mary [20 Ohio] & Jesse Donelly [12 Ohio]. Her real property is valued at $1000 and her personal property is valued at $400. Henry is a famer. 4 August 1870, the U.S. Federal Census listed Mary living in the home of her son at Pulaski Township. Enumerated in this household were Henry Gurwell [35 Pennsylvania], Mary [30 Pennsylvania], John [3 Pennsylvania], Mary [70 Pennylvania] & Jacob Erman [12 Ohio]. Henry was a farmer. His farm is valued at $4000 & his personal property valued at $400.³ Mary departed this life on Wednesday, 24 January 1877 in Pulaski Township at age 76 years, 7 months and 24 days. She was buried there in Buck Cemetery. Her tombstone reads: Mary - wife of J S Gurwell - Died Jan. 24, 1877 - Aged 76 yr. 7 MO. 24 D.