Nancy Ridgely

     Nancy was born on Wednesday, 30 June 1813 in Green Township, Wayne County, Ohio. This date was calculated from her age at death. Nancy married Henry S. Sheldon on 12 March 1835 in Ohio.¹ Henry & Nancy had children: Matilda 1/14/1836-4/21/1896][m. 5/28/1859 Anthony Walter Jr.], Rachel [2/12/1838-2/16/1917][m. 10/05/1858 Joseph Henry Walter], Sarah Jane [7/01/1840-7/25/1907][m. 10/21/1858 Ellzey Bishop], Mary Ann [8/13/1842-5/16/1856], Andrew Jackson [10/00/1844-4/06/1901][m. Sarah Jane Dewiel], Rebecca [7/01/1848-12/21/1909][m. 3/24 1870 Samuel Henry Bogan], Annis [5/03/1858-6/15/1918][m. 2/12/1874 Sarah Ann Bogan], William [4/15/1853-3/30/1926][m. 1881 Ellen Jane Taxler], Henry [8/251855-5/12/1922][m. 1887 Mary A. Hushour] & Nancy [3/12/1858-2/23/1919][m. 1876 Henry Weaver & 2nd 9/23/1915 William H. More]. 5 August 1850, Nancy and her husband, Henry, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Jackson Township, Crawford County, Ohio. Enumerated in this household were Henry Sheldon [41 New York-cooper], his wife: Nancy [36 Maryland], children: Matilda [14 Ohio], Rachel [12 Ohio], Sarah Jane [10 Ohio], Mary A. [8 Ohio], Andrew [6 Ohio], Rebecca [3 Ohio], & Enon [2/12 Ohio].² 9 June 1860, Nancy and her husband Henry were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Jackson Township. Enumerated in this household were Henry Shelden [52 New York], his wife: Nancy [44 Ohio], children: Andrew [12 Ohio], Rebecca [11 Ohio], Amos [8 Ohio], William [6 Ohio], Henry [4 Ohio] & Nancy [2 Ohio].³ 22 June 1870, Nancy and her husband, Henry, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Jackson Township. Enumerated in this household were Henry S. Sheldon [61 New York], his wife: Nancy [56 Ohio], children: Amos W. [20 Ohio], WilliamN. [17 Ohio], Henry S. Jr, [14 Ohio] & Nancy [12 Ohio]. He is a farmer.⁴ June 1880, Nancy and her husband, Henry, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Jackson Township. Enumerated in this household were H. S. Sheldon [72 New York], his wife: Nancy [67 Ohio], William H. [27 Ohio] & Henry Jr. [25 Ohio].⁵ Nancy died on Monday, 21 November 1881 in Jackson Township at age 68 years, 4 months and 22 days at her home.


Obituary: November 21 at her residence in Jefferson Township, Nancy, wife of H. S. Sheldon in the 69th year of her age.
Mrs. Sheldon was truly one of the pioneers of Crawford County, having been born within its limits when civilization was but a meager promise of an indifinite future. She was an estimable lady, and leaves to mourn here loss an aged husband, nine children, 16 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The internment took place at the Swisher Cemetery, in Sandusky Township, on the 18th. Reverands Newell & Lober conducting the services [Crawford County Forum - 21 November 1881].

She was buried at Sandusky Township in Biddle Cemetery. The inscription on her tombstone reads: Nancy Sheldon - Died Nov. 21st 1881 - Aged 68 Y. 4M. 21D. [Note Swisher Cemetery as denoted in the obituary, has been renamed to Biddle Cemetery - KLM]⁶