Thomas Jefferson Ridley and Maryetta Luddarden Pullen

Thomas Jefferson Ridley (1859-1939), son of Henry Ridley, Sr and Nellie Malinda Dyson Killian and Maryetta Ludarden Pullen (1856-1913), daughter of Greenville Pullen, Jr and Elizabeth Frances "Eliza" Bookout.

Thomas  Jefferson Ridley was born in Polk County, Tennessee, which is  near Murray County, Georgia, where he spent his formative years.  He was the fourth born of eight sons.

He was a farmer,  storeowner, on the Board of Education, Census taker, and from 1892 to 1900 Postmaster of Cohutta Springs.   From his different occupational  hats it appears he was a community leader.

Maryetta was born and died in Murray County. 

They were married  6 January 1881 in Murray County.  Thomas was  21 and Maryetta was 24.  They had seven children,  four daughters and three sons.

When their daughter Viola Ridley and her husband and kids came from Gillette Wyoming via Virginia until  they found a permanent place to live they stayed with Thomas .  Maryetta had already died by then.  My mother felt her grandfather was not very tolerant of young children's antics.

Thomas Jefferson Ridley lived 80 years and Maryetta Ludarden Pullen Ridley lived 58 years.  They are buried at Sumac Presbyterian Church.

Thomas Jefferson's Ridley (head of household) family  1900 Census in Murray County, Georgia.   They are household number 79, the 3rd family down:

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