Thomas Ridgely/Ridgley was born around 1738 in Dublin, Ireland.
Betham Genealogical Abstracts Ireland
Thomas Ridgely appears in a List of Protestant Families in the Monkstown parish of Dublin on 5 March 1766.
Monkstown is a suburb in south Dublin, situated on the coast between Black Rock and Dunleary.
Thomas Ridgely married twice, firstly to Honory who it appears died in childbirth with daughter Honour in 1782. Daughter Honour was baptised at Monkstown Church of Ireland on 24 May 1782.
Thomas then married Sarah soon afterwards. They were living in Dunleary at the time of the next two children’s baptisms –
Monkstown Church of Ireland
- Sarah born 1783, baptised 17 Aug 1783 at Monkstown. She married Andrew Richey. They had at least eight children together. Sarah died sometime after 1853 in Dublin.
. - Thomas born 1786, baptised 16 Nov 1786 at Monkstown.
Thomas (senior) died on 12 May 1787 in Booterstown, Dublin, mentioning only his son Thomas in his will which was written seven years before on 11 May 1780.
Betham Genealogical Abstracts, Ireland
His widow Sarah married again in 1804 in Dublin to army surgeon Thomas Forster of the 9th Foot.
In 1812 Thomas Forster was mentioned in the Belfast Commercial Chronicle – 1st Regiment of Foot— Surgeon Thomas Forster, from the 9th Foot, to be Surgeon.
Thomas Forster was promoted on 14 January 1824 to the 46th Foot. (Military Promotions War Office 6 Feb 1824 Connaught Journal – Ireland Old News).
Thomas Forster died in Monkstown on 29 May 1824, in Monkstown, Dublin. I haven’t been able to find the death of Sarah Forster, nee Ridgely (maiden name unknown).
ANOTHER THOMAS RIDGELY IN DUBLIN
There is another Thomas Ridgely who may also be related –
Thomas Ridgely, Black Rock, mentioned in 1766 Religious Census of Dublin. Protestant Families in Monkstown parish – three in household.
Thomas Ridgely, carpenter of Black Rock, Dublin married Ann Beaghan, spinster of St Peter, Dublin on 21 June 1788.
This Thomas was a carpenter by trade, and also admitted to Dublin Society’s School of Drawing in Architecture on 17 October 1786. (online Dictionary of Irish Architects 1720 – 1940).
He was included on a Memorial Extract deed dated 2 August 1785. (Irish Deeds Index online)
His will was proved in 1793. (Index to the Prerogative Wills of Ireland 1536-1810)
