Samuel Ridout

Samuel Ridout was a well traveled preacher and extensive writer of the Plymouth Brethren. He was born in Annapolis, Maryland, on October 22, 1855. His dad died when he was one years old, and then when four, his mother died. His grandfather raised him.

When 18 he graduated form St. John’s College in Annapolis. His health was very poor, so it was arranged for him to go to sea, and he entered the U.S. navy, working on a wooden ship, the “Alaska.” He continued at sea for three years, and lost his only sister during that time. He also craved Christian company, and decided to enter the Lord’s Work.

For a time he was a school teacher in Western Maryland’s coal mining districts. Students were very crude, and some as old as he was. He then entered Princeton Seminary, and graduated in 1880. Afterwards, he became acquainted with those who were meeting in separation from religious systems, and left the Presbyterians for the Plymouth Brethren. He joined as a member of their church in Baltimore, and waited for god to open the door of service.

While waiting, he took a job as a clerk for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and tutored in his spare time. He was soon recognized as a huge benefit to the assembly.

In 1883, he married Anna Elizabeth Newark, and had three children.

In 1903, he moved to Pennsylvania, and then later to New Jersey, working with various churches until the end of his life.

He was a prolific writer, proving Bible Class lessons for many years. As he grew older, his health became worse, and he had to limit his many travels to speak. However, in spite of having a heart attack on the train ride to his last meeting, he spoke against the advice of friends and died two days later.

He died February 23, 1924.