On a ridge above Madison, Indiana is a rural community known as Rykers' Ridge. This area
was settled by several early RYKER families in the early 1800's -- Gerardus RYKER, Jr. and
(Colonel) John RYKER, to name two. Rykers' Ridge Cemetery contains the earthly remains of
dozens of the Ryker kin, including the graves of Gerardus, Jr. and his wife, Leah (SMOCK)
RYKER; Jared H. and his first wife, Elizabeth Ann (DITCH) RYKER and his second wife, Emma
Anna (KESSLER) RYKER; as well as Colonel John.
During slavery times, the Rykers' Ridge Baptist Church was used as a station on the
'underground railroad' to Canada. Several Rykers were involved in this dangerous endeavor
to help runaway slaves find freedom.
Also circled is Shelbyville, Kentucky, near which occurred both The
Long Run Massacre and Floyd's
[This page was last updated 04/21/00]