Ridley Cemetery is a historic burial ground located in Seguin, Guadalupe County, Texas, and serves as the final resting place for generations of African American families from the historic Jakes Colony settlement. Established by formerly enslaved individuals seeking freedom and land ownership after the Civil War, Jakes Colony became a thriving community with its own church, school, ranches, and cemetery.

The cemetery’s name honors Daniel Ridley, whose family helped establish the land, and Thomas Wilcox, a community leader who purchased and maintained the cemetery in the early 20th century. Many of the earliest interments date back to the 1880s, preserving the stories of the community’s founders and their descendants.

Ridley Cemetery is home to more than 250 graves, including veterans who served from World War I through the Korean War. Ongoing research continues to identify unmarked graves and ensure the stories of those who helped build and sustain Jakes Colony are preserved for future generations.

Descendants and local advocates have been instrumental in preserving the cemetery and its surrounding land, including the historic Wilcox Ranch, one of the last surviving African American‑owned ranches from the original settlement. The cemetery stands as a testament to the resilience, dedication, and legacy of the Jakes Colony community, ensuring that the lives and contributions of those buried here are never forgotten.