212
RIDDLES OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
large fortune by injudicious investments and improvements. When liv-
ing at Bedford, he built a very large brick house, much too large for the
wants of any family. He also, at a subsequent period, planted a peach-
orchard, on the top of "Parnel's Knob," a high peak of the Kittanning
mountain, about ten miles west of Chambersburgh, and built a still-house
for the manufacture of peach-brandy at the same elevated locality. He
also erected a chopping-mill and saw-mill at the same place, and thus gave
it the name of "Riddle's Folly." Mr. Riddle was an ardent Federalist,
and upon the establishment of a Democratic paper at Chambersburgh, in
1790, he took umbrage at some item published in its columns, and made
an attempt to cowhide the editors in their sanctum, but got the worst of
the battle; hence there was one Democratic victory in Franklin County
that year. In person, Mr. Riddle was tall and spare, and had a very
prominent arched nose. He was social and engaging in his manners, and
a general favorite among those who were acquainted with him. He died
in 1820, leaving a large family of children, of whom hereafter.
George Riddle (1), ninth son of James (2), was born in Adams
County, Penn., Dec. 1, 1772; settled in the eastern part of his native
State as a farmer, and lived with his brother David, before mentioned, till
a great age.
FIFTH GENERATION.
Margaret Riddle (1), eldest daughter of John (3), was born May
20, 1779, and died May 7, 1781.
Rebecca Riddle" (1), second daughter of John (3), was born Feb. 16,
1781; was married to Willoughby Lane, of Charleston, Va., and had issue
several children.
James-McKee Riddle (4), eldest son of John (3), was born July 24,
1785; married Elizabeth Weaver, of Adams County, Penn., Nov. 21,
1811; studied law with his uncle, Samuel Riddle, at Huntingdon, Penn.,
settled at Somerset and practised his profession there for several years.
He removed to the city of Pittsburgh, about 1814. He had a commission
from Governor Findlay, dated Aug. 1, 1814, as colonel of a Pennsylvania
militia regiment; one from the same Governor, dated March 3, 1818, as
clerk of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania; one from Governor Wolf,
dated Dec. 8, 1830, as Justice of the Peace for the town (now city) of
Allegheny, to which place he removed in 1829, and where he died March
20, 1832. His widow died at same place, March 27, 1857; they had
issue, of whom hereafter.
Joseph Riddles (2), a son of John' (3), died unmarried.
James Riddle (5), eldest son of James (3), was born in Franklin
County, Penn., about the year 1784, and died young.
Eliza Riddle (1), eldest daughter of James (3), was born in Frank-
lin County, Penn., (say) 1784, and died unmarried. She was one of the
most pious and intellectual of young women; cultured, refined, and of
delicate modesty.
John-Stewart Riddle" (4), second son of James' (3), was born in 1803;
married to Miss Bemis, of Meadville, Penn., and had issue several
children, of whom hereafter. He died in 1851. Mr. Riddle was a gradu-
ate of Union College, New York; studied law and removed to Meadville,
where he was one of the most prominent men at the bar. He was a
gentleman of prepossessing personal appearance; courteous and genial-
