84
RIDDELLS OF GRANGE, SCOTLAND.
a biographical sketch of the poet Burns, which I have seen in an edition
of his poems, in which she has warmly eulogized him. I do not know
whether there were children in this family."
Sophia Riddell (1), youngest daughter of Walters (3), of Glen-
Riddell, died unmarried in 1797.
Alexander Riddell (1), presumed to be a son of Walters (3), of
Glen-Riddell, died at Hampton Court, in 1804; he was styled "Esquire,
of Glen-Riddell."
RIDDELLS OF GRANGE, SCOTLAND.
John Riddell (1), second son of Walter¹ (1), the first Laird of Glen-
Riddell, became possessed of a property called "Grange," in Fifeshire.
He married Helen, daughter of Sir Michael Balfour, a baronet, and had
issue, of whom more hereafter. It has been supposed that the represen-
tation of Glen-Riddell and Newhouse rightfully devolved upon the male
descendants of this John, and the relationship has been so stated in the pub-
lished pedigrees of the family; but a claimant has been found in Ireland,
who assumes, with many very well-founded evidences, to be descended
from the Glen-Riddells through a nearer branch, springing from a son who
became alienated from his relatives in consequence of a religious or po-
litical disagreement, and went to Ireland, where he was unknown to the
younger generations of Glen-Riddell.
SECOND GENERATION.
Walter Riddell (1), eldest son of John¹ (1), was styled "of Grange,"
in Fifeshire, and died sine prole in 1762.
""
Michael Riddell (1), second son of John (1), was of Grange, in
Fifeshire, and was married three times; first to Miss Margaret, daughter
of Henry Balfour (probably a kinswoman), by whom he had issue one son;
by Janet, daughter of Robert Hunter, his second wife, there were two
sons. Mr. Riddell lived to old age; the name of his third wife has not
reached me.
THIRD GENERATION.
Gen. Michael Riddell (2), eldest son of Michael2 (1), was of Grange,
Fifeshire; married Miss Sheridan, and had issue two sons, of whom here-
We'll search through the gardens for each silly flower,
We'll roam through the forest for each idle weed;
But chiefly the nettle, so typical, shower,
For none e'er approached her but rued the rash deed.
We'll sculpture the marble, we'll measure the lay,
Here Vanity strums on her idiot lyre;
There keen Indignation shall dart on her prey,
Which spurring Contempt shall redeem from his ire."
*There was a Miss Deborah Davies, a beautiful young English lady, connected by
ties of blood with the family of Captain Riddell of Glen-Riddell, at whose house
the poet Burns met her, and her beauty and accomplishments made so deep an im-
pression upon him that he celebrated them in prose and song.
