RIDDELLS OF STRABANE, IRELAND.
173
RIDDELLS OF STRABANE, IRELAND.
[PENNSYLVANIA BRANCH.]
John Riddell (1), whose parents are unknown, was born in Stra-
bane, County of Tyrone (Judge Riddell says County Donegal), in the
north of Ireland, and, with his brothers, emigrated to Westmoreland Coun-
ty, Penn., about six months before the breaking out of the war of the Rev-
olution. He made a "Tomahawk Improvement " on the waters of Turtle
Creek, but when the war broke out entered the American army for six
months as a volunteer, and at the expiration of that time he enlisted dur-
ing the war. At the close of the war he returned to Turtle Creek, and
continued the improvement of his land, making that his permanent home.
He married Isabella Gaut, and had issue three children, of whom here-
after. He died in his prime, and was buried in the old "Riddle grave-
yard," near New Salem, and his monument, erected there by his father,
has nothing but his name inscribed on it.
Robert Riddell (1), a brother to the preceding, was born in Stra-
bane, County of Tyrone, in the north of Ireland, and with his brothers,
came to Westmoreland County, Penn., about six months previous to the
war of the Revolution. He enlisted in the Colonial army for six months;
subsequently, at the end of his first term of service, enlisted during the
war, and died in camp.
William Riddell (1), a half-brother of the preceding, was born in
Strabane, County Tyrone, in the north of Ireland, and came to West-
moreland County, Penn., previous to the war of the Revolution. He
owned a farm near New Salem, where he lived and died. He married
twice; the first wife was Nancy and the second wife Peggy
-;
by each of these he had issue three children, of whom hereafter. I do
not know when he died.
-
SECOND GENERATION.
--
Robert Riddle² (2), eldest son of John¹ (1), was born in the County
of Westmoreland, Penn., in 1796, and his guardian bound him out to a
distant relative, he being about seven years old at his father's death,
and at the age of seventeen he was apprenticed to a blacksmith, and
learned that trade. He was married at the age of twenty-one, to Miss
Mary Williamson, and had issue four children, of whom hereafter. He
died in 1863, aged 67 years.
John Riddle (2), second son of John¹ (1), was born in the County
of Westmoreland, Penn., about 1798; married to Elizabeth Williamson
(probably a sister of Mary as above), and had issue six children, of whom
hereafter. He is now (1874) living near Centreville, Butler County, Penn.
Riddle² (1), only daughter of John' (1), was born in Westmore-
land County, Penn.; was married to John McMasters, who died, leaving
her a widow with one son and four daughters. She married, secondly,
John Gordon, and had a son and a daughter; she lived on Mill Creek, Ver-
rango County. Her eldest son is a clergyman; the second a doctor.
* STRABANE is a market-town in the County of Tyrone, Ireland, on the River
Mounrne, one hundred and thirty miles north-north-west from Dublin, with which
it is connected by railway. It communicates with Londonderry, and thus with the
sea by canal and river. The chief industry is the linen trade. Four churches, -one
Episcopal, two Presbyterian, and one Catholic, - besides two Methodist meeting-
houses. Population in 1871 was 4615. I cannot find the name Strabane, Straw-
bane, nor Strawdown, on the map of County Donegal.
