RIDDLES OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
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Agnes McPherson, of Gettysburgh, and had issue seven children, of whom
hereafter. He graduated with great distinction at Princeton College, and
subsequently read law at York. He was for many years tutor of lan-
guages in Princeton College; was admitted to the Chambersburgh bar in
1784. His legal abilities were very respectable, though he was not con-
sidered a great lawyer; he was well read in science, literature, and laws;
was a good advocate, and very influential with the jury. He was ap-
pointed president judge in 1794, by Governor Mifflin, and continued in
this position till 1804, when he resigned in consequence of the strong
partisan feeling existing against him, he being a great Federalist,
and returned to the practice of law. He was again successful and amassed
a large fortune, which was impaired by payments of endorsements made
for his friends. He was a soldier of the Revolution. Judge Riddle mar-
ried for a second wife, Arianna, daughter of Dr. Stewart, of Blagdens-
burgh, and by her had five children. He was a gentleman of great dignity
and suavity of manners; a fine specimen of old-school politeness. He
died in the year 1837.
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David Riddle* (1), fourth son of James³ (2), was born March 29, 1757,
probably in York County, Penn.; married Sarah McCune (she was prob-
ably of Harrisburg, Penn.), and settled as farmer in Amberson's valley,
in eastern Pennsylvania, and died at Harrisburg. His brother George
lived with him. Their old farm is now owned by Jacob B. Stewart.
William Riddle (1), fifth son of James (2), was born Aug. 20, 1759;
married Susanna Nounce, of English parentage, and settled in Martins-
burgh, Va. He was a teacher and elder of the Presbyterian Church,
"with as warm and true a Scotch-Irish heart, creed, and preferences as
any in his day"; these words were spoken by his son, the Rev. David H.
Riddle, D. D., in an historical address. He died about the year 1812,
having had issue eleven children, ten sons and one daughter, of whom
hereafter.
Joseph Riddle (1), sixth son of James (2), was born in York Coun-
ty, Penn., April 5, 1763; married Sarah-Morrow Kearsley, second daugh-
ter of John and Nancy Kearsley, of Shepherdstown, Va., on Saturday,
Sept. 12, 1789, and had issue nine children, of whom hereafter. Mr. Rid-
dle was a merchant in Alexandria and Richmond, Va., many years; sub-
sequently removed to Woodville, Miss., where he was postmaster, and
where he died in 1844. His wife died in Alexandria, April 24, 1810. Mr.
Riddle was quite tall and well formed, had dark gray or blue eyes, and
brown hair which he wore in a cue. He was of gentlemanly and refined
appearance, — very good-looking.
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Joshua Riddle (1), seventh son of James (2), was born Aug. 15,
1766; married a Miss Harper, and was a merchant in Alexandria, Va.
Samuel Riddle (1), eighth son of James (2), was born Feb. 1, 1771;
married a Miss Stewart, settled in Huntingdon County, Penn., and be-
came an eminent lawyer. He studied law with his brother James, and
was admitted to the bar in 1790. After his admission he removed to
Huntingdon, and subsequently to Bedford, where he remained until the
spring of 1794, when he went to Chambersburgh, and occupied his
brother's office, succeeding to a great share of the practice held by
him before he was appointed judge. He was very industrious and pains-
taking, and having been introduced to the people by so distinguished
a lawyer as his brother, he was successful in business and acquired a for-
tune. He was a man of very speculative turn of mind, and wasted his
