RIDDELLS OF PAKENHAM, CANADA.
393
James Riddell (2), fifth son of James (1), was born (presumably)
in Londonderry, Ireland, but went with his parents to the parish of Mayo,
in County Mayo, where he remained till a young man, and then returned
to his native city in the north. No knowledge of his subsequent move-
ments.
Mattie Riddell (1), eldest daughter of James¹ (1), was probably born
in Londonderry, Ireland; she was married to Charles Otterson, in the par-
ish of Thurlo, County Mayo, whither she went with her parents when
young, and died there. She had issue six children, all of whom settled.
in Upper Canada.
Betty Riddell' (1), second daughter of James¹ (1), was probably born
in Londonderry, Ireland; went to County Mayo with her parents when
young; was married in the parish of Thurlo, to John Beekett, and had
a large family, all of whom came to Canada with them in 1832, and settled
in Pakenham.
Nancy Riddell² (1), youngest daughter of James' (1), was born (pre-
sumably) in Londonderry, Ireland, but was carried to the parish of Thurlo,
County of Mayo, when a child. She became the wife of John Timmins,
of the latter place, had a numerous family, and came to Canada with her
children in 1832, and settled in Pakenham. Deceased.
THIRD GENERATION.
John Riddell (2), eldest son of John² (1), was born in the parish of
Thurlo, County Mayo, Ireland, and died there young.
Eliza Riddell (1), eldest daughter of John (1), was born in the par-
ish of Thurlo, County Mayo, Ireland, Dec. 19, 1804; came to Canada
with her parents in 1822, and was married to John Willson, a man of
Scottish extraction, in 1827. This was the first wedding ever celebrated
in the township by white people. In the history of the township of Fitz-
roy, County of Carlton, Can., the following statement is found:-"In his
magisterial capacity, Squire Laudon performed numerous marriage cere-
monies, one of which, that of John Willson, who settled on the Paken-
ham road, and Eliza, daughter of John Riddell, of the same place, was
the first marriage-rite solemnized in the Township, as well as the first
wedding of residents of the Township." Mrs. Willson had a family of
twelve children,* and is still living. A remarkably well-informed and
strong-minded woman.
Archibald Riddell (1), second son of John² (1), was born in the
parish of Thurlo, County Mayo, Ireland, Sept. 26, 1806; came to Canada
with his parents in 1822; married Eliza-Jane, daughter of William and
Ann (McEwin) McAdams (she was born Nov. 30, 1818), Jan. 18, 1836,
and by her had issue nine children, of whom hereafter. Mr. Riddell is
a resident of Pakenham, Ontario, Can.; farmer and lumberman. Pos-
sesses all the distinguishing characteristics of a genuine Scotchman:
industrious, determined, prudent, conservative, and successful.
James Riddell³ (3), third son of John² (1), was born in the parish of
DR. JAMES C. WILLSON, M. D., of Flint, Mich., a prominent physician, is her
son; and to his earnest endeavors the family is indebted for the history of this
branch of the Riddell clan. He had promised me biographical notices of the elder
members of this family, but they do not reach me. They were pioneers in that
part of Canada where they settled, and many interesting incidents connected with
their lives could be related, and would havé enhanced the value of their family his-
tory.Author.
