History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, 1887



Riddell Family - WILLIAM RIDDELL Biography

William Riddell, sheriff of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, is a native of the county named, and was born September 26, 1844, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. His paternal grandfather, Francis Riddell, was of Scotch ancestry, and was born in the north of Ireland. He emigrated to the United States and settled in Susquehanna township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, where he passed his life as a farmer, and there died. His wife, whom he married in Ireland, bore to him four children, all of whom were born and reared in Lycoming county, and there married and brought tip families of their own. Robert Riddell, son of Francis Riddell, followed the occupation of a farmer in his native township of Susquehanna. He was a Presbyterian in religion and a Democrat in politics. His family comprised seven children, who were early deprived of their father, and were tenderly cared for by the mother, who died in 1882. The children were

1. John W., who was a gallant soldier during the Civil war, and was subsequently elected recorder of deeds in Williamsport, where he died.

2. Rachel married Robert Bennett and resided in Lycoming county, where she died about 1893.

3. Francis, who was a farmer, and died in Lycoming county; he was a faithful soldier during the Civil war.

4. Samuel W., who resides in Williamsport, and is serving as turnkey under his brother, Sheriff William Riddell.

5. Mary J., unmarried.

6. William, to be further mentioned hereinafter.

7. Louisa, who died about 1890, unmarried.

William Riddell, son of Robert Riddell, passed his boyhood days upon the homestead farm, and obtained his education in the district schools. In 1871 he married Miss Jane Turley, who was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Enoch and Amanda Turley ; her father was born in England, and her mother in New Castle. After his marriage Mr. Riddell settled upon the homestead farm in Susquehanna township, which he cultivated until 1904, when he was elected sheriff of Lycoming county. He entered upon the duties of his office on January 2, 1905, and removed with his family to the residential portion of the jail, which they now occupy. Conscientiously devoted to the faithful performance of whatever duty is incumbent upon him, he is known as a model officer, carefully guarding every public interest, and tempering his conduct toward the prisoners committed to his charge with all humanity and mercy that are compatible with their safe keeping. With a healthy appreciation of the duties of citizenship, he bears a full part in the promotion of every community interest, and gives a hearty and intelligent support to all religious, educational and moral efforts. He is an active member of the Democratic Club and other civic organizations.

To Mr. and Mrs. Riddell have been born three children : Robert C.; Irene; and Gertrude, who became the wife of Philip J. Oechler and resides in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania.


Source: Genealogical and Personal History of Lycoming County, John W. Jordan, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1906.










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