Riddle Surname

The Riddle family hails from Scotland. Although this specific family probably came from Scotland, it is said that the linguistic origin of the name is Scandinavian. The original name, Ryedale, means "valley of the rye." When the Scottish got a hold of the name, the spelling adapted to the way that they pronounced the name. The earliest Riddles in our line were living in Pennsylvania in the mid 1700's. More than likely, they had migrated from Ireland or Scotland shortly before this time.

John Riddle was born circa 1745 in Pennsylvania ¹. He died circa 1798 in Pennsylvania or Ohio.

The names of John's parents or any details of his early life are unknown. In 1768, he married Mary Duncan and they settled in the part of Mifflin County, Pennsylvania that is now Juniata County. According to one source, one of their daughters [Margaret] was "Scotch, Irish, Welsh and Dutch." Another source suggests that John was "descended from a Scotch family, though his wife was of distinct Welsh extraction" ⁴⁴. John and his family lived in Fermanagh Township. Family record indicates that John died in about 1798, leaving his widow Mary with a large family of children. There is a possibility that John and his family had moved to Ohio shortly before his death; as there is record of some of his children in Ohio as early as 1798.

Whether or not John died in Ohio, his widow and all of his children moved there. In 1807, his widow married the Rev. Seth Noble in Ohio. At that time she was apparently a resident of "New Brunswick" (I have not been able to find reference to a location of this name anywhere but in Canada). Seth Noble died some months later and she later remarried a man by the name of Magill. When the family moved to Ohio, they may have first settled in Franklin County, Miami or Champaign Counties. Eventually, many of the children moved to Madison County.

1	Elizabeth Riddle was born on January 12, 1769 in Fermanagh Twp., Mifflin (now Juniata) Co., Pennsylvania 1. She died on March 28, 1862 35 in Concord Twp., Champaign Co., Ohio. She is buried in the Concord Cemetery, Concord Twp., Champaign Co., Ohio. She married James Mitchell on February 27, 1806 2,37 or January 27, 1807 36 in Champaign Co., Ohio. (He was born in Pennsylvania and died between 1840-1850 in Concord Twp., Champaign Co., Ohio.) They had the following children: unknown female Mitchell (c. 1809-???) - probably died young Julia Ann Mitchell (1811-1900) md. James Edward Russell
2	Margaret Riddle was born on January 12, 1769 in Fermanagh Twp., Mifflin (now Juniata) Co., Pennsylvania 1. She died on March 19, 1852 in Money Creek Twp., McLean Co., Illinois. She is buried in the Pennell Cemetery, Towanda, McLean Co., Illinois. She married Albert Ogden circa 1795. (He was born on May 20, 1768 in Albany, Albany Co., New York and died on August 13, 1845 in Money Creek Twp., McLean Co., Illinois. He is buried in the Pennell Cemetery, Towanda, McLean Co., Illinois.) They had the following children: Abner Ogden (c. 1798-1828) md. Margaret Alkire Mary Ogden (c. 1798-1835) md. James R. Dawson Susannah Ogden (c. 1800-???) Jonathan Ogden (1801-???) Benjamin Ogden (1803-???) John Ogden (1807-???) Samuel Ogden (1809-???) Deborah Ogden (1809-???) There is no proof that Margaret Riddle who married Albert Ogden was the same Margaret Riddle (born 1769), daughter of John and Mary of Mifflin County, Pennsylvania. As far as I know, I am the only researcher to propose this connection. The connection is likely though because of the use of names from the Riddle family (Abner and Susannah). Also, Margaret Riddle Ogden settled in Madison County, Ohio, in the same county as several of the children of John and Mary Riddle. In fact, in 1820, her family was enumerated next to John Riddle and Christopher Horrall (who had married Grace Riddle). Albert and Margaret Riddle were married in about 1795 at an unknown location. By 1801, they were living in Pickaway County, Ohio. In about 1803, the family then moved to Madison County, Ohio; where they remained for many years. Then in 1833, the family moved to McLean County, Illinois, where they remained.
3	Agnes Riddle was born on July 25, 1770 in Fermanagh Twp., Mifflin (now Juniata) Co., Pennsylvania 1. She died on April 13, 1776 in Fermanagh Twp., Mifflin (now Juniata) Co. Pennsylvania 1.
4	William Riddle
5	Susanna Riddle was born on March 6, 1774 in Fermanagh Twp., Mifflin (now Juniata) Co., Pennsylvania 1. Some researchers claim that she was married to James Mitchell, but that connection is actually referring to her older sister Elizabeth. Another researcher has claimed that Mary Duncan Riddle Noble had a daughter named Sophia Riddle who died of tuberculosis shortly before her stepfather Seth Noble (in 1807). The Riddles had no known child named Sophia; perhaps the record is a reference to Susanna. If she died young, it might explain her absence from records.
6	Mary Riddle was born on March 6, 1776 in Fermanagh Twp., Mifflin (now Juniata) Co., Pennsylvania 1. She died on December 5, 1778 in Fermanagh Twp., Mifflin (now Juniata) Co., Pennsylvania 1.
7	John Riddle was born on April 13, 1778 in Fermanagh Twp., Mifflin (now Juniata) Co., Pennsylvania 1. He died on February 21, 1858 in Pleasant Twp., Madison Co., Ohio 3. He is buried in the Alkire-Tanner Cemetery, Pleasant Twp., Madison Co., Ohio. He married first Sarah Creath in about 1806. (She was born circa 1790 and died on September 21, 1819 3 in Pleasant Twp., Madison Co., Ohio. She is buried in the Alkire-Tanner Cemetery, Pleasant Twp., Madison Co., Ohio. They had the following children: Ruanna Riddle (1807-1885) md. Elijah Lafayette Smith William Riddle (c. 1810-1882) md. Elizabeth Warner Abner Riddle (c. 1815-1882) Mary Ann Riddle (1818-???) md. Gabriel Alkire David Riddle (1818-???) He married second Isabel Hueghey on November 4, 1824 in Madison Co., Ohio 43. (She was born circa 1780 and died on December 11, 1840 3 in Pleasant Twp., Madison Co., Ohio. She is buried in the Alkire-Tanner Cemetery, Pleasant Twp., Madison Co., Ohio.) They had no children.
8	David Riddle was born on April 20, 1780 in Fermanagh Twp., Mifflin (now Juniata) Co., Pennsylvania 1. He died on August 12, 1846 in Williams Twp., Sangamon Co., Illinois 1,10. He is buried in the Mechanicsburg Cemetery, Mechanicsburg Twp., Sangamon Co., Illinois. He married first Mary Hamilton on February 13, 1808 in Champaign Co., Ohio 39. (She was born on March 9, 1786 in Maysville, Mason Co., Kentucky 10 and died on July 11, 1821 in Washington Co., Illinois 10.) They had the following children: John Riddle (1809-1878) md. Sarah H. Clark md. 2nd. Martha Archer James Riddle (1811-1849) md. Susan Ann Simpson Margaret Riddle (1812-1898) md. Joseph Dement Abner Riddle (1814-1905) md. 1st. Mary Ann Elkin, widow of Benjamin F. Pickrell md. 2nd. Mary Jane Clark Nancy Riddle (1817-1841) md. Abraham Bird Mary Riddle (1819-???) md. William H. Fowkes He married second Elizabeth Wakefield, widow of Mr. Crocker, in 1822 in Washington Co., Illinois 10. (She was born in Georgia and died in 1854 in Sangamon Co., Illinois 10.) They had the following children: Elizabeth Riddle (1823-???) md. Alexander Mills Sarah A. Riddle (1826-1906) md. Alexander Semple
9	Mary Riddle was born on October 16, 1781 in Fermanagh Twp., Mifflin (now Juniata) Co., Pennsylvania 1. She died on January 16, 1841 in Goshen Twp., Champaign Co., Ohio 1. She is buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Champaign Co., Ohio. She married Daniel Rutan on February 15, 1810 in Champaign Co., Ohio 42. (He was born on August 24, 1779 in Maryland and died on October 1, 1851 in Goshen Twp., Champaign Co., Ohio. He is buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Champaign Co., Ohio.) They had the following children: Delilah Rutan (1810-???) Daniel Milton Rutan (1811-???) David Riddle Rutan (1811-???) William Rutan (1814-???) Lovina Rutan (1815-???) Abner Harvey Rutan (1817-???) Mary Jones Rutan (1818-???) Damantus Rutan (1819-???) Kingsley Rutan (1822-???) Lucinda Rutan (1825-???) Vashti Brittin Rutan (1827-???)
10	Sarah Riddle was born on December 1, 1783 in Fermanagh Twp., Mifflin (now Juniata) Co., Pennsylvania 1. She died on May 10, 1869 in Liberty Twp., Jefferson Co., Iowa 4. She is buried in the Fall Cemetery, Libertyville, Jefferson Co., Iowa. She married John Jackman Smith on April 4, 1827 in Madison Co., Ohio 21. (He was born on February 23, 1780 and died on October 18, 1873 in Liberty Twp., Jefferson Co., Iowa. He is buried in the Fall Cemetery, Libertyville, Jefferson Co., Iowa.) They had no children. Before her marriage at the age of 43, Sarah lived with the family of her brother John Riddle. Although she had no children, she helped to raise her husband's children by his first marriage. Sarah's stepson Elijah Smith eventually married her niece Ruanna Riddle. They moved from Ohio to Jefferson County, Iowa in 1837; where they remained.
11	Abner Riddle was born on March 2, 1786 in Fermanagh Twp., Mifflin (now Juniata) Co., Pennsylvania 1. He died on September 29, 1846 in Pleasant Twp., Madison Co., Ohio 5. He is buried in the Alkire Farm Cemetery, Pleasant Twp., Madison Co., Ohio. He married Sarah Thomas on August 1, 1816 in Fayette Co., Ohio 40. (She was born on July 31, 1788 in Virginia 5 and died on June 24, 1885 in Pleasant Twp., Madison Co., Ohio 5. She is buried in the Alkire Farm Cemetery, Pleasant Twp., Madison Co., Ohio.) They had the following children: Mary Ann Riddle (1818-1860) md. 1st. William Creath Alkire md. 2nd. Harrison Inlow Mariah Riddle (c. 1820-1900) Jackson Riddle (c. 1824-1876) md. Mary Jane Kious Lethy Riddle (1829-1860) Harrison Riddle (1829-1900) unknown female Riddle (c. 1828-???) John Riddle (1831-1915) Abner Riddle (1833-1901) William Laban Riddle (c. 1836-1918)
12	Grace Riddle was born on September 9, 1788 in Fermanagh Twp., Mifflin (now Juniata) Co., Pennsylvania 1. She died in September 1817 in Pleasant Twp., Madison Co., Ohio 1. She married Christopher C. Horrell on May 4, 1815 in Madison Co., Ohio 34. (He was born circa 1786 in Pennsylvania 7 and died after 1850 in Pleasant Twp., Madison Co., Ohio.) They had no children. Christopher married Rebecca Skiles the year after her death.
13	Jennie Riddle was born on January 29, 1792 in Fermanagh Twp., Mifflin (now Juniata) Co., Pennsylvania 1. She died in April 1798 in Fermanagh Twp., Mifflin (now Juniata) Co., Pennsylvania 1.

William Riddle was born on April 04, 1772 in Mifflin (now Juniata) County, Pennsylvania ¹. He died in 1812 or 1813 in Salem Twp., Champaign Co., Ohio.

Father: John Riddle
Mother: Mary Duncan

William was raised in Pennsylvania. As a youth, probably in the early 1790s, he made his way out west and settled in Kentucky. William was married on November 1, 1796 in Bourbon County, Kentucky to Jane Davidson. They apparently lived near Riddle's Station (named after an unrelated family) in Bourbon County. They may have also lived in a part of Bourbon County that became Nicholas County in 1799 (where most of Jane's relatives lived).

In 1806 or 1807, William moved with his family to Ohio. They moved to Champaign County and settled a farm in Salem Township. In 1811, William was listed in a tax list as an elector in Salem Township in Champaign County. Sources indicate that William died in 1813 ¹ or in February 1812 ⁴⁴. However, we know for sure that he died sometime between October 03, 1812 (when he sold land) and January 18, 1813 (when his wife and brother-in-law were appointed as administrators of his estate).

A few sources indicate that Jane was a native of Virginia, yet there is no evidence that her family ever lived there. Another source suggests she was a native of Scotland. However, she was most likely born in Pennsylvania. In her youth, during the 1780s, she moved out west to Kentucky with her family.

One source suggests that Jane died one year after her husband (in about 1814), leaving their children as orphans ⁴⁴. On May 28, 1814, Jane was appointed guardian of her son John. This is the last known reference to her being alive. She was then described as deceased on September 12, 1815 when her father wrote his will.

In 1812, William Riddle sold 100 acres of land in Champaign County, Ohio. In 1818, Jane and her children were sued for not handing over the deed to the land - and the court records indicating that their whereabouts were unknown. Then a subsequent document indicated that they were located in 1823, but subsequently failed to plead in 1824.

1	John Riddle was born circa 1797 in Bourbon Co., Kentucky. He died in 1828 in Urbana, Champaign Co., Ohio 1. He married Eleanor "Ellen" Malcomson/McKennison on September 8, 1819 in Vevay, Switzerland Co., Indiana 19. (She was born circa 1800 in Ireland and died after 1829.) They had four children: James Riddle (1819-1889) md. Jane Thompson William Riddle (1823-1850) md. Louisa L. Hall Sarah Riddle (1824-1896) md. Isaac Sanford Darling John Riddle (1826-1865) md. Mary Sometime during the 1810s, John moved to Vevay, Indiana. There, he married and lived briefly with his family. Sometime between 1820 and 1823, he returned to Champaign County, Ohio; where he remained until his death. He was a carpenter.
2	James Riddle was born on February 15, 1801 in Bourbon Co., Kentucky 1. He died on August 3, 1863 in Milford Centre, Union Co., Ohio. He is buried in the Milford Center Cemetery, Milford Center, Union Co., Ohio. He married Mary A. McColloch on February 5, 1824 in Butler Co., Ohio 32 (or in 1822 1). (She was born on December 25, 1805 in Ohio 1 and died on February 15, 1873 in Milford Centre, Union Co., Ohio 1. She is buried in the Milford Center Cemetery, Milford Center, Union Co., Ohio.) They had four children: William H. Riddle (1826-1865) David Riddle (1829-1834) Elizabeth Riddle (1831-1862) md. Jesse T. Hoge Edith Riddle (1836-1865) md. Benjamin F. Montgomery Samuel Riddle (1839-1842) James Riddle (1842-???) md. Mary A. Andrews Henry C. Riddle (1846-???) md. Alice Lombard When the family was separated during the 1810s, it is not known what happened to James. He was either sent to live with relatives or possibly began an apprenticeship. Sometime by the early 1820s he had moved to Oxford, Ohio; where he opened a business as a saddler. Sometime before 1830, he moved to Union County, Ohio; where he remained. In later life he worked as a grocer.
3	Nancy Riddle was born circa 1803 in Bourbon Co., Kentucky 7. She died on June 12, 1879 33 in Center Twp., Boone Co., Indiana. She is buried in the Robison Cemetery, Center Twp., Boone Co., Indiana. She married Isaac Robison on February 14, 1822 in Nicholas Co., Kentucky 6. (He was born sometime circa May 16, 1797 in Kentucky and died on August 16, 1846 in Center Twp., Boone Co., Indiana 7. He is buried in the Robison Cemetery, Center Twp., Boone Co., Indiana.) They had eleven children: Alexander Robison (1823-1906) md. 1st. Elizabeth Lawrence md. 2nd. Mary Burns md. 3rd. Sarah Spicklemire William Robison (1824-1911) md. Eliza Jane Silvey Mary Jane Robison (1827-1907) md. John M. Shaw Jacob Robison (1828-1915) md. Mary M. Berry Isaac Robison (1831-1915) md. Nancy Burns Isabella Robison (1833-1912) md. Henry T. Long Margaret Robison (1835-1902) md. Francis M. Harrison Priscilla Robison (1837-1926) md. Robert C. Shaw Nancy Ellen Robison (1840-1860) James Robert Robison (1843-1847) Elizabeth Robison (1845-1896) md. James Workman James Nancy was probably named after her maternal grandmother, Agnes Robinson Davidson (Nancy was a dimuntive/pet version of Agnes among Scottish people). When the family was separated during the 1810s, Nancy was probably sent to Nicholas County, Kentucky to live with some of her mother's relatives. She probably lived with the family of her aunt Isabella Davidson Burns in that county. When Nancy was married there in 1822, Isabella's husband William Burns was one of the bondsmen for the marriage. After their marriage, Nancy and her husband lived in Nicholas County, Kentucky for several years. In 1836, they moved to Decatur County, Indiana, but only remained there one year. In 1837, they moved to Boone County, Indiana, where they remained.	Tom Robison at robisont@pacbell.net is a researcher/descendant of this line.
4	William Harrison Riddle
5	Abner Riddle was born on November 12, 1807 in Champaign Co., Ohio 8. He died on October 11, 1888 in Bellefontaine, Logan Co., Ohio 8. He is buried in the Bellefontaine Cemetery, Bellefontaine, Logan Co., Ohio. He married first Clarissa Gooding on April 17, 1831 in Ohio 1. (She was born circa 1812 in Massachusetts and died in 1833 1 or on February 29, 1832 29 in Ohio. She is buried in the Mount Tabor Church Cemetery, Mingo, Champaign Co., Ohio.) They had one child: Clarissa Gooding Riddle (1832-1901) md. 1st. Ira W. Gorton md. 2nd. William H. West Abner married second Rebecca Magruder on August 18, 1833 in Logan Co., Ohio 38. (She was born circa February 8, 1808 in Virginia 8 and died on June 3, 1883 in Bellefontaine, Logan Co., Ohio 8. She is buried in the Bellefontaine Cemetery, Bellefontaine, Logan Co., Ohio.) They had the following children: Llewellyn Riddle (1834-1856) John Magruder Riddle (1836-1906) md. Margaret J. Wallace Mary Elizabeth Riddle (1838-1857) Cynthia G. Riddle (1840-1863) William B. Riddle (1843-1863) Frances Gwenn Riddle (1845-1867) When the family was separated during the 1810s, Abner remained in Champaign County, Ohio and was taken in the home of his aunt Elizabeth Riddle Mitchell. In about 1824, Abner moved to Oxford, Ohio; where he began serving as a saddler's apprentice to his brother James. Then in about 1826, Abner moved to Urbana, Ohio, where he worked as a saddler from 1826 to 1830. In 1830, he moved to West Liberty, Ohio, where he first lived with his brother William. In West Liberty, Abner first opened his own business but in 1833, he formed a partnership with his cousin William Rutan. In 1850, Abner moved with his family to Bellefontaine, Ohio, where they remained.
6	Polly Riddle was born in 1810 in Champaign Co., Ohio 1. She died in 1814 in Champaign Co., Ohio 1. Some sources refer to her sister Jane (below) as "Polly Jane Riddle". This may be an indication that Polly and Jane were the same person. However, given naming customs - it is more likely they were different people and that this child was named after her paternal grandmother, Mary Duncan Riddle.
7	Jane Riddle was born on March 8, 1812 in Champaign Co., Ohio 4. She died on December 21, 1836 in Darby Twp., Madison Co., Ohio 4. She is buried in the Smith Cemetery, Darby Twp., Madison Co., Ohio. She married Samuel Sherwood on February 11, 1830 in Darby Twp., Madison Co., Ohio 4. (He was born on April 2, 1807 in Plattsburg, Clinton Co., New York 4 and died on December 29, 1859 in Marysville, Union Co., Ohio 4. He is buried in the Oakdale Cemetery, Marysville, Union Co., Ohio.) They had four children: Nathaniel B. Sherwood (1831-1833) William Riddle Sherwood (1832-1903) md. Olive B. Lyon Orinda Jane Sherwood (1834-1906) md. Walter Booth Beecher Warren R. Sherwood (1836-1838) During the 1810s, when the family was separated, Jane was probably sent to Madison County, Ohio to live with relatives. She probably lived with the family of her uncle John Riddle.

William Harrison* Riddle was born on September 01, 1805 in Bourbon County, Kentucky ^9,10. He died on April 4, 1891 in Roseburg, Douglas Co., Oregon ^9,31. He is buried in the Riddle Cemetery, Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon.

Father: William Riddle
Mother: Jane Davidson

* Many online family trees incorrectly list his middle name as Hamilton. That was an error that had actually started by me, when I had previously believed Hamilton was his middle name and posted it online (a misguided guess based on the "Hamilton" name which was repeated in the descendants of his uncle David Riddle - the maiden name of his first wife, who he wasn't even married to until after William was born). In actuality, in 1888 William himself specifically said that his middle name was Harrison and that he was named after General William Henry Harrison, a politician from Ohio and later War of 1812 Hero and US President.

William was an infant or toddler when he moved with his family from Kentucky to Ohio. His father died when he was only about seven years old. His mother died soon after. During the 1810s, the children were separated and lived with different relatives. In 1820, William was probably living in Champaign County, Ohio with his aunt Mary Riddle Rutan's family. It was probably while living there that William was apprenticed as a blacksmith. This probably happened during the early 1820s. In 1825, Robert Latta of Champaign County was appointed legal guardian of William - his relationship to the Riddle family is unknown. On July 13, 1826 in Champaign County, Ohio, William was married to Maxamillia Bouseman. William and Maxamillia were both Baptists. They lived together in West Liberty, in Logan County, Ohio. While living there they had four children.

In 1836 ¹⁰, 1838 ²⁴ or 1839 ¹ (or between April 1837 and April 1838 ²⁸), William moved with his family to a farm in Williams Township, in Sangamon County, Illinois, about 10 miles north of Springfield, Illinois. They were successful farmers in Illinois, and William also worked as a blacksmith. In Illinois they had 5 more children: George, Abner, John, Ann and Tobias. William and Maxamillia were eventually motivated by the stories of their neighbors to move to the Oregon Territory. In the spring of 1851, William moved with his entire family over the Oregon Trail and in September of 1851, they arrived in southern Oregon.

William and his family immediately claimed a tract of 320 acres in the Cow Creek Valley in Douglas County, Oregon. William and his family were the first known white settlers of the Cow Creek Valley. They also became friendly with the Cow Creek Indian tribe that lived there. Members of the tribe called William "Lomtu" (which means Old Man). William and his family established a successful ranch on their land claim, which for many years was called "Glenbrook Farms." During the 1880s, William's son John platted a townsite about a mile southeast of their ranch. This small city was named Riddle after the valley's earliest white settlers. William and Maxamillia had one child after moving to Oregon: Clara. William's wife Maxamillia died in 1868, and he continued living on his farm near Riddle, Oregon. In old age, he moved briefly to the nearby city of Roseburg, Oregon.

They had the following children:

1	Jane Riddle was born on April 14, 1828 in West Liberty, Logan Co., Ohio 1,4,10,30. She died on May 27, 1892 in Buffalo Hart Twp., Sangamon Co., Illinois 4,30. She is buried in the Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon Co., Illinois. She married Thomas Wilson on January 15, 1850 in Clear Lake Twp., Sangamon Co., Illinois 10,28. (He was born on November 4, 1817 4,10,30 in Lochmaben, Dumfries-shire, Scotland and died on March 18, 1901 4,30 in Buffalo Hart Twp., Sangamon Co., Illinois. He is buried in the Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon Co., Illinois.) They had the following children: Jane Frood Wilson (1852-1925) md. John Robert Enos Maxamilla Wilson (1852-c.1852) William Riddle Wilson (1855-1901) md. Emma Jane Broughton James Wilson (1857-c.1858) John Thomas Wilson (1859-1926) md. Jennie Lee Taylor Lillias Helen Wilson (1861-1928) md. Robert Franklin Constant Jane was the only Riddle child to remain in Illinois after her family moved to Oregon in 1851.
2	Artinecia Riddle
3	Isabella Riddle was born on February 18, 1834 1,9 (or January 16, 1835 10) in West Liberty, Logan Co., Ohio . She died on June 13, 1892 in Canyonville (now Riddle) Pct., Douglas Co., Oregon 9. She is buried in the Riddle Cemetery, Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon. She was married to Israel Boyd Nichols on August 15, 1852 in Canyonville (now Riddle) Pct., Douglas Co., Oregon 11. (He was born on September 22, 1824 in Muskingum Co., Ohio and died on May 28, 1893 in Canyonville (now Riddle) Pct., Douglas Co., Oregon. He is buried in the Riddle Cemetery, Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon.) They had the following children: Artinecia Jane Nichols (1853-1930) md. Owen Lovejoy Willis Rhoda Ella Nichols (1854-1930) md. David Thompson William Lewis Nichols (1856-1917) md. Addie Fullerton Henry Harrison Nichols (1858-1918) md. 1st. Anne Isabel Vinyard md. 2nd. Annabel J. Lady Anna Maria Nichols (1860-1909) md. William Quartus Brown Abner Eugene Nichols (1861-1920) md. Viola Bell Ryan Maxamillia Nichols (1863-1935) md. Albert Tompkins Clara E. Nichols (1865-1873) Ulysses Sheridan Nichols (1867-1930) md. Hattie G. Mayborn, widow of William H. Walker Israel Boyd Nichols (1870-1952) md. Ada Frances Davlin Benjamin Franklin Nichols (1872-1944) md. Lenora Ellen Yarborough George Elbert Nichols (1875-1934) md. 1st Susan Justine Johnson md. 2nd Blanche A.
4	William Harrison Riddle was born on March 7, 1837 1,9 (or in March 1836 10) in West Liberty, Logan Co., Ohio . He died on July 10, 1857 in Douglas Co., Oregon 9. He is buried in the Riddle Cemetery, Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon. William was named after his father.
5	George Washington Riddle was born on December 14, 1839 1,12 (or February 22, 1840 10) in Williams Twp., Sangamon Co., Illinois . He died on September 22, 1927 in Roseburg, Douglas Co., Oregon 12. He is buried in the Riddle Cemetery, Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon. He married first to Anna Minerva Rice on April 20, 1865 in Douglas Co., Oregon 11. (She was born on April 21, 1847 1,9 in Putnam Co., Illinois and died on September 16, 1876 1,9 in Douglas Co., Oregon. She is buried in the Riddle Cemetery, Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon.) They had the following children: Della Evelyn Riddle (1866-1948) md. George Kenneth Quine George Rice Riddle (1868-1957) md. Marguerite Casey Clara Helen Riddle (1871-1961) md. Charles W. Hunt Ethel Lynn Riddle (1874-1959) md. Joseph Alexander Wharton He married second to Helen Gazley, widow of William E. Stewart, on October 20, 1878 in Douglas Co., Oregon 11. (She was born on December 26, 1855 in Douglas Co., Oregon and died on July 10, 1937 in Columbia Co., Oregon 27. She is buried in the Riddle Cemetery, Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon.) They had the following children: Audrey S. Riddle (1879-1962) md. William Thomas Langlois Glenn Norbert Riddle (1885-1971) md. Agnes Adu Fate
6	Abner Riddle was born on October 29, 1841 9,20,26 (or October 27, 1842 1 or October 29, 1842 13) in Williams Twp., Sangamon Co., Illinois. He died on October 6 9 or October 7 13, 1926 in Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon. He is buried in the Riddle Cemetery, Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon. He was married to Alice Cary Rice on December 31, 1865 in Douglas Co., Oregon 11,20. (She was born on October 24, 1849 9 in Putnam Co., Illinois and died on April 25, 1903 9 in Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon. She is buried in the Riddle Cemetery, Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon. They had the following children: Ernest Donald Riddle (1866-1946) md. Lora Belle Pummell Maud Agnes Riddle (1868-1963) md. Louis L. Grant Grace Isabella Riddle (1871-1942) md. Otto Victor Logsdon Blanche Eglantine Riddle (1873-1920) Claude Abner Riddle (1877-1965) md. 1st Mary "Mamie" Ellen Isaacs md. 2nd Merle Edith McClarnan md. 3rd Elsie Jeanette Downing, widow of Frank Egger Helena Anna Riddle (1884-1969)
7	John Bouseman Riddle was born on November 9, 1844 in Williams Twp., Sangamon Co., Illinois 1,9,14,26. He died on October 11, 1914 in Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon 9,14. He is buried in the Riddle Cemetery, Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon. He was married first to Jennie A. Feathers on April 19, 1864 in Douglas Co., Oregon 11. (She was born in 1846 in Wisconsin and died on November 13, 1865 in the South Umpqua River, Douglas Co., Oregon.) They had one child: infant male Riddle (1865-1865) Jennie and their infant son drowned while fording the south fork of the Umpqua River. He married second to Mary Francis Catching on December 2, 1867 in Douglas Co., Oregon 11. (She was born on April 6, 1852 in Cow Creek Valley, Douglas Co., Oregon 9 and died on October 23, 1930 in Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon 9. She is buried in the Riddle Cemetery, Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon.) They had the following children: Jennie Belle Riddle (1869-1928) md. David W. Crosby Ira Bouseman Riddle (1871-1955) md. Elizabeth Simmons Maxamillia M. Riddle (1873-1953) md. Charles F. Stauffer Edward Warren Riddle (1875-1948) md. Lelah A. Poole Minnie Margaret Riddle (1877-1948) md. George T. Frater Laura Riddle (1879-1883) Vigle Riddle (1881-1883)
8	Ann Maria Riddle was born on April 19, 1847 15,20,25 (or on April 8, 1847 10 or April 13, 1847 1) in Williams Twp., Sangamon Co., Illinois. She died on March 20, 1924 in Central Point, Jackson Co., Oregon 15,25. She is buried in the Jacksonville Cemetery, Jacksonville, Jackson Co., Oregon. She was married to Robert Vinton Beall on April 19, 1864 in Douglas Co., Oregon 11. (He was born on June 15, 1831 in Montgomery Co., Maryland 20,25,26 and died on July 17, 1915 in Manzanita Pct. (now Central Point), Jackson Co., Oregon 25. He is buried in the Jacksonville Cemetery, Jacksonville, Jackson Co., Oregon.) They had the following children: Mary Elizabeth Beall (1866-1946) md. Charles Strang Robert Vinton Beall (1878-1961) Ann usually went by the name "Mollie," probably to differentiate her from her cousin Ann Hall, who lived with her family for many years. Eventually, Ann Hall was married to Thomas Beall (brother of Robert Beall) and they lived near eachother in Jackson County, Oregon. Mollie and her husband settled in Jackson County, Oregon shortly after their marriage in 1864. Their house was built at about that time and is still standing to this day along Beall Lane. There is a large black walnut tree still standing next to the house that was apparently planted for one of Mollie's birthdays in the 1860s.
9	Tobias Stilley Riddle was born on August 30, 1849 1,10 (or August 31, 1849 20) in Williams Twp., Sangamon Co., Illinois. He died on February 21, 1933 in Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon 9. He is buried in the Riddle Cemetery, Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon. He was married first to Sarah L. Smyth on February 2, 1868 in Douglas Co., Oregon 11. (She was born on August 15, 1850 in Missouri and died on October 25, 1890 in Salem, Marion Co., Oregon. She is buried in the Riddle Cemetery, Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon.) They had the following children: Carrie Lucinda Riddle (1869-1944) md. Samuel M. Parsley Walter Scot Riddle (1872-1950) Frederick Riddle (1874-1957) Eva Riddle (1876-1964) md. John Lucas Arzner Benjamin A. Riddle (1880-1915) Prestley Riddle (1883-1949) md. Mary K. Nichols Dewey Stilley Riddle (1886-1975) md. 1st. Mollie E. Brundage md. 2nd. Elsie Mae Krajicek Helen Riddle (1887-1972) md. Harry Leandes Johnson He married second to Almarine Chapman, widow of John Duncan and Napoleon Roberts, on November 8, 1893 in Douglas Co., Oregon 11. (She was born on February 24, 1852 in Johnson Co., Iowa and died on October 29, 1927 in Cody, Park Co., Wyoming. She was buried in the Wimberly Cemetery, near Glide, Douglas Co., Oregon.) They had no children. Stilley was successful in the stock business, starting from the age of 16 when he moved out his his parental home to make a life for himself. He and his wife first lived in the vicinity of Canyonville, Oregon. In 1872, Stilley moved with his family to Grant (now Harney) County, Oregon. They remained there until sometime between 1882 and 1884, when they returned to the Canyonville, Oregon area. Stilley and his family were still living in this area in 1900. Sometime between 1900 and 1906, they moved out east to live near Hardin in Yellowstone (now Big Horn) County, Montana. They remained there until sometime between 1917-1919, when they settled near Cody in Park County, Wyoming. Sometime after the death of his wife in 1927, Stilley returned to Oregon, where he lived in Riddle with his oldest daughter Carrie.
10	Clara Alice Riddle was born on April 8, 1853 in Canyonville (now Riddle) Pct., Douglas Co., Oregon 1,9. She died on October 10, 1855 in Canyonville (now Riddle) Pct., Douglas Co., Oregon 1,9. She is buried in the Riddle Cemetery, Riddle, Douglas Co., Oregon.

4th Generation: Artinecia Riddle was born on October 11, 1830 in West Liberty, Logan County, Ohio 1,10,16,17. She died on January 10, 1917 in Medford, Jackson Co., Oregon 16,17. She was buried in the Jacksonville Cemetery, Jacksonville, Jackson Co., Oregon. Father: William Harrison Riddle Mother: Maxamillia Bouseman Artinecia was an unusual name that apparently came from her mother's side of the family (Her mother's half-brother Tobias McGill had a daughter named Artanacy. Another half-brother, Stilley McGill, had a daughter named Artemesia.) The spelling of this name in surviving written records varies widely (some examples include: Artimeeria, Arluisia, Arlanaissa, Artinia, Artinice, Artinisa, and Artamesia). In fact, descendants do not know exactly how the name was pronounced. It is no wonder that she usually went by Artie. Artie spent the first part of her life at West Liberty, Ohio. In about 1838, the family moved out west to Sangamon County, Illinois. There, Artie spent the remainder of her childhood and adolescence. Her parents were successful corn farmers and were also faithful Baptists. In 1849, when she was 18 years old, Artie married a man named James Chapman. They lived together on a farm near the city of Springfield, Illinois and had one child named John. In 1850, her parents decided to move to Oregon and Artie and her husband made the decision to go with them. Sadly, her husband James died shortly before the wagon train was scheduled to leave. Despite the sudden death, Artie and her infant son left Illinois with her family in a covered wagon over the Oregon Trail. At one point during the trek, Artie was called upon to remove a bullet and shattered bones from the wound of a man who had been shot. The train arrived in southern Oregon in September 1851. Artie settled with her parents on their land claim in the Cow Creek Valley in Douglas County, Oregon. In 1852, a young widower named William Merriman arrived in the area. He was also from Sangamon County, Illinois and probably knew Artie from her youth. He courted her for several months until they were eventually married in February 1853. After the marriage, William and Artinecia settled a land claim of 320 acres in the Cow Creek Valley near her parents. On this farm, Artie had 2 children: Lucinda and George. During this time, Artie and her family were friendly with the local Cow Creek tribe of Native Americans and the family became somewhat fluent in their language. At some point during the 1850s, Artie served as an interpreter between the tribe and the government. From 1855 to 1856, the Rogue River War took place, during which Artie and her family may have lived in a military encampment for protection. She and her husband did not remain in Douglas County long and in 1857 17,23, they sold their land claim and moved to Jackson County, Oregon. There, they purchased a 120-acre ranch a few miles northeast of Jacksonville, Oregon (it is now mostly within the city limits of Medford, Oregon, along Merriman Road). William and Artinecia were influential citizens. They ran a successful ranch and also a blacksmith shop out of their home. They identified with the Republican party in politics and were faithful Baptists. Artinecia had 13 more children while living in Jackson County: Laura, Marie, Ann, Isaac, Charles, Mary, Walter, Isabel, Prudence, Effie, Marjorie, William and Winnifred. In total, Artie and her husband raised 13 children to adulthood. In 1877, Artie's husband died after a short illness and she continued to run the family ranch (they raised stock - pigs, chickens, cows). During the late 1870s, Artie was also a women's suffrage activist (being described as a "staunch coworker" of the cause in 1879). In 1884, Artinecia began construction of a building (probably a residence) in the newly formed city of Medford, Oregon. Artinecia moved to Medford in 1886. At that time, she left the Merriman ranch in the care of her son Isaac and his family. Artinecia spent the remainder of her life living in different houses in Medford and visiting her children and relatives who lived out of the area, including various parts of Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Montana and Wyoming. In 1902, she made an extended trip back east to Ohio and Illinois. She said on one occasion that she enjoyed traveling to Seattle best became of its cool summers. In about 1908, old age compelled her to move in with her daughter Marie Bennett, who also lived in a house in Medford. Artie spent her last days at her daughter's house on Riverside Avenue in Medford, where she died on January 10, 1917, at the age of 87. In 1915, Artinecia appeared briefly in a silent film that was created to promote the Rogue River Valley of Oregon. The short film was displayed in the 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco. Artinecia married first to James B. Chapman on February 22, 1849 in Sangamon Co., Illinois 1. He was born circa 1827 in Kentucky 7. He died in 1850 or 1851 in Sangamon Co., Illinois. There is hardly anything known about James Chapman. He and Artinecia probably lived on land about three miles northeast of the city of Springfield, Illinois. He may have been related to an Elvira Chapman, a widow with several children who also lived in the area. James died sometime between October 14, 1850 (when he was enumerated with his family in the census) and April 10, 1851 (when his wife and son left on the Oregon Trail without him). Sources suggest he died in "the spring of 1851" 1 or "early in the winter of 1851" 18. Other sources suggest he died either a few days before 17 or a few months before 24 the train was scheduled to leave in early April.

1

John William Chapman was born on June 15, 1850 in Springfield, Sangamon Co., Illinois 18. He died on December 18, 1933 in Red Lodge, Carbon Co., Montana 18. He is buried in the Red Lodge Cemetery, Red Lodge, Carbon Co., Montana. He married Alphia Chapman on April 20, 1881 in Douglas Co., Oregon 18. (She was born in September 1861 in Oregon 7 and died in 1950 in Red Lodge, Carbon Co., Montana. She is buried in the Red Lodge Cemetery, Red Lodge, Carbon Co., Montana.) They had no children.

For information on their children, see his page.

Sources:

1. Ridlon, G.T. History of the Ancient Ryedales. Manchester, NH, 1884.
2. International Genealogical Index
3. Online cemetery index, Alkire-Tanner Cemetery, Madison Co., OH
4. Online gedcom family files
5. Online cemetery index, Alkire Farm Cemetery, Madison Co., OH
6. Kentucky Marriages to 1850, Ancestry.com
7. Assorted US Federal Census records
8. Online cemetery index, Bellefontaine Cemetery, Logan Co., OH
9. Tombstone Inscriptions, Riddle Cemetery, Riddle, OR
10. Powers, John C. Early Settlers of Sangamon Co., Illinois. Edwin Wilson & Co: IL, 1876.
11. Marriage records, Douglas Co., OR
12. Death certificate of George W. Riddle, 1927, Douglas Co., OR
13. Death certificate of Abner Riddle, 1926, Douglas Co., OR
14. Death certificate of John B. Riddle, 1914, Douglas Co., OR
15. Death certificate of Ann M. Beall, 1924, Jackson Co., OR
16. Death certificate of Artinecia Merriman, 1917, Jackson Co., OR
17. Obituary of Artinecia Merriman, Medford Mail Tribune, January 12, 1917
18. Obituary of John W. Chapman, The Picket-Journal, December 21, 1933
19. Indiana Marriage Collection, 1800-1941. Ancestry.com
20. Walling, A.G. History of Southern Oregon: comprising Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Curry and Coos Counties. Portland, OR, 1884.
21. The Centennial History of Oregon, Volume III, Clark Publishing Co., 1912.
22. Newspaper Article, Medford Mail, Jul. 14, 1893, Pg. 1
23. Obituary of George F. Merriman, Medford Mail Tribune, November 8, 1915
24. Riddle, George W. Early Days in Oregon, 1920.
25. Tombstone Inscriptions, Jacksonville Cemetery, Jacksonville, Oregon.
26. Gaston, Joseph and Himes, George H. The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912, Volume IV. S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1912.
27. Oregon Death Index, 1903-1998, Ancestry.com
28. Obituary of Mrs. Jane Wilson, c. May 1892, unknown newspaper [Springfield, IL].
29. Tombstone inscriptions, Mount Tabor Church Cemetery, Champaign Co., Oh
30. Tombstone inscriptions, Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, IL
31. Probate case file of William H. Riddle. Douglas Co., Oregon, Vol. 29, File 13
32. Marriage register, Butler Co., Ohio, Vol. 1, Pg. 190
33. Cemetery index, Robison Cemetery, Boone Co., Indiana
34. Marriage register, Madison Co., OH, Vol. A, Pg. 25
35. Online cemetery index, Concord Cemetery, Champaign Co., Ohio
36. Antrim, Joshua. The History of Champaign and Logan Counties. 1872
37. Marriage register, Champaign Co., OH, Vol. A., Pg. 2
38. Marriage register, Logan Co., OH. Vol. A., Pg. 91
39. Marriage register, Champaign Co., OH, Vol. A., Pg. 6
40. Marriage register, Fayette Co., OH, Vol. A, Pg. 29
41. Marriage register, Madison Co., OH, Vol. A., Pg. 111
42. Marriage register, Champaign Co., OH, Vol. A., Pg. 14
43. Marriage register, Madison Co., OH, Vol. A., Pg. 86
44. Biography of Abner Riddle, unknown source, c. 1883

For a page of early photos of the Riddle family of Douglas County, Oregon, click here.

Landmarks and places in Oregon, Montana and Wyoming named after our branch of the Riddle family:

• Riddle, Douglas County, Oregon - (town platted in the 1880's by John B. Riddle)
• Riddle Brothers Ranch, Harney County, Oregon - (very large ranch owned and operated by Ben, Walt and Fred Riddle, sons of Tobias S. Riddle)
• Riddle Mountain, Harney County, Oregon
• Riddle Creek, Harney County, Oregon
• Riddle Reservoir, Harney County, Oregon
• Riddle Ranch, Park County, Wyoming

Books of Interest:

Ridlon, G.T.,History of the Ancient Ryedales, Manchester, NH, 1884.

Links:

Clan Riddell - information and history of the Riddell (Riddle) Clan of Scotland