[p. 830] formerly one of the most highly esteemed residents of New Bedford, a survivor of the great Civil War and a practical farmer through the larger part of his life, was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1822, and died at New Bedford, May 23, 1904.
The late John Riddle grew to manhood on a farm and he chose an agricultural life, following farming and stockraising first for many years in Coitsville Township, Mahoning County, and later near New Bedford, in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. In 1893 he established his permanent home at New Bedford and there he became well known and esteemed. In looking over the record of his life, the pages show that he was a man of industry, of loyal devotion to the flag of his country, that he was kind and loving in his family, was charitable to those in poverty and trouble, was helpful to his neighbors and supported the school and church. The memory of a man of this character deserves to be preserved.
Mr. Riddle was married (first) to Mary Dickson, of Coitsville Township, Mahoning County, Ohio, and in 1892 was married (second) to Mrs. Emma Davidson, who was then the widow of John M. Davidson, formerly of Pulaski Township, Lawrence County. Mrs. Riddle was born in Coitsville Township, Mahoning County, Ohio, May 24, 1836. Her parents were Samuel and Mary (Gray) Davidson, who moved from Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, to Mahoning County, in 1833, and spent the remainder of their lives in Coitsville Township. Mrs. Riddle has one surviving brother and one sister: James H. Davidson, who resides at Poland, Ohio, and Mrs. Mary J. Shaw, who is the widow of George Shaw, late of Grove City, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Riddle is a much esteemed resident of New Bedford, a member of its quiet social circles and very actively interested in the Hopewell Presbyterian Church of which her late husband was also a member. In his views on public questions, the late John Riddle was very careful and did not identify himself with any particular party outside of the Prohibition movement with which he was in full sympathy.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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