Richard Riddell

Richard Riddell (born about 1830, at Dalserf in the town of Larkhall, Lanark County, Scotland, was married to Rachel Sinclair 28 August, 1855, at Calton, Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland. (cf IGI Batch No. M119211) Richard was the son of Walter and Jean (Boyd) Riddell. (variant spellings include: Ruddell, Riddle, Ridell). Their daughter was Jane Riddell who married John Brock. In 1861 Richard was living in the Registration District of Bridgeton, Civil Parish of Calton, Glasgow. Their address was 3 Newhall Street. He was a 'journeyman mason.' 1841 Scotland Census - res. Goman Glen Enumerators Schedule - County of Lanark; District of Middle Ward Parish of Dalserf (part of); No. of Enumeration District 4 Description: So much of the Parish of Dalserf (all included in Larkhall Quad Sacra Parish) as lies between the Line South of West Machan and Broomhill on the South and the Parish of Hamilton on the North the River more on the West and the Village of Larkhall (including Crossgaks Street gallowhill and the Muirsplace on the West side of Carslile Road) on the East and contains as follows Crossgak Street Larkhall 16 Houses village of Mellburgh 74 remainder of District 34 houses. Riddell Residence - Goman Glen Walter Riddle 48 Clock M Do Jean do 48 Do George do 27 Ag Lab Do Thomas do 20 Do Do John do 15 Do Jean do 13 Do Richard do 11 Do Samuel do 7 Do David do 5 Do Elisabeth do 1851 Scotland Census Richard Riddle Age: 26 Estimated birth year: abt 1825 Relationship: Son Father's name: Walter Mother's name: Jean Gender: Male Where born: Dalserf, Lanark Parish Number: 638 Civil parish: Dalserf Town: Larkhall County: Lanarkshire Address: London Street Occupation: Journeyman Mason ED: 2 Page: 12 (click to see others on page) Household schedule number: 44 Line: 10 Roll: CSSCT1851_151 Household Members: Name Age William DE Scott 1 David Riddle 14 Elesibath Riddle 18 James Riddle 6 Jannet Riddle 16 John Riddle 3 Richard Riddle 26 Walter Riddle 13 William Riddle 11 Jean Ruddle 57 Walter Ruddle 57 Walter Ruddle 29 Jean Scott 23 Jean Scott 8 Mo William Scott 24 1861 Scotland Census Richard Riddel Age: 31 Estimated birth year: abt 1830 Relationship: Head Spouse's name : Rachael Gender: Male Where born: Larkhall, Lanark Registration Number: 644/3 Registration district: Bridgeton Civil parish: Glasgow Calton County: Lanarkshire Address: 3 Newhall St Occupation: Journeyman Mason ED: 79 Page: 9 Household schedule number: 45 Line: 5 Roll: CSSCT1861_101 1861 Scotland Census Rachael Riddel Age: 24 Estimated birth year: abt 1837 Relationship: Wife Spouse's name : Richard Gender: Female Where born: Moerary, Argyll Registration Number: 644/3 Registration district: Bridgeton Civil parish: Glasgow Calton County: Lanarkshire Address: 3 Newhall St ED: 79 Page: 9 Household schedule number: 45 Line: 6 Roll: CSSCT1861_101 Household Members: Name Age Jane Riddel 5 Rachael Riddel 24 Richard Riddel 31 IGI Record Walter Riddell Birth: 03 Oct 1864 Bridgeton, Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland Father: Richard Riddell Mother: Rachel Sinclair Batch No.: C119201 The name of the town of Dalserf is thought to have come from the main patron saint of the parish St Serf. The Dal is derived from the Gaelic dail meaning field or meadow, thus Dalserf field of Serf. St Serf was an early saint associated with a number of Scottish places including Culross in Fife, but was also known to have worked in the Clyde valley. The site of the old Kirk at Dalserf built in 1655 is thought to be the location of St Serf's earliest church, although he is reputed to have ended his days in Dunning in AD 543 The Parish of Dalserf was very much a strong Covenanting area. The worst persecutor of the Covenanters in this area was ironically William Hamilton of Raploch whose magnificent mansion once stood where St Mary's RC Church now stands in Larkhall . One famous story attached to this gentleman was on his return from the Battle of Bothwell Bridge in 1679 he was supposed to have come upon a mortally wounded Covenanter whom he killed . Before the man died he was supposed to have cursed William Hamilton saying that the hares would soon run over his hearthstone and that he would not die in his bed . He did not die in his bed but fell from his horse when entering the estate. The Raploch mansion soon fell into disrepair and wild hares do run over the area. He is buried in the cemetery at the old Kirk in Dalserf. After his death parishioners used to spit on his grave. The Rev John McMillan was known as the Covenanter of Covenanters. The Covenanters were also known as McMillanites. There is a monument to the Rev John McMillan in Dalserf Kirk yard .He was the successor of Cameron and Cargill. He lived in Braehead House In Millheugh in Larkhall and where his house stood is now known as Braehead Avenue . In the public park in Millheugh in Larkhall once stood a small house .This was always referred to as Tom Thumb's house but actually it was a replica of the Rev John McMillan's first church which was attached to his house in Braehead . There is a story that the Solemn League and Covenant was drawn up in that house .The Solemn League and Covenant was signed in 1643 20,00 men were promised by the Scots to fight with Oliver Cromwell against King Charles the first. The Parish of Dalserf has a wealth of history going back 3,000 years. Larkhall sits on rich coal seams, and fathers took their sons to follow in their proud footsteps, down into the bowels of mother earth. There they worked with pick and shovel in damp and dangerous conditions, where gas was a problem. Larkhill Cemetery Plot 1202 - John Riddell Plot 1239 - Mrs. Wm Riddell Plot 1252 - Mrs. William Riddell Also buried in Dalserf Churchyard: Gavin Riddell