WADDLE. The Waddle family is counted among the old established reside - PDF document

WADDLE. The Waddle family is counted among the old established residents of Pennsylvania, dating back to Colonial days, and its representatives have been prominent factors in the maintenance of peace and the development of the natural resources of their country. James Waddle, grandfather of Samuel and James Elmer Waddle, was born in Westmoreland county, near Loyalhanna, and died in that locality, being interred with his three wives in the cemetery at the Loyahanna Church, in Westmoreland county. James Waddle was married first to Anna Burns, who became the mother of the following children: Frank, William, John, James, Samuel, Martha, Mary, Margaret, Jane and Sarah. He was a farmer, operating extensively on a large tract of land, and was one of the leading agriculturists of Westmoreland county in his day. Samuel Waddle, son of James Waddle and father of Samuel and James Elmer Waddle, was born near Loyalhanna, Westmoreland Co., Pa., in 1818, and died in 1894. In 1846 he came to Indiana county, settling in Conemaugh township, where he bought the salt works on the Osprey tract from a Mr. Ralston, as well as the farm known as the Thomas Reed property. This latter was one and half miles from what was then known as Kelly’s station, now Tunnelton. Here he continued to manufacture salt and operate his farm for the remainder of his life, although the last ten years he lived somewhat retired from arduous work. Although interested in the development and advancement of his township and county, he did not take an active part in politics, for he was a retiring man, happiest when at home with his family. The Baptist Church at Tunnelton held his membership and received his generous support. At his death he was laid to rest in Saltsburg cemetery. Samuel Waddle married Martha Smith, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Anderson) Smith, who now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Dick, in Conemaugh township. The following children were born to Samuel Waddle and his wife: Anna Elizabeth, born Aug. 30, 1845, is deceased; Martha Ellen, born Dec. 22, 1847, married Michael F. Dick, and had children Roy and Roxie, the former being in charge of the farm; Mary C., born April 29, 1850, married J. H. Lytle; John A., born in July, 1853, married Mary Badger, and is a farmer of Westmoreland county; Samuel is mentioned below; Frank E., born Dec. 13, 1859, married Matilda Patent, and died March 11, 1892; William S., born June 2, 1862, married Sarah Winings, and is a farmer of Derry township; James Elmer is mentioned below. SAMUEL WADDLE, son of Samuel Waddle and grandson of James Waddle, was born may 28, 1857, in Conemaugh township, Indiana Co., Pa. He grew up in the locality, receiving his educational training in the local schools, and taught habits of industry and thrift by his parents, while living at home and assisting his father in the salt works and on the farm. In 1881, after he had attained to his majority, Mr. Waddle bought the old John Kelly farm of 131 acres, which he has devoted to general farming and stock raising. Later he purchased a sixty-acre tract in Westmoreland county and operated it for many years, but sold it finally to the Keystone Coal Company. The Waddle homestead is beautifully situated on the Conemaugh river near Tunnelton, and it is well improved, Mr. Waddle having erected a comfortable residence, commodious barn and other outbuildings, as well as installed numerous modern conveniences that aid him in the conduct of his operations. Samuel Waddle, married Ida Anna Dixon, daughter of Joseph and Martha (Pierce) Dixon, of Conemaugh township. Mr. and Mrs. Waddle are the parents of seven children: Edward Ray, born in April, 1887, died in November, 1910, and is buried in Saltsburg cemetery; Flora M. attended the Indiana normal school and is now a teacher, having taught two terms at Tunnelton and being now engaged at Salina, Pa.; Phyllis M. taught two terms of school at Tunnelton and is now teaching at Avonmore, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; Adella Ruth is now attending normal school at Indiana town; Susan Martha, Howard Samuel and Ethel Elizabeth are at home. A strong Democrat, Mr. Waddle has taken an intelligent interest in politics in his neighborhood, serving capably as township auditor for three years, supervisor for six years, and school director for six years. The Presbyterian Church holds his membership, and he served it for an extended period as trustee. A thoroughly reliable man and public-spirited citizen, Mr. Waddle has not only attained to well-merited prosperity, but has given his community faithfully service extending over many years, which is appreciated by his fellow citizens. JAMES ELMER WADDLE, son of the elder Samuel Waddle, was born May 29, 1865, in Conemaugh township, Indiana Co., Pa. growing up amid the usual surroundings of a country boy of his day and community, Mr. Waddle attended school in district No. 9. While going to school, his youthful energies were employed at the salt works owned by his father and in tasks about the farm. After attaining to his majority, Mr. Waddle became interested along several lines of endeavor before devoting himself to farming and stock raising. For a number of years he conducted a large general store at Tunnelton, and when the Pennsylvania Railroad Company was doing it new grading in 1907, Mr. Waddle was superintendent for C. A. Sims & Co., who held the contract for the work. After his father’s death Mr. Waddle bought out the other heirs and now owns the old Waddle homestead of nearly two hundred acres, on which he carries on general farming and raises stock. He also is a heavy stock buyer and dealer, shipping to Pittsburg. Owing to his experience and the extent of his operations, Mr. Waddle is known all over the county as an expert on cattle, and his opinions are respected in relation to this line of work. James Elmer Waddle was married to Margaret Elizabeth Elrick, daughter of Robert and Jane (Anderson) Elrick. Mrs. Waddle was born near Social Hall, Westmoreland Co., Pa., but later lived at Lewisville, in Conemaugh township, Indiana Co., Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Waddle are the parents of the following children: Carrie Irene, born Nov. 21, 1887, married Clyde Lowman, son of Squire Hugh Lowman, and their children are Olive Gayle and Genevieve; Mary Bell, born march 14, 1890, married R. Williams Johns, of Mechanicsburg, Brushvalley township (she attended the Indiana normal and taught school for three terms in Conemaugh township and one term in Saltsburg); Olive Marguerite was born Nov. 9, 1892; Velma Jane, Sept. 12, 1895; Arthur James, Feb. 7, 1898; Marion Elrick, Oct. 8, 1900; Samuel Paul, Feb. 22, 1903; Helen Elizabeth, April 14, 1906; and William Keneth, march 17, 1912. Olive and Velma graduated from the Saltsburg high school in 1911, and Velma is now attending school at Mechanicsburg. Having virtually spent his life in Conemaugh township, Mr. Waddle is naturally interested in local affairs and has given time and money to improve conditions. For nine years he rendered efficient service as supervisor of roads, and has often been selected as judge or inspector of elections. The name of Waddle has long stood for integrity of purpose and uprightness of living and those who bear it now are living fully up to the high standards raised by those who have gone before. They are proud of their family and what its members have accomplished, and are earnest in their endeavors to do nothing to take from its prestige.