The Riddle surname has two possible origins. Some believe it is derived from Anglo-Saxon locational names such as Ryedale, Rydal, and Riddell, all themselves derived from Olde English words meaning "rye" and "valley". Others think it likely came from an old French nickname, Ridel, which was given to fat or particularly stocky men. Wherever it came from, the Riddle spelling can be traced back as far as 11th century Scotland, and our own line back to the 1700s in America.
William Riddle 1791 - Unknown
Virtually nothing is known about William. A marriage record for him and wife Nancey Slater remains, but it seems he passed away before 1850, the first year a census record for the family can be found.
William and Nancey's children:
Lewis Emerson Riddle, b. 1818, d. 1889
Thomas Riddle, b. 1825, d. 1909
Sarah Emeline Riddle, b. 1829
John Riddle, b. 1834
Malona Riddle, b. 1835, d. 1892
Sources:
Marriage record
1850 Census
Malona Riddle 1835 - 1892
Malona was born in 1835 in North Carolina, the youngest known child of William and Nancey. At 19, she married George Laster, and the two went on to have eight children. While little is known about the family, the places of birth for their children shows they bounced between North Carolina, Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas, eventually choosing Missouri as their permanent residence. Malona passed away in 1892 and is buried in Bates County.
For more information on Malona and her family, please visit the Laster page.