James Waddel

James Waddel (or Waddell, July 1739 – September 17, 1805) was an Irish American Presbyterian preacher from Virginia noted for his eloquence. He was a founding trustee of Liberty Hall (later Washington and Lee University), when it was made into a college in 1776. The family name has had various spellings and pronunciations. Waddel's descendants have typically pronounced "Waddell" with a stress on the final syllable and have spelled it with two Ls.

James Waddel was born in Newry, Ireland in July 1739. His parents, Thomas and Janetta Waddel, emigrated to the United States later that same year, settling in southeastern Pennsylvania near the Delaware line. North Carolina-born Rev. Moses Waddel (1770-1840) is reputedly a cousin. When James was about twelve years old, he suffered a hand injury. This incapacitated him so his father thought it necessary for him to be educated, so that he could support himself. He was educated at the historic 'Log College' (now West Nottingham Academy) at Nottingham, Pennsylvania and was taught by Rev. Dr. Samuel Finley, D.D. Waddel became so proficient in ancient languages that he became a tutor at there when he was fifteen years old. He then became an assistant teacher in Reverend Robert Smith's academy in Pequea, Lancaster County.

Later, in Lancaster County, Virginia, James met Mary Gordon, the daughter of Mary Gordon (Harrison) and James Gordon, a wealthy and influential planter. In 1767 James and Mary were married at her father's home "Verville", and moved into the "Honeymoon Cottage" at Merry Point, on the Corrotoman River. The couple eventually had ten children, of whom nine children survived to adulthood as described below.

...
Wikipedia