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. 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 there when he was just fifteen years old. He then became an assistant teacher in Reverend Robert Smith's academy in Pequea, Lancaster County. The couple eventually had ten children, of whom nine children survived to adulthood as described below. Other prominent founding trustees included Andrew Lewis, Thomas Lewis, Samuel McDowell, Sampson Mathews, George Moffett, and William Preston.

In 1785 Waddel settled on an estate in Louisa County, where he supplied vacant pulpits and ran a classical school.

Cataracts blinded Waddel about 1787 (at age 48), but he continued teaching and writing as well as preaching with great industry and without interruption, becoming known as "the blind preacher." Waddel was described as tall and erect with fair complexion and blue eyes. He was invariably described as cheerful, happy, and resigned to his physical afflictions. Nathaniel Waddell. Married his cousin Mary Smith Gordon. James Gordon Waddell (1770-1857). Married (1) his cousin Lucy Gordon. Married (2) Mildred Thornton Lindsay. Elizabeth Waddell (1777-1851). Married Rev. William Calhoun. Isaac Waddell (1780-18??). Moved to South Carolina where he settled on the banks of the Tyger River in Greenville District. Married, about 1805, Nancy Middleton and had several children. One daughter married ____ Goodlet. Another daughter, Martha, married William Hubbard, a hotel proprietor of Anderson, South Carolina. Janetta Waddell (1782-1852). Married Archibald Alexander. Their issue included James Waddel Alexander, William Cowper Alexander, and Joseph Addison Alexander. Another son, Henry Martyn Alexander, was the grandfather of Eleanor Butler Alexander-Roosevelt, wife of Theodore Roosevelt Jr. Anne Harrison Waddell (1783-1853). Dr. Addison W. Waddell (1785-1855). Married (1) Catherine Ann Boys and (2) Mrs. Ann Douglas. He and his first wife were the parents of writer and historian Joseph Addison Waddell. Sarah Waddell (1789-1865) Lyttleton Waddell (1790-1869). Married Elizabeth Edmonson. Harrington Waddell. Died young.

Tyler, in Men of mark in Virginia, omits Isaac and adds a daughter named Mary.