James Riddle was born in England c1812. He stole a plate and was sentenced to 7 years in the colony of NSW in 1830. He arrived in Sydney on the “Georgiana 2” and his occupation at the time was “sweep and outdoor servant”. He was assigned to Richard Archbold, a large landowner in the Roseville area. Riddles Lane in St. Ives is named after James Riddle.

On 3rd May 1837 at St. Philips Church, Sydney, NSW he married Ann Cadby born in Glasgow, Scotland c1822 (daughter of George and Catherine Cadby). As Ann was only 15 years of age, permission was obtained from the Governor of NSW for them to marry.

James and Ann had a family of 11 children from 1837 to 1866 – William 1840, James 1842, Sarah Ann 1843, Maria 1848, Sarah Ann 1851 (2nd child by that name), Eliza Ann 1853, Elizabeth 1855, Charles 1858, John Thomas 1861, Emma A. 1863 and George Thomas 1866.

The Riddle family lived in and around St. Leonards, Crows Nest, Willoughby and North Sydney. In the early 1870’s the eldest two sons, William and James Jnr. ventured to the gold fields at Tambaroora near Hill End with their families. They only stayed a few years then returned to Sydney – William to North Sydney and James to Middle Harbour. Two grandsons of James and Ann, William George 1871-1935 and Andrew John 1882-1960 owned and operated boat sheds at The Spit and Church Point.

James died 17.4.1891 aged 79 at Brook Street, North Sydney, NSW. Ann died 3.11.1902 aged 80 at Naremburn. They are both buried at St. Thomas’ Cemetery, North Sydney, NSW.

Lists family tree charts for the 11 children

The book is A4 sized, wire spiral bound and consists of 202 pages, 94 photographs and certificates.

Cost: $100.00 (includes postage throughout Australia)
Available from author, cheque and details to:
Mrs. Catherine Williams, PO Box 4, CAIRNS, QLD. 4870
Enquiries: Email the author