It now becomes our pleasant privilege to outline in brief the interesting career of the industrious and capable gentleman mentioned at the head of this article. It is quite becoming that he should be granted recognition in his County’s history, since he has labored faithfully here for the betterment of the schools of the County, has always stood for good government, and in industrial life he has wrought with a firm hand and winning skill, while his moral conduct has been such as to win the approbation of all who know him. William L. was born in Adams County, Illinois, on October 18, 1864, being the son of John D. and Urilla (Nichols) Ruddell, natives of Adams County, Illinois, where the mother still lives, the father dying in 1876. A more extended mention of these worthy people is made in another portion of this volume. William’s grandfather. John M. Ruddell, was a leader in his a unity and the Democratic Party, and was a member of the state legislature of Illinois. William’s grandfather, Nichols, was one of the leading stockmen of Adams County and a good man. Mr. Ruddell died in Missouri when this son was nine years of age. William then went to live with his father’s father and there remained until he was of age, receiving a good education. He and his brother George decided to come west, and on October 18, 1885, they landed in Lewiston; for ten years they labored together in various lines, both renting land and buying. Finally, in 1897, our subject purchased his present place of two hundred and forty acres, thirteen miles southeast from Lewiston, where he does a general farming business and raises some stock. On October 12, 1888, Mr. Ruddell married Miss Hattie G., daughter of Isaac and Priscilla (Timmons) Mounce, natives of Indiana and Ohio. To this happy union there have been born four children, all at home and named as follows, Harry, Clair, Ethel, and Mearl. Mrs. Ruddell was born in Iowa on July 6, 1869. Mr. Ruddell is a member of M. W. A., at Lewiston. He and his wife are devout members of the Christian Church. Mr. Ruddell is an active Democrat, believing in the stanch old Jeffersonian principles of democracy. He is especially active in the betterment of educational facilities and is now acting as clerk for his district. Mr Ruddell had three uncles in the Civil war, and W. D. Ruddell was captain. Mrs. Ruddell had four uncles in the same conflict.
Back to: Nez Perce Biographies
Source: An Illustrated History of Northern Idaho, Embracing Nez Perce, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone Counties, Western Historical Publishing Company, 1903
My Great Grandfather Charles Carrol Gibson lived in the Tammany Creek area teaching at the Upper and Lower Tammany School Houses in 1888. He was also a preacher and married William and Hattie. I have sever of his journals that mention many of the pioneers, his wife Mary Augusta cooked for the Ruddells during harvest. I would like to find where both schools were, I think it likely Lower Tammany School was near or where the current Tammany School is today. Any info would be greatly appreciated,