James Waddel
(1 Jul 1764 – 1851)

Even less is known about James Waddel's elder brother's back-history in Scotland, and subsequent career after emigrating to Nova Scotia, than about John himself.

It does, however, seem to be generally accepted that James had studied for the ministry whilst still in Scotland, but upon completion of his studies, refused to accept some of the rules and regulations he was told he must affirm to (though we don't know whether these were doctrinal or secular constraints).

It is also the consensus that he married Isobel Bruce in Scotland before emigrating to Nova Scotia. By the time he came to NS in 1813 he was a skilled finish carpenter and cabinet maker. He settled in South Maitland, Hants county.

According to one internet post, some of his tools and furniture (two armchairs) are at the Nova Scotia Museum in Halifax. They were donated by his great-grandniece and she supplied a brief family history along with the chairs. A picture of the chairs and the following information was published in a book about early furniture makers in the province: "Maple arm and side chairs, of bird's eye maple made by James Waddell (1764–1851) in Truro, and now belonging to Mrs W P Grant of Pine Hill, Halifax, a great-grandniece of James Waddell."

This post continued "It seems to me that we contacted the Nova Scotia Museum and they sent along a copy of the family history submitted by Mrs. Grant."

Well, if still available, that would indeed be very interesting.