Later Years
Following the failure of the Express in 1861 and the financing scandal created by Russell, Waddell retired to his home in Lexington and never entered business again. However, his life was not peaceful. The effects of the American Civil War were personally felt when one of his sons was killed defending a slave. Additionally, his home was raided multiple times and he was forced to sign an oath of allegiance to the United States. Due to debts he had incurred and taxes, he was required to sell his land. He died April 1, 1872 at age 65 in the home of his daughter. He is buried in Lexington, Missouri.
Read more about this topic: William B. Waddell (Pony Express Founder)
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