George Read Riddle (c. 1817 – March 28, 1867) was an American engineer, lawyer and politician from Wilmington, Delaware. He was a member of the Democratic Party who served as U.S. representative and as U.S. senator from Delaware.
Early life and family Riddle was born in New Castle, Delaware, and studied civil engineering at Delaware College, now the University of Delaware. In addition he studied law and was admitted to the Delaware Bar in 1848, beginning a practice in Wilmington, Delaware. With his engineering background, he was named as a commissioner to retrace the Mason–Dixon line in 1849, and was otherwise engaged in the construction of railroads and canals. In 1844, Riddle was hired to design the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery. During the Civil War, Riddle served with the Home Guard of Wilmington. His wife's name was Margaret.
Political career From 1849 to 1850, Riddle served as a Deputy Attorney General of the United States. After losing in the election of 1844, he was elected to the U.S. House in 1850 and served for two terms from March 4, 1851, until March 3, 1855. During the 33rd Congress, Riddle was the Chairman of the Committee on Engraving. Running for a third term he was defeated in 1854 by Elisha D. Cullen.
In 1860, Riddle was one of only two slaveholders in Wilmington, Delaware. He owned three slaves, a 68-year-old male and two females aged 56 and 12.
On February 2, 1864, Riddle was elected to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of U.S. Senator James A. Bayard Jr. He was one of six senators to oppose the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. He served until his death on March 28, 1867.
Death and legacy
Riddle died while in office at Washington, D.C., and is buried in the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery at Wilmington.
Almanac Elections are held the first Tuesday after November 1. U.S. Representatives took office March 4 and have a two-year term. The General Assembly chose the U.S. Senators, who also took office March 4, but for a six-year term. In this case he was completing the existing term, the vacancy caused by the resignation of James A. Bayard Jr.
Public offices Office Type Location Began office Ended office NotesU.S. RepresentativeLegislatureWashingtonMarch 4, 1851March 3, 1853U.S. RepresentativeLegislatureWashingtonMarch 4, 1853March 3, 1855U.S. SenatorLegislatureWashingtonFebruary 2, 1864March 28, 1867
United States congressional service Dates Congress Chamber Majority President Committees Class/District1851–185332ndU.S. HouseDemocraticMillard Fillmoreat-large1853–185533rdU.S. HouseDemocraticFranklin Pierceat-large1863–186538thU.S. SenateRepublicanAbraham Lincolnclass 11865–186739thU.S. SenateRepublicanAndrew Johnsonclass 1
Election resultsYearOfficeSubjectPartyVotes%OpponentPartyVotes%Notes1844U.S. RepresentativeGeorge R. RiddleDemocratic6,02349%John W. HoustonWhig6,22951%1850U.S. RepresentativeGeorge R. RiddleDemocratic6,05549%George B. RodneyWhig5,92648%Independent candidate Francis D. Wait received 453 votes.1852U.S. RepresentativeGeorge R. RiddleDemocratic6,69250%John W. HoustonWhig6,63050%1854U.S. RepresentativeGeorge R. RiddleDemocratic6,33448%Elisha D. CullenAmerican6,82052%
See also List of members of the United States Congress who died in office (1790–1899)
Notes
References
External links Biographical Directory of the United States Congress Delaware's Members of Congress The Political Graveyard
Places with more information Delaware Historical Society; website; 505 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801; (302) 655-7161. University of Delaware; Library website; 181 South College Avenue, Newark, Delaware 19717; (302) 831-2965.