Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1867-04-02

DELLA
DEATH or the HON. GEORGE REA"
RIDDLE.
We regret 10 announce that the lion.
GEORGE READ RIDDLE, United States Sena'
tor from Delaware, died at his residence IN
Washington, on Friday evening last, aooui
six o'clock, OF pulmonary consumpuon' al
ter an illness OF some three or four weeks, IN
the 5Oth year Of his age. Mr.. Riddle was
born in the town of New Castle, in the year
1917, and was a son of the late John kudie'
He received preparatory education III one
of the schools of that town, and completed
his studies and graduated at Newark Col
lege, with much honor, occupying front
rank in his class. Having taste for me
profession, he commenced his active career
of life as u surveyor and civil engineer, IN
which capacity he gained considerable re-
putation. A number of years oil his early
life were employed in the responsible duty
of locating canals and railroads in the States
of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia.
The plans of several public buildings in this
city and vicinity were drawn by him, among
others that Of the Custom House and Post
Office, and the Odd Fellows Hall. In ls49,
he was appointed by the Governor OF the
State, Commissioner on the part of Della
ware to retrace the celebrated Mason "
Dixon's line.
In 1s43 he returned to Delaware, after a
long professional absence, and entered the
political arena as Democratic politician.
Possessing qualities essential to popularity,
he soon won the favorable regard OF his
party, and upon the declination OF Edward
Mootten who had received the nomina
ton of the Democracy for Representative
to Congress, was made their nominee to
that position. He made thorough can
vass of the State, but was beaten by hi
opponent on the Wing ticket, the presen
Judge Houston. For four years sue
ceeding his defeat he devoted himself to hi
profession and the study OF law, and wa
admitted to the bar of Delaware in 1s4s.
In 1860, he again received the nominatio
} of his party for Congress, in opposition
5 the Hon. George B. Rodney, and was cleo
I ed by respectable majority. In 1852, Ii
e was reelected over Judge Houston, and
0 1854 was presented for third term, but WI
beaten by Hon. Elisha D. Cullen, the cand
z d te of the American party, although he 10
0 considerably ahead of his ticket. Will
c a member of the lower House of Congress
n lie took but little part IN the debates OF III
IS body, making but few speeches, yet he gal
is ed much credit for the faithful and efficie
e manner in winch he labored on committee
i. and his assiduous attention TO the wants
&C his constituency. Through his influence,
y large amount of money was appropriated
the improvement OF our rivers and harbC
lie and the edifice now occupied as q CustC
- House and Post Office in Wilmington, W
erected by the general government. n
IN Riddle was never wanting in his attenti
u to the welfareHof our people, and whetl
political friend or foe demanded his otfic
ly services, they were always given prompt
ch On the resignation of the Hon. James
be Bayard, in March 1864, he was elected
the General Assembly TO the Senate Of
a United States for the unexpired term of Il
xt gentleman. He was attending to his dui
n in that capacity when he was stricken do
by the disease which terminated his cart
is career.
of We believe MIR. Riddle was for 81
ID. time Deputy Attorney General of the ST.
al. in 1s4s. He was also delegate to the d,
-n- ocratic National Conventions of 1874, 1
'Ge and 1856
he Aside from politics, Mr.. Riddle posses
M many amiablc qualities, which endeared
a., to all with whom he mingled in the SO
sas circle. His death will be deeply regre
by men of all political parties who EMO
I'VE his fellowship in life.