Preceded by James A. Bayard, Jr. Political party Democratic Party Democratic Party Succeeded by Elisha D. Cullen Education University of Delaware | Preceded by John W. Houston Name George Riddle Alma mater Delaware College Resigned March 29, 1867 | |
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Role Former U.S. Representative Died March 29, 1867, Washington, D.C., United States Residence Wilmington, Delaware, United States Previous offices Senator (DE) 1864–1867, Representative (DE At-large District) 1851–1855 | ||
Succeeded by James A. Bayard, Jr. | ||
George Read Riddle (1817 – March 29, 1867) was an American engineer, lawyer and politician from Wilmington, in New Castle County, Delaware. He was a member of the Democratic Party who served as U.S. Representative and as U.S. Senator from Delaware.
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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. 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.
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 served until his death on March 29, 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.