RIDDELLS OF BEDFORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NO. 1. 235
unfortunate inmates of these institutions made him very popular, and in-
sured him the highest commendations, with many a "God bless you and
yours." He was offered the renomination, but declined the honor.
In 1876 Colonel Riddle was appointed State Centennial Commissioner,
to represent the interests of New Hampshire at the great exhibition held
that year at Philadelphia. He superintended the erection of the New
Hampshire State building at Fairmount Park, and conducted the exhibit
of the State during the Centennial.
After his return from Philadelphia, in 1877, in connection with other
prominent men of Manchester, he promoted the organization of the Horse
Railroad Company, and secured subscriptions for stock necessary to make
the arrangement a success. He was appointed building agent, and in Sep-
tember of that year the first narrow-gauge street-railway in New England
was finished, fully equipped, and put into successful operation. This con-
tinued under Colonel Riddle's management till 1880, when he resigned
his position.
For many years Colonel Riddle has been identified with the material
prosperity of Manchester, and connected with some of the largest and
most successful financial institutions of the city. He is now director of
the New Hampshire Fire Insurance Company, trustee of Amoskeag Sav-
ings Bank, trustee of the People's Bank, director of the Amoskeag Na-
tional Bank, president of Manchester Driving Park Company, trustee of
Elliott Hospital, and director of Franklin-street Congregational Society.
In 1882 he was appointed by Gov. Chas. H. Bell, Fish and Game Commis-
sioner of New Hampshire, and is now chairman of this important board.
Until 1883 Manchester had no suitable place for large gatherings, but
in that year a meeting of the citizens was called, and a stock company
organized with a large capital to establish fair grounds. Colonel Riddle
was chosen one of the directors and subsequently president; was author-
ized to purchase the necessary land, and in the short space of four months
a half-mile track was built, with commodious fair buildings, the whole
ground being well laid out and transformed into a beautiful park, in which
the New England Fair of 1884 was held.
While a resident of Manchester, he was moderator, assessor, and rep-
resentative to the Legislature (1860). After his return from Bedford he
was elected and served two years in common council of Manchester.
As chairman of a military committee during his services in the State.
Legislature, Colonel Riddle, by judicious management, secured an appro-
priation that enabled Adjt.-Gen. Natt Head to publish an excellent mili-
tary history of that State.
Descending from the good Scotch-Irish stock, he is a typical representa-
tive of that noble race of men who came from the north of Ireland and
settled this section of New Hampshire: transforming a howling wilder-
ness into a blooming garden. He is a quiet, peaceful citizen; has great
executive force, indomitable courage and perseverance, and achieves re-
markable success in all his undertakings; liberal in his views, generous
to the needy, and a firm friend. Colonel Riddle subscribed for his portrait
in steel for this book.
William-Quincy Riddle (5), second son of William³ (3), was born in
Bedford, N. H., June 8, 1828. He has never married. Mr. Riddle is a
graduate of Harvard and Yale Colleges, and has been engaged in the
practice of law in New York city for nearly fifteen years. He is regarded
as an able member of the legal profession, and is employed on cases that
