RIDDLES OF CHARLESTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS.
265
a quarter of a century, during which, as Mrs. William Smith,*- the name
of her husband, - she had played with remarkable success at Philadelphia
and Boston, and ranked with the first favorites of the day, particularly in
comedy of every grade. She re-appeared in 1856, at Laura Keen's Thea-
tre, and at Barton's in 1857-8, in the line of middle-aged, fashionable
dowagers, country women, and Abigails of every degree, with credit to
herself and satisfaction to the public. She last played in New York at
the Winter Gardens, in 1859-'60. She took her farewell of the stage at
the Howard Athenæum, Boston, in 1861. She died in Boston, of a lin-
gering and painful illness, in 1861, leaving a daughter, Mrs. Sedley Brown,
who has since become a favorite comedienne. Kate Field is a daughter
of one of the sisters of Edward Riddle, but I do not know which one.
Her father was J. M. Field.
SECOND GENERATION.
Elizabeth-Cutter Riddle² (1), eldest daughter of Edward¹ (1), was
born in Boston (or Charlestown), Mass., Sept. 28, 1842.
Charlotta-Cordelia Riddle (1), second daughter of Edward¹ (1),
was born in Charlestown, Mass., Oct. 5, 1847.
Edward-Cutter Riddle² (2), eldest son of Edward¹ (1), was born in
Charlestown, Mass., Oct. 10, 1849, and was for many years engaged in
trade in Boston.
Prof. George-Peabody Riddle² (1), second son of Edward¹ (1), born
in Charlestown, Mass., in 1851, and displayed an inclination for the the-
atrical profession at the age of four, having come from a family which for
three generations has been represented on the American stage. When
five years of age he saw played "Midsummer Night's Dream," which
gave him singular emotions and greatly inspired his genius; he was when
a child a promoter of amateur theatricals, and was his own manager.
His parents insisted that he should take a course at Harvard College
before going upon the stage, but while at the University dreams of a the-
atrical career continually intruded upon his scholastic routine. At length
Fechter came to Boston, and to him the aspirant for dramatic honors con-
fided his hopes, with such result, that the great actor offered him a place
in his company. How to satisfy his dearest ambition, and, at the same
time, to comply with his parents' desire that he should graduate in due
form was the problem that presented itself to the enthusiastic student.
He thought he might become an actor, and still keep up his college stud-
ies. This plan he submitted to President Eliot, in a note, which drew
forth a reply so characteristic that a quotation must be given:—
-
"MARCH 29, 1872.
"Dear Sir, — It would be quite impossible for you to be an actor, and, at the same
time, keep up your college studies and take a degree. You cannot burn a candle at
both ends. The stage is a very laborious and exigent profession. That you chose
it at the age of four is not an argument for choosing it at twenty-four. I remem-
ber having a conviction at that age that I might be a farmer. Let me advise you
strenuously to complete your education-so far, at least, as to go through college
and to see a little more of real life before you commit yourself to the calling of an
actor."
Excellent advice, for heeding which, Mr. Riddle now has his reward.
But the dramatic instinct must needs be satisfied, and, while still an
Eliza Riddle, born in Philadelphia, made her debut Jan. 14, 1835, as Julia in
"Hunchback," at Walnut-street Theatre. Was she identical with the above Mrs.
Smith?
