362 RIDDLES OF CHATHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA.
never known to use an unkind remark to or about a political opponent.
Belonging to the Whig party, he was nevertheless so universally beloved
by the Democrats, that at one time it was determined to have no opposi-
tion to his re-election at one term; and when a gentleman consented to
oppose him, deserving the confidence and support of his party, it was im-
possible for him to carry its entire strength, so devoted were both parties
to their former senator. He was possessed of the spirit of the true
statesman, and showed great devotion to the interests of his constituency.
He loved his fellow-creatures, and exerted himself to secure their happiness,
and few men have been called into public service who lived more in the
affections of the people. Colonel Riddle was not a brilliant, forensic de-
bater, but nevertheless respectable; with great candor and unpretending
address, he always acquitted himself to the satisfaction of all who had the
pleasure of hearing him.
In his intercourse with gentlemen of his profession, both in and out of
court, he was always mild, kind, and respectful. But it was in the domes-
tic circle where his virtues shone most brilliantly; it was there that he set
an example worthy of himself and the imitation of others; it was there
he showed what joys a kind and affectionate husband, father, brother,
friend, and master can produce by a devoted and untiring discharge of
those several duties of life. Those only who knew him at home are ca-
pable of realizing to the full extent his devotion to the comfort of all who
were under his care.
Colonel Riddle passed a life in the interchange of good offices with his
fellow-man, without attaching himself to any religious denomination, and
never made a profession of religion; but he so fully complied with so
many of the precepts taught by his Divine Master for the government of
his followers, and expressed such complete resignation in the hour of his
dissolution, that his friends were not left without the hope that he was a
believer in the Saviour of the world. He died in peace with all mankind
Aug. 23, 1840, leaving a widow and four children; the widow and one
daughter survive (1884).
At a meeting of the citizens of Eutaw, the following sentiment was
adopted: "
it has pleased an all-wise Providence to cut off, in
the midst of his career of usefulness, one of our most valuable and be-
loved fellow-citizens, a man who, in all the varied relations of life, ac-
quitted himself with honor, and shed a lustre around the human charac-
ter; whose private intercourse with his fellow-man, was ever marked with
that strict integrity and honorable bearing that cannot fail to extort a
tribute of respect from all who came within the circle of his influence;
whose social relations were sweetened by all the virtues that give zest to
domestic life; and who, in his public career, in the service of his country,
has ever exhibited that probity and patriotism which imparts dignity to
the councils of State, and sheds unfading lustre around his honored name."
ON THE DEATH OF THE HON. THOMAS RIDDLE.*
[THE NAME OF THE AUTHOR NOT KNOWN.]
A star has gone from virtue's crown,
Torn by the ruthless spoiler's hand;
A light from freedom's sky gone down,
A generous spirit left the land.
*A stanza of this beautiful poem was accidentally lost from the copy, by the
author of this book.
