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RIDDELLS OF BEDFORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NO. 1.
Ellen M., daughter of Samuel Brown, of Manchester, N. H., Jan. 19,
1853, and has one daughter, of whom hereafter.
Colonel Riddle received his education at the public schools and at the
academies at Hopkinton and Sanbornton, N. H. For several years he
dealt extensively in lumber and hops. Possessing a taste for agricultural
pursuits, he purchased a large farm in his native town, and settled there
in 1860, where for eight years he carried on farming, and introduced im-
proved stock and machinery.
While a resident in Bedford he was elected to preside in every town-
meeting, with two or three exceptions; was chairman of selectmen in 1855
and '56; represented the town in the Legislature in 1863 and '64; was
chosen military agent for the town during the Rebellion, and furnished
one hundred and fifteen men to fill the quota called for by the govern-
ment. Colonel Riddle so judiciously conducted the enlistment that the
town, being in part re-imbursed by the State for advanced bounties, found
itself, at the close of the war, not only free from debt, but with thousands
of dollars in the treasury. This money was appropriated to build the new
and beautiful town-hall at Bedford Centre.
In 1850 Colonel Riddle was appointed and commissioned quartermaster
of the Ninth Regiment, New Hampshire Militia, with rank of lieutenant.
At the organization of the Amoskeag Veterans, in 1854, he was one of
the youngest members of that command, and his name still stands enrolled
as one of the honorary members.
-a
In 1860 he was commissioned division quartermaster on the staff of
Major-General McCutchins, with rank of colonel. At the organization of
the Bedford Light Infantry, in 1862, a company composed of the best
young men in town, many of whom subsequently served in the army, —
Colonel Riddle was chosen captain, and commanded the company four
years, during which time, by careful drill and good discipline, it was raised
to a high state of military efficiency.
In 1867 he was elected treasurer of the New Hampshire State Agricul-
tural Society, and during the seventeen years he has served in this ca-
pacity the fairs have been very successful, promoting the interest of farm-
ing throughout the State, and the introduction of various improved breeds
of stock. In 1869, at the solicitation of many of the most prominent men
in the State, Colonel Riddle was induced to accept the position of treas-
urer and general manager of the New England Agricultural Society. At
this time the demands of the society required a man of large experience,
executive ability, and determination, to develop its resources, and to-day,
under the able management of its treasurer, the society stands second to
none in New England. It has the largest number of life members (two
thousand), pays liberal premiums, and its fairs are annually visited by
thousands of patrons. The subject of this notice has held this important
office fourteen years, and has the reputation of being one of the most suc-
cessful managers of fairs in the country.
In consequence of growing business interests, and official engagements
elsewhere, Colonel Riddle disposed of his farm in Bedford, in 1869, and
having built an elegant mansion on Myrtle Street, Manchester, fixed his
residence there He was chosen a commissioner for Hillsboro' County in
1870; was re-elected in 1873, and during the six years he served in that
capacity very important changes were effected at the County Farm, in Wil-
ton, and at the jail, in the city of Manchester, which was under his im-
mediate supervision; and his sympathy and kind treatment toward the
