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.
Riddle was born in 1817 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 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, Delaware.
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. He was defeated in a re-election bid 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. and served until his death on March 29, 1867.
Riddle died while in office March 29, 1867 in Washington, DC and is buried in the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery in Wilmington Delaware.
Elections were held the first Tuesday of November. U.S. Representatives are popularly elected for a two year term, and the General Assembly chose the U.S Senators, for a six year term. Both took office the following March 4th.
