Sarah Riddell (3), eldest daughter of Lorenzo (1), was born in Canisteo, N. Y., May 27, 1859.

Lemuel Riddell (2), second son of Lorenzo (1), was born is Canisteo, N. Y., in December, 1868.

Laura-E. Riddell (1), second daughter of Lorenzo (1), was born in Canisteo, N. Y., July 15, 1871.

Pratt Riddell (1), eldest son of LeRoy' (1), was born in Canisteo, N. Y., Oct. 20, 1864.

John Riddell' (6), second son of LeRoy (1), was born in Canisteo, N. Y., Jan. 14, 1866.

Elmira Riddell (1), eldest daughter of LeRoy (1), was born in Canisteo, N. Y., Nov. 12, 1868.

Harriet Riddell (4), second daughter of LeRoy (1), was born in Canisteo, N. Y., Dec. 4, 1874.

Nettie-M. Riddell (1), eldest daughter of William' (4), was born in Canisteo, N. Y., Oct. 5, 1868.

George Riddell (4), eldest son of William (4), was born in Canisteo, N. Y., Jan. 31, 1870.

Sarah-A: Riddell (4), second daughter of William1 (4), was born in Canisteo, N. Y., Aug. 9, 1876.

RIDDLES OF CHARLESTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS.

Edward Riddle1 (1) was a well-known auctioneer many years in Boston; his parentage is not known to me. The family could have provided necessary particulars, but declined to do so. He married Charlotte, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Cutter, Sept. 30, 1841, and fixed his residence in Charlestown, Mass. He went to England with a commission from the United States Government. Was a man of popularity; highly esteemed. Deceased.

William Riddle1 (1), brother of the above, was many years in Boston, but went to California, and died there in the autumn of 1881, unmarried. James Riddle' (1), brother of the preceding, was sometime of Boston, but removed to California, and died there in 1881, leaving a daughter. Cordelia Riddle' (1), sister of the preceding, was an actress for many years. She made her debut at the Arch-street Theatre, Philadelphia, as Albert, in "William Tell," Jan. 23, 1834. She is now (1883) Mrs. Sanford, living at Newport, R. I., and very feeble.

Eliza Riddle (1), sister of the preceding, (born in Philadelphia (?), made her first appearance as an actress, on the stage of the Walnut-street Theatre, Philadelphia, in 1823, as Charles, in "Laugh When You Can." Her first engagement in New York, though she was extremely youthful, won for her the attention and commendation of the people. She next appeared as Emily Worthington; then as Rosalie Somers Paul ("Wandering Boys") Virginia; and for her benefit, in October of that year, as Cora and Little Pickle. After an absence from New York for more than

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 Theatre, 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 lingering 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 Edward' (1), was born in Boston (or Charlestown), Mass., Sept. 28, 1842.

2

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 theatrical 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 theatrical career continually intruded upon his scholastic routine. At length Fechter came to Boston, and to him the aspirant for dramatic honors confided 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 studies. 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.

66 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 remember 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?

undergraduate, we find young Riddle giving readings in private houses. Among his auditors were Longfellow, the poet, and Professor Pierce, the mathematician, both of whom gave him the strongest encouragement to persevere in the dramatic career. At this period he formed the acquaintance and received the encouragement of Edwin Booth.

On leaving college in 1874, Mr. Riddle sought a manager under whom to give readings. Mr. Redpath was first applied to, but at first actually refused to listen to him. After much persuasion, Redpath consented to hear him read, premising, by way of encouragement, "I've got to take the nine o'clock train, and you'll have to hurry." Redpath listened and allowed himself to miss his train. Mr. Riddle made his debut as a reader in October, 1874, at the Meionaon, and achieved a success, receiving the warm welcome of the press of the city. At this time he began the study of Romeo, and went to New York to secure an opening there on the stage, but no manager would listen to him. Coming back to Boston, Mr. Riddle made bold to address himself to Mr. Tompkins, of the Boston Theatre. That gentleman, having a Saturday "off" night the following week, it was arranged then and there that Mr. Riddle should play Romeo to Mrs. Thomas Barry's Juliet. The audience was large, and the performance a pecuniary success. The general verdict of the critics was that Mr. Riddle's Romeo was creditable to an amateur, but his voice, still his weak point, was pronounced "too light, and lacking in body." The following month Mr. Riddle played Titus to the Brutus of Edwin Booth. At the conclusion of the play Mr. Booth took him before the curtain to share the generous applause of the audience. It was on this night that Mr. Booth said to Mr. Tompkins, "That young man will be famous." After this appearance, Mr. Riddle went to New York, where he gave readings at the Union Square Theatre of an afternoon. Opinions differed in New York as to his merits as a reader. William Winter criticised him severely; and the general verdict of New York critics, as opposed to that of Boston, was that Mr. Riddle could not read. However, the reading was scarcely over when Mr. Palmer, of the Union Square Theatre, made him an offer to join his stock company, and at the same time came a similar offer from Mr. Field, of the Boston Museum. Mr. Riddle accepted the Boston offer, and entered the Museum company as "walking gentleman," and then, in very reality, began to learn his trade.

He made his debut in the season of 1875-6 as Capt. Dudley Smooth, in "Money." The part was a failure, but, although unsuccessful at the Museum, Mr. Riddle learned a good deal. The verdict of the critics regarding his voice remained unchanged. He was in the situation of Demosthenes when that stammering young man was told he could never become

an orator.

He

Heartily discouraged, yet impelled by his love of the dramatic art to persevere, Mr. Riddle went to Montreal, where he found an opening in a newly-formed stock company. He made his first appearance on the Montreal stage as Manuel, in the "Romance of a Poor Young Man." fairly jumped into popularity in the Canadian city, and received a handsome benefit from an enthusiastic audience. At Montreal Mr. Riddle took all sorts of parts. He was by turn, walking or leading man, villain, and old man. This varied experience, playing a new part nearly every night, was of immense benefit to him. It was there that he acquired an aptitude for the speedy acquisition of parts. He was engaged at Montreal for a second season, but the people got wearied of their toy, the new stock

company, and from Montreal Mr. Riddle went to Philadelphia, and obtained an engagement to play at the Chestnut-street Theatre. The first question addressed him, on arriving, by the manager, was, "Mr. Riddle, have you any voice?" "Let us settle that now," replied Mr. Riddle; "let me go on the stage and recite something to you.' The trial was satisfactory, and he was engaged forthwith. That was a Friday, and the following Monday Mr. Riddle appeared as Clifford, in the " Hunchback." The Philadelphia press gave him a favorable verdict, and he remained at the theatre five weeks, when, being out of the bill, he came to Boston on a visit. During that visit Professor Pierce invited him to give a reading at his house in Cambridge on an afternoon. President Eliot was of the little company assembled in Professor Pierce's parlor, and took occasion to ask Mr. Riddle to accept the place of substitute to Professor Baxter, the instructor in elocution, who was then ill. Mr. Riddle declined outright, for he had, as he thought, fairly entered on his dramatic career, but President Eliot, in his quiet way, said: "I will give you two days to consider the matter," thus implying that he was not ready to take "No" for an answer. The result was that Mr. Riddle assented, and became instructor of elocution at Harvard, a position he still holds. The place has been of the greatest value to him, in that by training the voices of others he has been able to overcome his old defect of insufficient voice. Since his return to Boston, Mr. Riddle has given readings throughout New England, and has achieved great and merited success.

Mr. Riddle appeared at the Boston Theatre in 1881, playing Claude to Miss Mary Anderson's Pauline, and his performance was a great success, the audience being the largest ever seen in the theatre. He was the chief actor in the tragedy of "Edipus" in the Greek drama at Harvard University, and proved such a success that his fame was established. Mr. Riddle's acting has been criticised as more modern than Greek, some contending that, in the Greek drama, there was little passion and forceful acting; but Mr. Riddle's conception of his part has received the approval of high classical authority, the hearty praise and commendation of learned and enthusiastic classical scholars. It is not a little curious that the classical glory which has come to the venerable university, should have come by the first actor graduated therefrom.

RIDDLES OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

Richard Riddle1 (1), descended from Scottish ancestors, was born in Dublin, Ireland, about 1802; married Catherine Eustes, and had issue six children, of whom hereafter. Mr. Riddle came to Boston, Mass., many years ago, and engaged in the blacksmith and carriage-building business. He died about 1879-80, and was succeeded in the business by his two sons, of whom hereafter. Mr. Riddle had brothers in Ireland.

SECOND GENERATION.

Sarah Riddle2 (1), a daughter of Richard' (1), was married to William Conners, of Maine; resides in Boston.

John Riddle2 (1), a son of Richard1 (1), is in the blacksmith and carriage business, in company with his brother, in Boston, Mass., unmarried. Mary Riddle (1), a daughter of Richard1 (1), was the wife of Thomas Dolen; deceased.

Catherine Riddle (1), a daughter of Richard' (1), now keeping a hair store and wig manufactory in the city of Boston, where she has long been established; unmarried.

Patrick Riddle2 (1), a son of Richard1 (1), is in the carriage and blacksmith business in Boston.

Richard Riddle2 (2), youngest son of Richard1 (1), has been many years a book-keeper for dry-goods houses.

RIEDELS OF DOUGLASS, MASSACHUSETTS.
[FRENCH BRANCH.]

John-H. Riedel' (1) was one of the two brothers who sailed from France for America, presumably about 1760. Of his early life nothing is known. He served in an American cavalry regiment during the war of the Revolution, and passed the latter years of his life in Douglass, Mass. Whether he was a resident of that town at the time of his enlistment, or settled there after the expiration of his term of military service, is not recorded. He married an English lady named Clark, and had issue fourteen children,* nearly all of whom were born in Douglass. He was a Protestant in religion, and was wont to tell of the persecution his Huguenot ancestors had endured in the old country. His French Bible, sabre, camp utensils, military accoutrements, and other personal effects were in existence fifty years ago, but their present whereabouts is unknown. He died about 1800, and was buried in Douglass. The historian of the town informs me that the old family residence was known as the "Riddle House," when he was young. About 1850, and not later than 1855, a grandson, of Boston, visited Douglass for the purpose of settling the estate, and to sell the house and farm which had remained in the family, and on his return described the house as being a large, rambling affair, situated on an elevation on the "Mail Road." The estate was sold to John Floyd, — at that time connected with one of the railroads in that section, who cleared off the timber for the road. At this time there was a dispute among some members of the family as to the propriety of spelling the surname "Riedell." The grandson, John H. Riedel, of Boston, - after considerable search unearthed the old gentleman's sign and found his grave-stone : the name was spelled "Riedel" in both instances. Evidently this man was a direct descendant of some of the ancient houses of Ridel, in Normandy. This is the only branch in New England known to have spelled the name in the German form, except a few small families recently from Saxony and Bavaria.

*There are several descendants of John H. Riedel now living in New England. some in Boston, - among them John H. Riedell, formerly editor of the Union, Manchester, N. H.