Boone County, Kentucky, Encyclopedia
Nathaniel Edson Riddell (1872 - 1938)county judge (1919 - 1942), b. Burlington on July 17, 1872 d. Nov. 20, 1938 bur. Highland Cemetery m. Katie L. Huey, 1900 Riddell was born in Burlington on July 17, 1872, the son of Fountain and Louisa Riddell. Nathaniel Riddell grew up in Burlington and attended Morgan Academy in Burlington. He followed in his father's footsteps and attended Cincinnati Law School, earning a law degree in 1895. Riddell was quoted as saying, "I'm going back and be a country jake and practice there. I never did like city life." He began his law practice in the office of Boone County Judge John M. Lassing. In 1900, Nathaniel Riddell married Katie L. Huey, daughter of W. S. Huey. Riddell worked with Lassing for several years. A newspaper account on Feb. 5, 1896, announced the partnership of Lassing and Riddell. In fall 1905 Riddell announced plans to seek political office. Upon the death of his father, Fountain Riddell, Nathaniel was elected president of Boone County Deposit Bank. Later it merged with Peoples Deposit Bank, Riddell became president of the merged banks on June 1, 1930. He was a candidate for county attorney in 1908. Riddell was president of the Boone County Consolidated Telephone Co., vice president of Boone County Deposit Bank and a members of the Masons and Knights of Pythias. Consolidated Telephone, Riddell was a partner with Judge Lassing and former congressman Arthur Rouse. Riddell won re-election in 1908 and served as county attorney until March 1919, when Boone County Judge Perry E. Cason died suddenly. Kentucky Post 15 March 1919: Riddell selected by Gov. A. O. Stanley to complete Judge Cason's unexpired term as county judge. Riddell also branched out into the newspaper business when he bought and operated the Boone County Recorder for several years. Riddell secretary of the Burlington Masons a position he held for forty years. Riddell was still serving as county judge when he died 20 Nov 1938. He was still in office at his death. Kentucky Post 1 Sep 1942: Riddell a political power and one of the most colorful and beloved figures in Boone County.References: