Alexander P. Riddle, a widely known newspaper man and public character of Ottawa County, was born at Harlansburg, Pennsylvania, August 16, 1846. He learned his trade as a printer in the office of the Franklin (Pennsylvania) Spectator, and in 1869 came to Kansas as a “jour.” He first located at Olathe; then moved to Girard, where he set type and became half owner of the Press. In 1885 he sold his interest and settled at Minneapolis, which has since been his home. There he purchased the Minneapolis Messenger, which he still publishos and edits, as well as the Kansas Workman and Sprig of Myrtle. Mr. Riddle has been prominent in state matters, his public services commencing in 1877, when he was chosen journal clerk of the State Senate and served thus for two years. In 1881-3 he represented Bourbon and Crawford counties in the upper house of the Legislature, and in 1884 was elocted lioutenant governor on the tieket headed by John A. Martin. He was re-elected in 1886 and in 1896 was appointed suporintendent of insurance. Mr. Riddle has also been prominent in the affairs of the Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows, having served as grand master of the latter.
