Biographical Database of NAWSA Suffragists, 1890–1920
Biography of Agnes Ludwig Riddle, 1865-1930
By Lindsay Gypin, University of Denver Libraries
Agnes Ludwig Riddle was born in Germany around 1865; she emigrated to the United States in 1882. She married Joseph M. Riddle in Denver, Colorado on July 15, 1890. She died on May 5, 1930 at Henry M Porter Hospital in Englewood, Colorado, and is buried with her husband in Fairmount Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.
Fondly referred to as the "dairy legislator," Riddle started a career as a nurse before marrying and moving to Glendale acres to work with her husband on his dairy farm. Though she had no children of her own, Riddle adopted and raised six nieces and nephews. She rose daily at 3:00am to prepare breakfast for drivers of the Glen-Riddle milk route before preparing the family breakfast and heading off to work in the House of Representatives. Most days, she did not arrive home until after 6:00pm when she would prepare supper for her family. Some days, there would be night sessions of the Legislature and she wouldn't make it home until after midnight. She fiercely advocated in support of farmers and their families in the state of Colorado.
She was the secretary and state organizer of the Colorado Grange, a member of the advisory board of the State Agricultural College, secretary of the board of education for her school district, and superintendent of Union Sunday School. She even served as a stand in Chaplain when the regular Chaplain was absent. Initially elected as a Republican to the Colorado House of Representatives, Riddle also served in the Senate and is remembered as Colorado's first woman representative.
Sources:
"Agnes L Riddle" Find a Grave Memorial. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/92336993/agnes-l-riddle. Accessed June 16, 2019.
"First Woman Legislator of Colorado Dies." Aurora Democrat. May 9, 1930.
Ring Robinson, Helen. "Agnes Riddle Diarywoman-Legislator." Good Housekeeping Magazine, August 1912.