264
TERRITORIAL MASONRY
Iaration of Independence being read by Colonel Riddick, who possessed a strong, clear voice. In 1818 he was one of the subscribers to a fund for the erection of a public theater,. a venture which did not prove financially successful. His advertisement appeared in the papers at the time, examples of which are: June 18, 1816: Thomas F. Riddick, Auctioneer.
November 30, 1816: Riddick and Pilcher. Auctioneers, South Main, a new frame warehouse in rear for storage.
May 30, 1820: Riddick and Honey, Auctioneers, at Riddicks old stand.
The Pilcher mel1tioned was Major Joshua Pilcher, member of Missouri No. 12, and a relative of Colonel Riddick. John W. Honey, also mentioned as a partner, was a Mason and also a relative (a step-brother of Riddick) who married in 1810, Marie Antoinette, daughter of Sylvestre Labadie. The old Riddick Mansion, built of brick, was one of the show places of St. Louis; Colonel Riddick's residence, on tIle west side of South Fourth Street, opposite Plum Street, in 18 I 8