Alexander Biddle facts for kids

Alexander Williams Biddle (born April 29, 1819, died May 2, 1899) was an important American businessman from Pennsylvania. He came from the well-known and rich Biddle family. His grandfather, Clement Biddle, was a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. Alexander Biddle was an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He fought in several major battles during that war.

Alexander Biddle's Early Life and School

Alexander Biddle was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 29, 1819. His parents were Thomas A. and Christine Williams Biddle. He went to school in Philadelphia, studying with Sears C. Walker. In 1834, he started at the University of Pennsylvania and finished his studies in 1838. After college, he worked for a shipping company called Bevan and Humphreys until 1842. Later, in 1848, he joined his father's business, Thomas Biddle & Co. He worked there until the Civil War began.

Alexander Biddle in the Civil War

Before the Civil War, in 1849, Alexander Biddle joined the first troop of the Philadelphia City Cavalry. He served with them until 1858. When the Civil War started, he joined the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on September 1, 1862. He served under his cousin, Chapman Biddle. Alexander Biddle started as a Major and then became a Lieutenant Colonel. He later became a Colonel. He fought in several major battles during the war. These included the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Battle of Chancellorsville, and the famous Battle of Gettysburg. At Gettysburg, he served under General Abner Doubleday. He also fought in the Battle of Bristoe Station. His name is carved on the monument for the 121st Pennsylvania regiment. This monument is located at the Gettysburg National Military Park.

Alexander Biddle's Business Career

After the Civil War ended, Alexander Biddle left his father's company. In 1874, he became a director for the Pennsylvania Railroad. This was a very important railroad company. He also served as a director for several other companies. These included the Philadelphia Savings Fund Company and the Pennsylvania Company for Insurance. He was also a director for the Lehigh Navigation Company and the Contributionship Insurance Company. Alexander Biddle was also the president of the Board of City Trusts. He was a member of the board of managers for the Pennsylvania Hospital. He helped manage the money for James Rush (1786–1869) after he passed away. He was important in building the Ridgway Library, which is part of the Library Company of Philadelphia.

Alexander Biddle's Personal Life

In 1855, Alexander Biddle married Julia Williams Rush. She was the granddaughter of Benjamin Rush, a famous American doctor. Alexander and Julia had seven children together. He was a member of several important groups. These included the American Philosophical Society, the Franklin Institute, and the Academy of Natural Sciences. He was also part of the Pennsylvania Society Sons of the Revolution. Alexander Biddle passed away on May 2, 1899, in Philadelphia. He was buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery.