Chapman Biddle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chapman Biddle
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| Born | January 22, 1822 Pennsylvania |
| Died | December 29, 1880 (aged 68) Philadelphia |
| Buried |
Church of St. James the Less, Philadelphia
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1863 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | Infantry |
| Commands held | 1st Brigade, 3rd Division 121st Pennsylvania Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Counsel |
Chapman Biddle (born January 22, 1822 – died December 29, 1880) was from a well-known family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He led a group of soldiers called a brigade at the famous Battle of Gettysburg.
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Early Life of Chapman Biddle
Chapman Biddle was born in Pennsylvania in 1822. He grew up and went to school in Philadelphia. Before the war started, he studied law. He became a lawyer and had his own law office.
Chapman Biddle in the Civil War
Chapman Biddle became a colonel in the 121st Pennsylvania Regiment. This group of soldiers was formed in Philadelphia. They officially joined the army on September 1, 1862. In October, they became part of the Army of the Potomac.
Early Battles and Service
The 121st Pennsylvania Regiment was kept in reserve during the Battle of Antietam. This means they were held back and did not fight. However, they did fight in the Battle of Fredericksburg. They fought alongside another group called the Pennsylvania Reserves. In this battle, 149 soldiers from Biddle's regiment were injured or killed. They were attacking the right side of the Confederate forces. Biddle also took part in the Battle of Chancellorsville. His unit was part of the Third Division of the I Corps.
Leading a Brigade at Gettysburg
Before the Battle of Gettysburg began on July 1, 1863, Colonel Biddle took command of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division. This happened because other officers were promoted. Major General John F. Reynolds was put in charge of the army's left side. This led to Brigadier General Thomas A. Rowley taking command of the division. Major General Abner Doubleday then led the corps.
Colonel Biddle led his four regiments on the first day of fighting. They fought on McPherson's Ridge. His soldiers faced heavy cannon fire. When Confederate soldiers tried to get around his brigade, Biddle led a counterattack. This attack was not successful. Later, he was hit in the head by a bullet. This happened when another Confederate brigade attacked their new position on Seminary Ridge. Biddle had his head bandaged. Then, he bravely returned to lead his troops.
After the First Day at Gettysburg
On July 2, Colonel Biddle returned to his own regiment. General Rowley went back to leading the brigade. Biddle and his regiment helped stop Pickett's Charge. This was a very famous attack by the Confederates. By the end of the Battle of Gettysburg, only 84 of 263 soldiers in his regiment were still able to fight.
End of Service
Biddle continued to lead the 121st Pennsylvania through the summer and fall of 1863. This included fighting in the Bristoe Campaign and the Mine Run Campaign. He was discharged from the army on December 10, 1863. The head wound he got at Gettysburg eventually caused him to leave active service. His old regiment stayed in the army until the war ended in 1865.
Life After the War
After leaving the army, Chapman Biddle worked as a lawyer for the city of Philadelphia. He helped create Fairmount Park, a large park in the city. He also wrote a book about the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg. He published it a few months before he died.
Chapman Biddle passed away on December 29, 1880. He was buried in the churchyard of Church of St. James the Less in Philadelphia.
Today, there is a special stone marker for Biddle’s brigade. It stands on Reynolds Avenue in the Gettysburg National Military Park. It is located on McPherson's Ridge, where his soldiers fought.
