Charles John Biddle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles John Biddle
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 2nd district |
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| In office July 2, 1861 – March 3, 1863 |
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| Preceded by | Edward J. Morris |
| Succeeded by | Charles O'Neill |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 30, 1819 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | September 28, 1873 (aged 54) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
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| Relatives | See Biddle family |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States Union |
| Branch/service |  Union Army |
| Years of service | 1847–1848 1861–1862 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | Regiment of Voltigeurs and Foot Riflemen |
| Commands | 13th Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
Charles John Biddle (born April 30, 1819 – died September 28, 1873) was an important American figure. He was a brave soldier, a skilled lawyer, a congressman (a member of the U.S. government), and a newspaper editor. He lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for his entire life.
Contents
About Charles John Biddle
Early Life and Education
Charles Biddle was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His father was Nicholas Biddle, who was the president of the Second Bank of the United States. Charles also had an uncle, Richard Biddle, who was a congressman.
Charles Biddle went to Princeton University. He graduated in 1837. While at Princeton, he studied law. After finishing his studies, he became a lawyer in 1840.
Military Service
Charles Biddle was a soldier in two major wars.
Mexican-American War
Biddle served as a captain in the Mexican–American War. He led a company of soldiers in the Regiment of Voltigeurs and Foot Riflemen. He showed great bravery during the Battle of Chapultepec. Because of his courage, he was given the honorary rank of major. After the war ended, he went back to Philadelphia to work as a lawyer.
American Civil War
In May 1861, the American Civil War began. President Abraham Lincoln asked people to join the army. Charles Biddle joined the Union Army. He was first made a lieutenant colonel in the Pennsylvania Reserves. Soon after, in May, he became a colonel. He was put in charge of the 42nd Pennsylvania Volunteers Infantry, also known as the 1st Pennsylvania Rifles.
Political Career
In October 1861, while still serving in the army, Charles Biddle was elected to the Thirty-seventh United States Congress. He filled a spot that became open when Edward J. Morris resigned.
Biddle was offered a promotion to brigadier general. However, he chose to turn down this offer. He then resigned from the army in February 1862 to focus on his work in Congress. He served in Congress until March 1863.
Newspaper Work
After his time in Congress and the war, Charles Biddle became involved in the newspaper business. He became one of the owners and the main editor of a newspaper called the Philadelphia Age. He kept this important job for the rest of his life.
Most of his writing was for the newspaper's editorial section. He also wrote one special essay called The Case of Major André. In this essay, he defended George Washington's actions during the American Revolutionary War. A famous historian, Lord Mahon, had criticized Washington for executing a British spy named John André. Biddle's essay argued that Washington's decision was fair and necessary. Many people, including the London Critic newspaper, thought Biddle's essay successfully proved his point.
Images for kids
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Charles John Biddle
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Rank insignia for a Colonel in the Union Army
