Charles John Biddle

Democrat Representative of Pennsylvania's 2nd district

Congresses Served

House Terms

April 30, 1819 (54 years old)

Birthday

September 28, 1873

Death

Was an American soldier, lawyer, congressman, and newspaper editor.
Born and died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Son of Nicholas Biddle, president of the Second Bank of the United States, and nephew of Congressman Richard Biddle.
Graduated from Princeton in 1837 with a law degree and was admitted to the bar in 1840.
Served as a captain and company commander in the Regiment of Voltigeurs and Foot Riflemen during the Mexican–American War, where he was brevetted to the rank of major for gallantry in the Battle of Chapultepec.
Returned to Philadelphia to practice law after the Mexican–American War.
At the outbreak of the American Civil War, was appointed a lieutenant colonel in the Pennsylvania Reserves, eventually becoming colonel of the 42nd Pennsylvania Volunteers Infantry (13th Reserves), also known as the 1st Pennsylvania Rifles.
Elected to the Thirty-seventh United States Congress in October 1861 to fill a vacancy, served until 1863.
Declined a commission as a brigadier general and resigned from the army in February 1862.
Became one of the proprietors and editor-in-chief of the Philadelphia Age newspaper, holding that position for the rest of his life.
His literary work mainly consisted of editorial contributions to the Philadelphia Age, with a notable publication on Major André that vindicated George Washington’s actions, which was recognized as a fair refutation of criticism by Lord Mahon.