Charles Biddle

Charles Biddle (1745–1821) was a Pennsylvania statesman and a member of the prominent Biddle family of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Early life and career

Biddle was born in 1745 to William Biddle, 3rd (1698–1756) and Mary Scull (1709–1789). His siblings included:

• Lydia Biddle (1734–1767), married William Macfunn (died 1768)
• John "Jacky" Biddle (1736–?) married Sophia Boone
• Edward Biddle (1738–1779), lawyer, soldier, delegate to the Continental Congress, married Elizabeth Ross, sister of George Ross
• Charles Biddle (1745–1821)
• Nicholas Biddle (1750–1778), Revolutionary War Navy captain

Career

Biddle served as Vice-President of Pennsylvania from October 10, 1785 until October 31, 1787. During his term, he was an ex officio trustee of the University of the State of Pennsylvania (now the University of Pennsylvania). He was a member of the Pennsylvania Senate from 1810 to 1814. He also was an associate of Aaron Burr.

Although Biddle vacated his seat at Council on October 13, 1787 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania records that his Vice-Presidential term extended to October 31, the date of the next Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections. Biddle was elected Secretary of the Council on October 23.

Personal life

He was married to Hannah Shephard and had 10 children, including:

• James Biddle (1783–1848), Navy commodore
• Nicholas Biddle (1786–1844), president of the Second Bank of the United States, married Jane Craig
• Thomas Biddle (1790–1831), War of 1812 hero who died after a duel with a Missouri Congressman over a perceived insult to his brother Nicholas
• John Biddle (1792–1859), Michigan politician, married Eliza Falconer Bradish
• Richard Biddle (1796–1847), U.S. Representative

• "Charles Biddle biography". Find A Grave website. 28 April 2004. Retrieved 18 July 2012.