Richard Biddle

Not to be confused with Dick Biddle.

For other uses, see Biddle (surname).

Richard Biddle (March 25, 1796 – July 6, 1847) was an American author, politician and lawyer. He served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1837 until 1840.

Richard Biddle
Portrait by Thomas Sully, circa 1828. Currently owned by the Carnegie Museum of Art.
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 22nd district
In office March 4, 1837 – July 21, 1840
Preceded by	Harmar Denny
Succeeded by	Henry Marie Brackenridge
Personal details
Born	(1796-03-25)March 25, 1796 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Died	July 6, 1847(1847-07-06) (aged 51) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Political party	Anti-Masonic
Parent(s)	Charles and Hannah Biddle
Relatives	See Biddle family

Biography

Biddle was born on March 25, 1796, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the brother of financier Nicholas Biddle, nephew of Congressman Edward Biddle and uncle of Congressman Charles John Biddle. He received a classical education, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1811,^[1] and was admitted to the bar, practicing law in Pittsburgh.

He went to England in 1827, and remained three years, publishing while there a critical Review of Captain Basil Hall's Travels in North America. He also published A Memoir of Sebastian Cabot, with a Review of the History of Maritime Discovery (London, 1831).

Biddle was twice elected to Congress, as an Anti-Mason, serving from March 4, 1837, until his resignation on July 21, 1840.^[2]

Biddle died on July 6, 1847, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.