James Biddle
Commodore, U.S. Navy

James Biddle was born on 18 February 1783 in Philadelphia, PA, a Member of the famous Biddle family of Philadelphia.

He became a Midshipman in 1800, and saw action in the Tripolitan War and the War of 1812. During the War of 1812, he was Captain of USS Hornet and was in command of that ship when he captured the British Brig HMS Penguin. He received a Congressional Gold Medal for that action.

In almost continuous naval service throughout his life, he was known as a great statesman and negotiator. In 1817, he took possession of Oregon Territory for the U.S. and he negotiated a Treaty with Turkey in 1826. With other fellow officers, he was a fundamental supporter of the creation of a Naval Academy.

In 1845, he negotiated a Treaty with China, and later landed in Japan.

Death and Burial

Commodore James Biddle died on 1 October 1848 in Philadelphia, PA. He is buried at the Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia.