James Biddle (1783-1848) - Find a Grave Memorial

United States Naval Officer. A Member of the famous Biddle Family of Philadelphia and an early American Naval Officer, he became a Midshipman in 1800, and saw action in Tripolitan War and 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 Congressional Gold Medal for that action. In almost continous naval serice throughout his life, he was known as a great statesman and negotiator. In 1817 took possession of Oregon Territory for the United States, and in 1826 he negotiated a Treaty with Turkey. With other fellow officers he was a fundamental supporter of the creation of a Naval Academy. In 1845 negotiated a Treaty with China, and later landed in Japan.

Bio by: Woodhill