Born in Philadelphia. He entered the University of Pennsylvania at the age of 10. Graduated as valedictorian from College of New Jersey, now Princeton, in 1801. He was secretary to the minister to France in 1804 and secretary to the legation in London in 1806. Admitted to the bar in Philadelphia in 1809. Married Jane Craig October 4, 1811.

Elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and served 1810 to 1811. Served in Pennsylvania Senate 1814 to 1818.

Appointed by President Monroe as director of the Second Bank of the United States in 1819. He served as president of the Second Bank of the United States from 1823 to 1836. The bank represented a conservative influence but was unpopular with more speculative interests. Biddle was drawn into the political fights that occurred regarding the bank and its charter. When the bank lost its charter it became the United States Bank of Philadelphia. Biddle was president of that bank 1836 to 1839.

Author of History of the Expedition of Captains Lewis and Clark in 1814. He died in Philadelphia.

bio: ApCAB; DAB; Drake; NCAB 6; TCBDA; WAB; WWWA-H