BIDDLE, Thomas, soldier, born in Philadelphia, 21 November 1790; died in St. Louis, Mo., 29 August 1831. He was appointed captain of artillery 6 July 1812, and distinguished himself at Fort George and Stony Creek. At the reduction of Fort Erie he commanded the artillery, and was subsequently severely wounded in the defense of that place. At the battle of Lundy's Lane, 25 July 1814, he commanded a light battery, and was wounded again. The only British field-piece retained by the Americans on that occasion was brought away as a trophy by Captain Biddle. On 15 August 1814, he was brevetted major, and in December became aide to General Izard. In 1820 he was paymaster. He met his death at the hands of Spencer Pettis in a duel. In consequence of Major Biddle's defect-ire eyesight, the distance was made five feet, and both men were mortally wounded at the first fire.