A Civil War veteran, he reportedly enlisted at the stated age of twenty-four in Chambersburg October 16, 1862, as a substitute for his first cousin Michael Kyner, that per the November 26, 1862, issue of the Valley Spirit. While the company register does not report him enlisting as a substitute, that was not unusual in Pennsylvania's 1862 state drafted regiments. He mustered into federal service at Chambersburg November 4 as a private with Co. A, 165th Pennsylvania Infantry (aka "Drafted Militia"), and honorably discharged with his company July 28, 1863, at Gettysburg.
Biddle's whereabouts prior to his military service are a question mark. Although he appears to have been living with his family in Germany Township, Adams County, that John Biddle is listed as twenty-one years of age. Co. A of the 165th Pennsylvania was comprised of Franklin County men, but If Biddle did enlist as a substitute, he could have been from anywhere.
He married Catherine B. Sinner on March 24, 1867, and fathered the children you see linked below. In 1870, he was living in Reading Township, Adams County, in 1880, in Hampton Township, and, in 1890, in Hanover, York County. By 1900, he was living in Conewago Township, Adams County, where he remained until his death.
The spelling of his surname varies. He is in the 1860 Adams County census and on his organizational pension index as "Bittle," and is in the 1870, 1880, and 1900 censuses as well as the company register as "Biddle." Keep in mind that a Pennsylvania Dutchman would pronounce both spellings the same way, i.e., "Bittle." He should not be confused with a John Beidel (often spelled "Biddle" or "Bittle") who also served in the same company and regiment.
The birth date seen above is but one of several reported. His death certificate claims a birthdate of August 26, 1837, while November 26, 1837, and August 26, 1838, are also found in various online family trees. Which, if any, may be correct is anyone's guess.
A Civil War veteran, he reportedly enlisted at the stated age of twenty-four in Chambersburg October 16, 1862, as a substitute for his first cousin Michael Kyner, that per the November 26, 1862, issue of the Valley Spirit. While the company register does not report him enlisting as a substitute, that was not unusual in Pennsylvania's 1862 state drafted regiments. He mustered into federal service at Chambersburg November 4 as a private with Co. A, 165th Pennsylvania Infantry (aka "Drafted Militia"), and honorably discharged with his company July 28, 1863, at Gettysburg.
Biddle's whereabouts prior to his military service are a question mark. Although he appears to have been living with his family in Germany Township, Adams County, that John Biddle is listed as twenty-one years of age. Co. A of the 165th Pennsylvania was comprised of Franklin County men, but If Biddle did enlist as a substitute, he could have been from anywhere.
He married Catherine B. Sinner on March 24, 1867, and fathered the children you see linked below. In 1870, he was living in Reading Township, Adams County, in 1880, in Hampton Township, and, in 1890, in Hanover, York County. By 1900, he was living in Conewago Township, Adams County, where he remained until his death.
The spelling of his surname varies. He is in the 1860 Adams County census and on his organizational pension index as "Bittle," and is in the 1870, 1880, and 1900 censuses as well as the company register as "Biddle." Keep in mind that a Pennsylvania Dutchman would pronounce both spellings the same way, i.e., "Bittle." He should not be confused with a John Beidel (often spelled "Biddle" or "Bittle") who also served in the same company and regiment.
The birth date seen above is but one of several reported. His death certificate claims a birthdate of August 26, 1837, while November 26, 1837, and August 26, 1838, are also found in various online family trees. Which, if any, may be correct is anyone's guess.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement