The Biddle Family was a prosperous Quaker family who emigrated from Britain to avoid religious persecution. As many Quakers did, they lived in the Quaker mecca, Pennsylvania. James Biddle was born 1783, attended the prestigious institution, University of Pennsylvania, and upon graduation joined the United States Navy.
On this day August 19th, 1818, the Oregon Territory is taken into possession and incorporated by James Biddle. Biddle was a Lieutenant during the War of 1812 for a ship, and in 1817 he was sent to take over Oregon Country for the U.S. which he did and accomplished through the Treaty of 1818.
This was however disputed until August 14, 1848 when it was officially incorporated into the U.S. with the full agreement of the British. The Oregon Territory includes: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana.