Emilie Drexel Biddle
Title
Emilie Drexel Biddle
Subject
Biddle, Emilie Drexel, 1851-1883
Biographical Text
Emilie Taylor Drexel, Anthony J. Drexel's oldest child, married Edward Biddle, III, in 1872. She was a spirited young woman—a gifted pianist with a reputation as a tomboy in her younger years. Edward's relationships with his wife Emilie and his father-in-law Anthony were fraught. He was a controlling husband and a reluctant, and at times belligerent, banker.
One day during a gathering with friends, Emilie attempted to show off her strength by lifting the corner of a grand piano off the ground. This was said to have damaged her heart and she died days later.
The couple had three surviving children, Anthony Joseph Drexel Biddle, Sr., Livingston Ludlow Biddle, Sr., and Edward Craig Biddle.
One day during a gathering with friends, Emilie attempted to show off her strength by lifting the corner of a grand piano off the ground. This was said to have damaged her heart and she died days later.
The couple had three surviving children, Anthony Joseph Drexel Biddle, Sr., Livingston Ludlow Biddle, Sr., and Edward Craig Biddle.
Birth Date
September 15, 1851
Death Date
January 21, 1883
Birthplace
Philadelphia, Pa.
Source
Detail of Portrait of Mrs. E. Biddle
Undated
F. Gutekunst (Philadelphia, Pa.)
MC.00.071 John R. Drexel III and Alice Troth Drexel papers, Drexel University Archives, Drexel University
20150520028-a
Undated
F. Gutekunst (Philadelphia, Pa.)
MC.00.071 John R. Drexel III and Alice Troth Drexel papers, Drexel University Archives, Drexel University
20150520028-a
Rights
Public domain, digitized by Drexel University Archives. Please credit the “Drexel University Archives, Drexel University” in the case of image use and reproduction. Please contact the Drexel University Archives with questions.
Collection
Citation
“Emilie Drexel Biddle,” Drexel Exhibits, accessed April 20, 2024, https://drexelexhibits.omeka.net/items/show/229.
Item Relations
This Item | is primary topic of | Item: Drexel-Biddle family tree |
Item: Photograph of Emilie Drexel Biddle | depicts | This Item |