William Beidelman

William Beidelman (1840-1903) was an American politician from the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. He served in the Union Army during the American Civil War and saw combat at the Battle of Gettysburg, which was the war's turning point in the Union's favor but also its bloodiest battle.

After the end of the Civil War, Beidelman served in various Northampton County offices prior to his election as a Democrat to the Pennsylvania State Senate. He also served as the second mayor of Easton, Pennsylvania.

Early life and education Beidelman was born in Lower Saucon Township on January 17, 1840, to Daniel Beidelman and Anna Née Margaret and had a brother, Robert C. Beidelman.

Northampton County After leaving the Union Army, Beidelman served in various positions in the Northampton county government as a Democrat. Including from 1865 to 1867 when he was the county's deputy sheriff. In gathering research for the book he personally made several trips to Germany.

He also wrote a column for The Express-Times, "Antiquary", where he predominantly covered items related to the history of Northampton County.

Death Beidelman died in 1903 after a four-day battle with illness. Flags across Easton, Pennsylvania were lowered to half mast in his honor, even though Beidelman insisted that no special formal action be taken after his death.

Beidelman's tombstone inscription reads simply: "HE FOUGHT FOR HIS COUNTRY AT GETTYSBURG"

Personal life Beidelman married Mary née Slator shortly after leaving the U.S. Army and remained married to her until his death. The couple had no issue. Beidelman was a member of the Jacksonian Democratic Association, a Freemason, achieving the rank of Knights Templar and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.