Cadwalader family

The progenitor of the family, John Cadwalader, was a Quaker who emigrated from Wales in part to escape religious persecution.

After inheriting money from his father and uncle, he set himself up as a merchant in Philadelphia and became active in local politics, serving on the Common Council.

[1] John's only son, Dr. Thomas Cadwalader (1707–1779), was born in Philadelphia but returned to Europe to study medicine.

[1] Among Thomas' children were General John Cadwalader (1742–1786), a commander of Pennsylvania troops in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War who served under George Washington and was with him at Valley Forge, and Lambert Cadwalader (1742–1823), a merchant and leader in New Jersey and Pennsylvania who also fought in the Revolitionary War, then represented New Jersey in the Continental Congress and the U.S.

[5] The Cadwalader family are considered important patrons and supporters of the early artistic and cultural development of the American colonies as well as the new republic.