The founder of Sweden's House of Bernadotte was Jean Bernadotte who was born in Pau, France in 1763. Bernadotte joined the army in 1780 as a private. During the French Revolution Bernadotte's qualities as a soldier brought him rapid promotion, by 1794 he was promoted to brigadier general. After the Battle of Fleurus in June 1794, he was promoted to divisional general.

His service in the army brought him into contact with Napoleon Bonaparte. His relationship with Napoleon was turbulent, even though he was elevated to Marshal of the Empire in 1804 by Napoleon, who eventually made him Prince of Pontecorvo in 1806.

In August 1810, when he was about to assume the post as governor of Rome, Bernadotte was unexpectedly elected as heir-presumptive of the ailing King Charles XIII of Sweden. The combination of several factors led to Bernadotte's election. The Swedish army had a hand in Bernadotte's nomination, because in part of his popularity and the kindness he had shown to Swedish prisoners. Along with being crown prince, he became commander of Sweden's armed forces. Sweden joined the Sixth Coalition against Napoleon and fought at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813.

Bernadotte became king in 1818 and would rule until his death in 1844. His name as king was Charles XIV John. His son Oscar I succeeded him as king.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org