Bedford, Gunning

Metadata

Title

Bedford, Gunning

Description

Gunning Bedford was an important master builder who remained active in the building trades throughout his life, although few buildings can firmly be attributed to him. The son of Gunning and Mary Bedford of New Castle (DE), he appears in Philadelphia by 1746 and as early as 1749 is associated with Robert Smith at the Second Presbyterian Church, Third and Arch streets. Following service as a lieutenant in the French and Indian War, he was engaged as a surveyor for the Philadelphia Contributionship, a position usually held by members of The Carpenters' Company of the City and County of Philadelphia. And, in fact, Bedford was a prominent member of The Company; his election predates the earliest surviving records of the 1760s, and he served on committees or as an officer prior to the Revolution as a President from 1791 to 1794. Like most of the members of The Carpenters' Company, Bedford supported the Revolution and the Federal Constitution. According to Jacob Hiltzheimer's diary, Bedford built the ill-fated triumphal arch erected on Market Street in 1784. Decorated with paintings by Charles Willson Peale, the 40-foot-high structure was to mark the conclusion of peace. Unfortunately the freshly executed painting caught fire, and the entire structure and a supply of fireworks were spectacularly destroyed. Bedford's triumphal arch erected for the July 4, 1788, celebration of the ratification of the Federal Constitution survived to its purpose. Bedford joined in the Grand Federal Procession to carry at the head of four hundred fifty "architects and house-carpenters" a placard painted to display "designs in architecture." The following year, Bedford was elected an Alderman for Philadelphia.

Biography from Philadelphia Architects and Buildings, a project of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. Written by Roger W. Moss.

Member Number

34*

Last Name

Bedford

First Name

Gunning

Birth Date

1/1/1720

Deceased Date

4/1/1802

Children

Gunning, Peter, Ann, Mary Ann, Martha, Elizabeth Ann

Father

Gunning Bedford

Mother

Mary

Descendant

John G. Bedford, Jr., P.E.

See Bedford file for others

Office Held

President, 1791-94

Vice President, 1766,87

Warden, 1763

Committee Membership

Book Prices Committee, 1763-90

Business Address

Lombard bet. 3rd & 4th (1785, 1790) Prime

Project

several 18th century bldgs no longer standing

see comments

Reference

*Subscribed 12 shares to erection of Hall.

*Tatman & Moss Bio Dictionary Phila. Architects page 54-55. Was an important master builder who remained active in the building trades throughout his life, although few buildings can be attributed to him. The son of Gunning and Mary Bedford of New Castle, DE, he appears in Philadelphia by 1746 and as early as 1749 is associated with Robert Smith (q.v.) at the Second Presbyterian Church, 3rd & Arch Sts. Following service as a lieutenant in the French and Indian War, he is engaged as a surveyor for The Carpenters' Company. And, in fact, Bedford was a prominent member of The Company; his election predated the earliest surviving records of the 1760s, and he served on committees or an an officer prior to the Revolution and a President from 1791 to 1794. Like most members of The Carpenters' Company, Bedford supported the Revolution and the Federal Constitution. According to Jacob Hiltzheimer's diary, Bedford built the ill-fated triumphal arch erected on Market St. in 1784. Decorated with paintings by Charles Willson Peale, the 40-foot-high structure was to mark the conclusion of peace. Unfortunately the freshly executed painting caught fire and the entire structure and a supply of fireworks were spectacularly destroyed. Bedford's triumphal arch erected for the July 4, 1788, celebration of the ratification of the Federal Constitution survived to its purpose. Bedford joined in the Grand Federal Procession to carry at the head of four hundred fifty "architects and house-carpenters" a placard painted to display "designs in architecture." The following year, Bedford was elected an Alderman for Philadelphia. A portrait of him by Charles Willson Peale survives in the possession of Mrs. Hugh C. Montgomery, a descendant. (Painting located on 1st floor of Carpenters' Hall). Analysis of painting by John C. Milley, formerly of INHP, in Bedford file, 2nd floor. See Selected Bibliography in Tatman & Moss Bio Dictionary Phila. Architects. Papers at American Philosophical Society, and article reference.

*Bedford was a "signer" of Continental paper currency.

*See C.E. Peterson's book, "Robert Smith", page 18, col 2, last para: Smith and John Thornhill measured and valued Thomas Nevell's work at Mt. Pleasant. Thomas Nevell, in turn, had measured Gunning Bedford's Port Royal, among those with whom Smith was most deeply intertwined was Samuel Rhoads. Like Smith, Rhoads sometimes acted as a designer and a contractor although he became wealthy as a developer. Rhoads, along with Joseph Fox, was a manager and designer for the Pennsylvania Hospital, a project for which Smith was a consultant. Rhoads served in the same capacity for the Almshouse. He handled the finances when Smith built Benjamin Franklins house, where another Company member, Robert Allison, executed the interior woodwork. Rhoads and Smith served together on a committee of the APS, overseeing a platform to observe the Transit of Venus in 1769.

*INHP Library - Gunning Bedford and David Evans named to committee to prepare a plan and estimate of expense of erecting a city hall (5th & Chestnut Sts.)

*Will proved April 2, 1802. Book page Y:670. A witness in July 19, 1768, to a codicil to the will of James Davis, a member.

*Ancestry.com: January 10, 1772, James Black, Jr., taken as apprentice for period of six years, two months. "Apprentice, taught the house carpenter trade, found meat, drink, washing, lodging and shoes."

*PA Gazette 5/29/1755 - #5755 Samuel Caruthers listed among contributors to establish Pennsylvania Hospital; also lists Gunning Bedford.
PA Gazette PA Gazette 9/4/1760 - #12748 "A likely Negro man (slave), about 24 years old, has had small pox and measles, and is fit for town or country business. Inquire of Gunning Bedford, living in Lombard St, near the New Church on Society Hill."
PA Gazette 4/23/1761 - #13946 Advertises for sale or let a mill, stable and buildings "a little below the New Market." Mill is worked by horses. Same address as item above.
PA Gazette 8/20/1761 - #14611 A member of a group of city ministers and church officers asking the governor and Assembly to help set a stronger moral tone for the colony. Bedford signed with the Presbyterians.
PA Gazette 4/15/1762 - #15890 On Board of Directors of the Contributionship Insurance. PA Gazette 4/14/1763 - #18071 Gunning Bedford and William Dillworth on Board of Directors of Contributionship Insurance.
PA Gazette 7/7/1763 - #18609 Advertises to rent a stable near corner of 2nd and Plum Sts. in Southwark. PA Gazette 8/25/1763 - #18908 Selling house and lot on south side of Lombard, between 3rd and 4th St., near St. Peter's Church.
PA Gazette 1/26/1764 - #20014 "Selling likely Negro (slave) wench; has had smallpox and measles, about 19 years old. Also Negro man about 40 years old; had been generally used to a lumber yard and house work." Inquire of Gunning Bedford, house carpenter, in Society Hill."
PA Gazette 4/11/1765 - #23028 Re-elected to Board of Directors of Philadelphia Contributionship. PA Gazette, April 16, 1767 - item #2882 Gunning Bedford and Joseph Fox among those chosen as directors of the Philadelphia Contributionship Insurance Co.
PA Gazette 6/5/1774 - #19019 William Lownes elected an assessor in Philadelphia together with Gunning Bedford.
PA Gazette 5/11/1785 - #1977 Joseph Rakestraw and Gunning Bedford elected among others as Managers of Contributors to the Corporation for Relief and Employment of the Poor in Philadelphia - i.e. as overseers of the almshouse.
PA Gazette 5/101786 - #3215 Gunning Bedford, Joseph Rakestraw and Silas Engles among others elected to Committee, above.
PA Gazette 3/14/1788 - #4118 Gunning Bedford, Joseph Rakestraw and Silas Engles among others submitting report on operation, funding and need for support of almshouse.
PA Gazette 7/9/1788 #5393 Lengthy, detailed description of Grand Federal Procession, celebrating ratification of U.S. Constitution. Includes description (item 24 in report) of "The New Roof, or Grand Federal Edifice" . . . "built in 4 days by Mr. W. Williams & Co." . . . "was followed by 450 architects and house carpenters carrying insignia of their trade.". . . "Preceded by Benjamin Loxley, Gunning Bedford, Thomas Nevill, Levi Budd, Joseph Ogilby, William Roberts." PA Gazette 4/15/1789 - #6125 Bedford elected to 7-year term as city Alderman.

*"The Building of Christ Church," page 67, has informative notation on Bedford's life drawn from various sources. (in file of John Harrison.)

*HSR on City Tavern On pg. 32, lists Gunning Bedford having made fire insurance survey, dated 11/2/1773 for Philadelphia Contributionship.

*HSR on Old City Hall On pg. 5, Bedford listed as being named to committee to "prepare plan and estimate expense for erecting a City Hall."

*In member file: There is a good deal of correspondence having to do with the aquisition and conservation of the Bedford Portrait. Likewise, enclosed is an agreement between the Carpenter's Company and Chester C. Montgomery. Initially, the Company was allowed to display the painting for three years.

*Minutes - Quarterly Meeting - July 1999 Peterson reports on history of the Gunning Bedford portrait and how only a copy of it in the Hall. Also, an account of the construction and removal of Port Royal, a mansion in Frankford similar in style and size to Mt. Pleasant. Fort Royal later demolished and partly reconstruction at Winterthur Museum.

*Trans. APS, Vol. 43, Part I (1953) Article by Charles E. Peterson December 22, 1773 completed survey of Carpenters' Hall for Philadelphia Contributionship for the Assurance of Houses against Loss by Fire

*Trans. APS, Vol. 43, Part I (1953), page 98 1763 - among five members to select site for Hall. By 1770 the Company was ready to build their new Hall. On January 20, title in the lot was transferred from Gunning Bedford et al (17) and at a meeting on the thirtieth it was voted to proceed.(18) Twenty-two members subscribed nearly two hundred pounds (19) and a few days later -- February 5 -- construction was begun.(20) The original list of subscribers was: James Pearson, John Goodwin, Robert Smith, Joseph Rush, James Davis, John Hitchcock, John Keen, Silas Engles, Levi Budd, Gunning Bedford, Mathew McGlathery, William Lownes, James Graisbury, James Potter, Isaac Coats, George Wood, William Robinson, Joseph Govett, Samuel Powell, Abraham Carlile, Ezekiel Worrell, Joseph Fox.

*Hannah Roach paper, page 16aa His work with Charles Willson Peale in constructing triumphal arch in front of Washington's house (1783) in celebration of Treaty of Paris, concluding the Revolution. Also, information on presentation to Bedford of engraved silver tankard by Penn family, on their departure in 1788. Mention of John, Jr., leaving "Solitude," now on property of Philadelphia Zoo; and the elder John leasing his place, "Lansdowne," to William Bingham.

*Via Hannah Roach: Tax list 1756, Dock Ward, Gunning Bedford, carpenter, 36 pounds.

*In his folder (R) copy of page from Norris family papers 1709-1740 5/15/2012 Mary Ann Bradburn Stockstill gramamas@gmail.com 703 960-8358 6201 The Parkway Alexandria VA 22310 We only have what we have gotten from the internet. Hope you have something to add. We are members of the DAR and have been approved as descendants of Gunning Bedford, Architect. Do you have a picture of Gunning that we can receive a copy? We are coming to Philadelphia in early July and are planning to visit Carpenters' Hall response 5/18:Ms. Mary Anne Stockstill Thanks for your interest in one of the members of The Carpenters Company — Gunning Bedford. Listed below is the information from our member database that will be of interest to you. If you wish I will meet you at The Hall when you visit in July and give you a tour of the building. I would appreciate knowing the date of your trip in advance when you know it. Attached is a copy of the portrait of Mr. Bedford that hangs on the south wall in The Hall. Enjoy your search of the Eighteenth Century. Good Afternoon, > Thank you so much for your willingness to meet with us and for the picture you > sent. We will be in the Philadelphia area on July 3 and would love to came > and visit Carpenter's Hall after lunch that day. We hope that this time will > work for you. We are very excited to see and learn about the building in > which one of our ancestor played an important role. We can be reached the > following ways: Telephone 703-960-8358 (H) 703-795-6819 (C) BBK I am delighted to hear that you will be visiting historic Philadelphia on July 3rd. I will meet you at Carpenters' Hall for an afternoon tour of this sight so well known to your ancestors. I suggest we meet at 1:30pm in the Hall. If you prefer another time let me know. How many will be in the group? My home phone is 215-545-4641 if you need to speak with me. We will meet you at 1:30 on July 3rd at Carpenter's Hall. There will be a minimum of 5 or a maximum of 11 people. My nieces and their husbands may be there to join us. I will have a definite answer closer to the 3rd. Looking forward to meeting with you.

*Grantor File Data from the City of Philadelphia Archives:
(Date; Book; No.; Page; Grantee)
1683/1777; G; 7; 457; Draison, Matthew
1777/1800; D; 5; 486; Osman, John
1683/1777; L; 14; 6; Pemberton, James
1683/1777; L; 7; 48; Carpenters' Company
1777/1800; D; 7; 332; Cuthbert, Thomas
1777/1800; D; 49; 254; Rickey, Samuel
1777/1800; D; 42; 344; Shoemaker, Jay
1777/1800; D; 38; 252; Robeson, Thomas
1777/1800; D; 19; 507; Young, William
1777/1800; D; 70; 49; Shinn, Samuel
1777/1800; D; 76; 440; Johns, Matthew
1799/1809; EF; 5; 14; Ord, John
1799/1809; EF; 8; 502; Rickey, Samuel
1799/1809; EF; 8; 504; Rickey, Samuel
1799/1809; EF; 8; 504; Sandwith, Mary
1799/1809; EF; 14; 153; Herman, Elizabeth

Defendents/Sheriff Sales File Data from City of Philadelphia Archives:
(Book; Page; Year; Purchaser)
B-3; 398; 1782; Roberts, Mordecai

File Number

Defendant/Sheriff's Sale Notes

Listing also for William.

Collection

Members

Citation

“Bedford, Gunning,” Carpenters' Company Digital Archive & Museum, accessed April 19, 2024, https://archive.carpentershall.org/items/show/25822.