A bit more on Joseph Beddome

Beddome's brother Joseph is listed as sailing to Philadelphia from Bristol in 1764

Shippers by the Ann, Mr . George Forten, bound from Bristol for Philadelphia: Philip Pritchard, Benjamin Stagg, Isaac Stephens, John Fowler, Henry Parker, Joseph Beddome, Joseph Barrow, George Stritch, John Turton

He also seems to have sailed to Boston in 1758 and in April 1767 in The Albion to Maryland.

References to Joseph Beddome in Benjamin Franklin's Accounts 1744

Franklin's Accounts for 1744, Calendar 8

23 March, Friday. Receiv'd of Benja. Franklin, Thirty-one Pounds Sixteen Shillings, 3l.16.0. on Acct. Per me, Jos. Beddome, L31.16.0. Receipt Book, 1742-64, p. 4. 

29 May, Tuesday. Rec'd of Mr. Benja. Franklin twenty five pounds sixteen Shillings & nine pence on Acct. Per Jos. Beddome, L25.16.9. Receipt Book, 1742-64, p. 9.

4 July Rec'd of Mr. Franklin twenty pds. & 0.6 on Acct. for Bro. Beddome. I[saac] Jones, L20.0.6. Receipt Book, 1742-64, p. 10.

11 Aug, Saturday. Rec'd of Mr. Franklin, a Bill of Exch: for fifteen pounds Sterl. on Howe & Arnold, for Acct. of my Bro. Jos'h Beddome, I. Jones, L15.0.0. Receipt Book, 1742-64, p. 10.

11 Aug, Saturday. Rec'd of Mr. Franklin, a Bill of Exch: for fifteen pounds Sterl. on Howe & Arnold, for Acct. of my Bro. Jos'h Beddome, I. Jones, L15.0.0. Receipt Book, 1742-64, p. 10.

18 Oct, Thursday. Mr. Isaac Jones, Dr. From Work Book, For Do. [Advertisment] No 827 [18 Oct 1744], Joseph Beddome Departing, 5.0. Ledger D 84.

29 Nov ---. Rec'd of Mr. Franklin twenty pds. on Acct. for the Use of my Bro. Jos. Beddome, Per I. Jones, L20.0.0. Receipt Book, 1742-64, p. 14.

There is also one in 1747

3 April, Friday. Rec'd of Mr. Franklin ten pounds on Acct. Per Joseph [or Jones &?] Beddome, L10.0.0. Receipt Book, 1742-64, p. 42.

Beddome and Benjamin Franklin?

I found this letter here.

They suggest that the Beddome mentioned is Benjamin but I fear it is more likely to be his brother Joseph who traded much with America and became a Quaker. He died in Philadelphia.

From Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) to Deborah Franklin (nee Read, 1708-1774), 25 May 1768

To Deborah Franklin
Pensilvania Coffee House London, May 25. 1768

My dear Child,

I thought Capt. Budden had been gone some Weeks since, but calling here just now, I find he is not sail’d but goes this Evening; so I write this Line to let you know that I continue well. I forget whether I told you in any preceding Letter that I have been at Bath and Bristol. At the latter Place I met Mr. Richardson, junr. who had Letters for me. I saw there our old Ac[quaintan]ce Mr. Beddome, who enquired kindly [after] you and Sally (their daughter Sarah then 25, 1743-1808). He seems to live very well. I was glad to find by my Letters that you were all well. I wish I could go in this Ship, or Capt. Leach, but must stay a few Weeks longer. I am impatient to be with you, being ever Your affectionate Husband
B Franklin

(Addressed: To / Mrs Franklin / Philadelphia / per favour of / Capt. Bud [den] / QD [C])

It is suggested that Richardson is almost unquestionably Francis Richardson, known as Frank. Born in 1746, the son of Francis and Mary Richardson, into a well known Philadelphia Quaker family. Despite his heritage Frank decided on a military life; he went to England (presumably carrying the letters to bf), was commissioned in the Foot Guards in 1772, and eventually rose to lieutenant-colonel. In 1775 he was involved as an informer in an alleged conspiracy to kidnap the King. William W. Hinshaw, Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy (6 vols., Ann Arbor, 1936–50), ii, 412; John F. Watson, Annals of Philadelphia … (2 vols., Philadelphia, 1844), 1, 560; Samuel Hazard, ed., The Register of Pennsylvania …, vi, no. 11 (Sept. 11, 1830), 167–8; British War Office, A List of Officers of the Army …, 1772 (p. 49) and 1795 (p. 16); Annual Register, xviii (1775), 239–43.

There is a reference to Joseph Beddome here saying "Philadelphia merchant Joseph Beddome, for example, advertised numerous types of fabric, caps, cutlery, candlesticks, walking canes and unidentified maps."

Beddome's brother

Beddome's brother Joseph who was born in 1718 and died in 1794 was apparently a business partner with John Cross. They ran a turpentine warehouse in Small Street, Bristol. One source says that Joseph was an eccentric who loved to attend funerals. On July 16 1754 he married Jane Dallaway (1724-1794).