Gunning Bedford Jr. was a lawyer, soldier, and politician from the colony Delaware who played an essential role in the drafting and signing the United States Constitution in 1787.
Bedford was a commissioner to the Constitutional Convention, a strong supporter of the Federalist position, and a key advocate for a strong central government.
He was instrumental in creating what is known as the “Great Compromise, which resolved the debate over overrepresentation in the legislative branch.
The Great Compromise established a bicameral legislature with a Senate and the House of Representatives.
Each state would have equal representation in the Senate. The House of Representatives would allocate the number of representatives based on population.
Bedford also played a significant role in securing Delaware’s ratification of the U. S. Constitution. He served as Delaware’s Attorney General from 1784 until 1812, when he passed away on March 12, 1812.
Bedford’s contributions to the creation of the Constitution and his advocacy for a strong federal government have had a lasting impact on American politics and government.
His work helped shape the federal government’s structure and function, and his legacy is still felt today in the continued debate over the proper balance of power between the federal government and the states.
Gunning Bedford Jr.’s Signature
on the U.S. Constitution
Where is Gunning Bedford Jr. buried?
Below is an excerpt of a post written by Ginger Stout, a Member of the Association of Graveyard Rabbits.
Post: The Three Burials of Gunning Bedford Jr.
This excerpt is from the “Musical Graves” section of the article.
“Bedford died shortly before his 65th birthday in 1812 and was buried in the First Presbyterian Churchyard in Wilmington. Later, the church was closed (it is now the site of the Wilmington Library near Rodney Square).
His remains were then moved to a spot under a private monument at the Masonic Home on Lancaster Pike in Christiana and remained there until October of this year.
With a pending sale of the Masonic home property, efforts went into motion to find a new resting place for him.
On October 24, 2013, Bedford Gunning Jr. and members of his family found a new home in a below-ground concrete vault at the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery, in downtown Wilmington, just blocks from his original resting place.”
Ginger Stout
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