The Musical Mayor
Henry Bedlow was born in New York City in 1821. He came from a prominent city family. He married Josephine De Wolf Homer and inherited Malbone Hall because of that marriage.
He served 3 terms as the Mayor of Newport between 1876 and 1879. Bedlow died on May 25, 1914, and is buried in the Island Cemetery, in Newport, Rhode Island.
Malbone Hall
Library of Congress Digital Archives
His Music
Bedlow was heavily involved in the Union cause during the Civil War and was a member of the Union League (also known as the Loyal League) of Newport. We have two compositions he wrote during the Civil War.
Bedlow composed the “Loyal League Quick-Step in 1863 and dedicated to Rhode Island’s own Major General Ambrose Burnside. The music was possibly composed for the United States Naval Academy Band in Newport. Musician Philip Pfeiffer of the Academy Band arranged the march for piano. The piano arrangement was published by Thomas W. Wood, at his music store located at 83 Thames Street.
Hear the piano arrangement
Bedlow composed “The Conscript Mother’s Song” in 1863 for the United States Naval Academy Band. Philip Pfeiffer, of the United States Naval Academy Band also arranged this song for voice and piano. Thomas W. Wood published the music in Newport.
Hear a live performance of the piano arrangement performed at Rosecliff Mansion.