While the success of Beadon's government was thus marred, there was much in his general administration deserving of the highest praise. The clear judgment, the unflagging industry, the independence of character, for which he had been conspicuous in his previous posts, were all turned to good account in many matters of great importance to the well-being of Bengal. His endeavour to improve the administration of justice by the establishment of courts of small causes, his development of municipal institutions, his educational policy, the careful supervision which he exercised over the revenue administration, over the police and other departments of the public service, his efforts to check Ghát murders and Kulin polygamy, his intolerance of official incompetence and neglect of duty, his discerning appreciation of merit, irrespective of creed, colour, or caste—all these things told upon the progress of the province, and proved that, notwithstanding his failure in one conspicuous instance, he was an earnest, conscientious, and, in many respects, extremely able administrator. And in the one instance in which he signally failed, the failure is to be attributed to the sanguine temperament which was a marked feature in his character, and which in difficult conjunctures is so often essential to success. A gracious and conciliatory manner, and accessibility to all who desired to approach him on business, Sir Cecil Beadon possessed in a remarkable degree. The late Lady Canning, no mean judge of manners, is said to have remarked that the most perfect mannered men she had ever met were Sidney Herbert and Cecil Beadon. Beadon survived his return to England rather more than thirteen years. He died on 18 July 1880 in his sixty-fifth year. He was twice married, first in 1837 to Harriet, daughter of Major R. H. Sneyd of the Bengal cavalry; and secondly in 1860 to Agnes, daughter of Mr. W. H. Sterndale. He left several children.
[Private correspondence; personal recollections; Calcutta Review for August and November, 1867; Fortnightly Review for August 1867; Records of the Government of India, and of the Government of Bengal; Return, East India, Bengal, and Orissa Famine, 31 May, 1867; Bengal Civil List.]
BEADON, FREDERICK (1777–1879), canon of Wells, third son of the Rev. Edward Beadon, rector of North Stoneham, was born in London on 6 Dec. 1777. He was educated at Charterhouse and at Trinity College, Oxford. He took orders in 1801, and was shortly afterwards presented by his uncle, the Bishop of Bath and Wells [see Beadon, Richard], to the living of Weston-super-Mare. He exchanged this benefice for the vicarage of Titley, and, in 1811, was presented to the rectory of North Stoneham in succession to his father. He held the prebend of Compton Bishop from 26 May 1809 until his death seventy years later. In 1812 he was made a canon residentiary of Wells, and kept residence there each year, without interruption, until 1875. He was also chancellor of Wells cathedral from 1825 till his death. In 1803 he married Marianne, daughter of the Rev. Dr. Wilder, of Purley Hall, by whom he had one son and two daughters. Canon Beadon came of a family distinguished for its longevity. He was of middle stature, of strongly built frame, and of great muscular power, which he retained even in extreme old age. There was nothing particular in his diet or habits, save that he ate pastry and fruit more freely than meat. He drank wine in moderation. His temper was equable and cheerful. Shooting, fishing, and gardening were his favourite pursuits. He took out a shooting-license as late as 1872, and when engaged in sport seemed almost incapable of fatigue. At the same time he was never unmindful of his calling, and fulfilled its duties diligently, taking some part in the public service of the church up to his 96th year. During his residences at Wells he was active in capitular business, especially in promoting the repair of the cathedral church and the efficiency of its services. He took no part in ecclesiastical conflicts, and adhered to the practices and opinions prevalent among the clergy in his early years. He was the last of the non-resident freemen of Southampton whose privileges were reserved by the Reform Bill. In political as well as in ecclesiastical matters he was a strict conservative. Once only, in 1828, does it seem that he travelled on the continent, and he was never thoroughly reconciled to the innovation of railways. On his attaining his 100th year, Queen Victoria caused a message conveying congratulations and good wishes to be telegraphed to him, and shortly afterwards sent him her photograph with her autograph signature. To most of the letters which he received on this occasion Canon Beadon sent immediate replies, writted in his own hand. In the autumn of 1878 he had a severe attack of bronchitis, and from that time was confined to his room. He continued, however, to take a lively interest in the management of his farm, and in hearing of the success of younger sportsmen. During the early part of 1879 he gradually lost strength, and died very quietly on 10 June of that year.
[Norman's Memoir on the Life of Rev. F. Beadon, Bromley, 1879, privately printed; private information from Rev. Preb. R. A'Court
