Francis Edward Du Bedat (1851 - 1919)

Born 2 Oct 1851 in Sandymount, County Dublin, Ireland

Husband of Mary Rosa (Waterhouse) Du Bedat — married 9 Oct 1872 (to 6 Nov 1902) in Killiney, County Dublin, Ireland

Died 20 Jul 1919 at age 67 in Simonstown, Cape Province, South Africa

Biography

Francis Du Bedat was born in Ireland.

Francis Du Bedat is the descendant of a Huguenot emigrant.

Francis Du Bedat is Notable.

Francis Edward Du Bedat was a member of a prominent stock-broking and banking family in Ireland, treasurer of the French Huguenot Fund, and president of the Dublin Stock Exchange. A flamboyant figure in 19th century Dublin, he took "creative liberties" with other people's money, and was caught out when the market crashed in 1890. He was tried on two separate occasions for embezzlement, moved in with a young South American actress while his wife still lived, died in South Africa, and was alluded to in George Bernard Shaw's The Doctor's Dilemma and in James Joyce's Ulysses.

Early Years

Francis Edward Du Bedat was born 2 October 1851 in County Dublin, Ireland,^[1] the third son of William George Du Bedat, Esq and Anne Letitia Copperthwaite.

His siblings were:

1. Martha Mary Du Bedat
2. Thomas Peter Du Bedat
3. Anne Georgina (Du Bedat) Holmes
4. Mary Louisa Du Bedat
5. William Copperthwaite Du Bedat
6. Charles John Du Bedat

Frank was raised at Ballybrack House^[2], and was apprenticed to his father, as a stockbroker.^[3]

At the age of twenty, he married Mary Rosa, the daughter of Samuel Swinburne Waterhouse Esq, JP, on the 9th of October 1872 at the Holy Trinity Church in Killiney, County Dublin, by the Rev. Elias Tardy (a cousin of the family).^[3][4][5] The young couple soon moved into Glenalua Lodge on her father's property. There, they had their three children:

1. Rose Elizabeth (1879 - 1963)^[6]
2. Samuel Swinburn (1880 - 1907)^[7]
3. Mary Rosa (1883 - 1960)^[8]

Financial Responsibilities

Frank became a junior partner in his father's brokerage firm, along with his brothers. When William died suddenly in 1877, he was left take on his brother's responsibilities. He had been a trustee of the French Huguenot Fund since 1874, and later acted as the Fund's Treasurer. In 1889, on the recommendation of the Earl of Meath, he was appointed a Justice of the Peace for County Dublin. And, in October 1890, was elected President of the Dublin Stock Exchange.^[3] The brokerage firm, which he ran after his father's death, was the largest brokerage business in Dublin. It did a large portion of its business with brewing companies in England and Ireland, including Guinness,^[9] as well as American brewing companies, such as the St. Louis Brewing Association.^[10]

Real Estate

In 1889 Frank and Rosie purchased the house and lands known as Stoneleigh, as well as property for a right of way connecting the house to his father-in-law's lands. Maria Wootton writes, "Frank planned to turn his estate into one of the finest in Killiney. He hired the services of Albert E. Murray, a well known Irish architect."^[11] He named the house "Frankfort." By 1891, he had spent nearly £7,000 on its renovation, intending that it reflect his public image as a man of substance.^[3] In addition, he purchased the Connorree Mines in Avoca, County Wicklow.^[12]

Embezzlement

In order to finance the refurbishment of Frankfort, Frank had to borrow heavily from the bank, using shares as collateral. He encouraged his clients to purchase certain shares, then converted the money to his own use.^[13] He sold off most of the stock belonging to the French Huguenot Fund, but—as Treasurer—continued to show dividends for the nonexistent stock. He invested heavily in speculative ventures such as the Delagoa Bay railway in South Africa, which fell through.^[3]

In December of 1890 as his scheme began to fall apart, he left his office in London "to travel home to Dublin for Christmas." Instead, he vanished.^[14]

Bankruptcy Trial and Disappearance

He had been seen in London, and it was first thought that he would go to New York. Then, it was reported that he had been killed in a railroad accident, though that was uncertain.^[15][16]

Almost immediately, the Dublin Stock Exchange declared him a defaulter and had his name struck from the list of members. An investigation into his accounts began. The 5 January Freedman's Journal estimated liabilities of about £120,000. (Over £19 million/€22 million/$23 million in 2023).

"Mr. Du Bedat, as his election to the position of President of the Dublin Stock Exchange proves, was one of the most honoured and trusted of our financial operators—his transactions on both sides of the Channel were enormous—and in no mans' soundness and probity was there a firmer belief."^[17]

By March, the Glenalua Lodge, "Frankfort," Frank's office spaces, and the mine were beginning to be offered in auction.^{[18][19][20][21]}

Even his own in-laws were required to sue the Bank of Ireland, to try to get their stock certificates back from the bank, which Frank had deposited "fradulently and without power or authority" of the family.^[22]

While the bankruptcy trial ground on,^[23] there was still no sign of Mr. Du Bedat.

Arrest and Criminal Trial

In July of 1891, the news broke that Frank had been arrested in Capetown, South Africa, and was on his way back to Dublin. The highly anticipated criminal trial was set to begin on the 20th of that month.

"It is now a considerable time since a case involving so much public interest all over the three kingdoms has been tried in Dublin, and the appearance in the dock of the defaulting ex-president of the Dublin Exchange is an event which is so startling and untoward that the proceedings promise to constitute a veritable cause celebre."^[24]

It was revealed that he had at first run to Rotterdam, then sailed from there to Capetown. He had been living under an assumed name in Simonstown, and, once the police were certain of his identity, he was arrested on 24 May.

Du Bedat was charged with "unlawfully and fraudulently converting to his own use and benefit the moneys entrusted to him by persons as stockbroker, and further that he contravened the provisions of the Bankruptcy Act in having quitted the country a month before he was declared bankrupt, carrying with him a draft for £500, money which belonged to his creditors and which by law should have been distributed amongst them."^[25][26] He was held, without bail, though it was agreed that he would not be put on "ordinary prison fare, but could have what food he wished."^[26] The Grand Jury proceedings began in October, and Frank pleaded guilty to the bankruptcy offense, one offense of fraudulent trusteeship and three offenses of "stockbroking jobbery".^[27]

He was sentenced on 22 October 1891. Justice Holmes said of the accused,

"The truth is that in a case of this kind both your previous good character, the previous confidence that was reposed in you, and the business that you did for your clients previously were all the means by which you were enabled to commit the offenses. Under these circumstances the punishment you must receive for these offenses is seven years' penal servitude, to commence after the determination of the twelve months' imprisonment."^[28]

Meanwhile, the bankruptcy hearings ground on. The final audit of his assets was presented to the court in November 1895. The liabilities amounted to £135,000. (£23.7 million in 2023) The dividend paid out to creditors was only 2.5% of what they were owed.^[29]

Early Release and Another Conviction

Frank was released from prison for health reasons in December 1896, after having served just over five years of his seven-year sentence. He had injured himself at the time of the trial, and it was so debilitating that he was said to have spent most of his imprisonment in the hospital. He had lost considerable weight, going from over 150kg to 75kg.^[30] In January 1897 he was admitted to the Royal City of Dublin hospital for surgery, which was apparently successful.^[3] A few months later, he was in South Africa,^[31] where he set himself up as a company promoter and finance agent in Johannesburg. He became involved with a syndicate that had a contract to build a dock on Portuguese government land at Delagoa Bay. Soon, he was back in London and Dublin with a power-of-attorney to obtain investments for the contract.^[32]

The war in South Africa disrupted his plans, however, and as a result he was arrested for fraudulently obtaining investments for a contract that was no longer being offered. He was convicted, again, and imprisoned,^[33][34] but in August of 1904, fresh evidence came to light and he was given an unconditional release.^[32]

Rosita Tennyson

At some point in his travels, he met the beautiful Brazilian actress known as Rosita Tennyson. As late as September 1899, she was listed at the Lyceum Theatre in London.^[35] Between then and 1901, the two became an item. They were enumerated together in Malahide, County Dublin, as husband and wife.^[36]

Meanwhile his actual wife and children were then living in a house provided by her father, called "Willmount" in Killiney.^[37] It is said that Rosie died of a broken heart. Whatever the cause, she passed away on 6 November 1902 at Willmount.^[38] Eleven days later, Frank (51) married Rosita Martinez (27). (Tennyson was her stage name.)^[32][39] They had a son, William George Frederick (1905 - 1979).^[40] The family soon left for South Africa, settling at Kommetjie. He died penniless on 20 July 1919 at his home.^[41][42] He was interred in the Dido Valley Cemetery, Simonstown, Cape Province, South Africa.^[43]

Literary References

• George Bernard Shaw, in The Doctor's Dilemma, (1906) makes an allusion to Du Bedat.
• James Joyce, in his novel Ulysses, includes the Lady Gwendolen DuBedat, who is likely a portrayal of his second wife. And then there is the Miss Dubedat who "did bedad" and lived in Killiney.

Sources

1. ↑ Insurance Policy Auction: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 06 Aug 1895, page 8, Newspapers Clip: 115799374 (accessed 4 January 2023)
2. ↑ located on Military Road, Killiney, Co. Dublin, Ireland
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5} "The Rise and Fall of Francis DuBedat," Killiney History, online, (Article : accessed 31 Dec 2022).
4. ↑ Marriage: "Ireland Civil Registration Indexes, 1845-1958," database, citing Rathdown, 1872, vol. 17, p. 863, General Registry, Custom House, Dublin; FHL microfilm 101,251, FamilySearch Record: FYSQ-JY3 (accessed 3 January 2023), Francis Edward Dubedat marriage in 1872 in Rathdown, Ireland.
5. ↑ Marriage: "Belfast, Northern Ireland, The Belfast Newsletter (Birth, Marriage and Death Notices), 1738-1925," database with images, Linen Hall Library; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Periodicals & Newspapers, Irish & Reference, Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 2193 #1081927 (accessed 3 January 2023), Francis Edward DuBedat marriage to Mary Rosa Waterhouse on 9 Oct 1872 in Killiney.
6. ↑ Birth of daughter Rose: "Ireland Births and Baptisms, 1620-1881," database, citing FHL microfilm: 256022; Record number: 89, FamilySearch Record: FG6T-3KS (accessed 3 January 2023), Dubidat born to Frank Edward Dubidat on 21 Feb 1879 in Ireland.
7. ↑ Birth of son Samuel: "Ireland Civil Registration, 1845-1913," database, citing General Register Office, Southern Ireland; FHL microfilm , FamilySearch Record: QPT9-Z1PN (accessed 3 January 2023), Du Bédat born to Francis Edward Du Bédat on 17 Nov 1880 in Rathdown, County Wicklow, Ireland.
8. ↑ Birth Announcement: "Births," Belfast News-Letter, 10 May 1883, page 1, Newspapers Clip: 115733906 (accessed 3 January 2023)
9. ↑ 1890 Newspaper: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Buffalo Commercial, 30 Dec 1890, page 2, Newspapers Clip: 115749590 (accessed 3 January 2023)
10. ↑ Brewery Investment Ad: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 09 Dec 1889, page 8, Newspapers Clip: 115750041 (accessed 3 January 2023)
11. ↑ "Kenah Hill," Killiney History, online, (Article : accessed 31 Dec 2022). Of note: Kenah Hill, on its remaining three acres, sold in 2015 for €9 million.
12. ↑ 1891 Newspaper: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 05 Jan 1891, page 5, Newspapers Clip: 115755200 (accessed 4 January 2023)
13. ↑ McGovern v DuBedat: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 09 Dec 1890, page 3, Newspapers Clip: 115748852 (accessed 3 January 2023)
14. ↑ Disappearance: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 30 Dec 1890, page 5, Newspapers Clip: 115750390 (accessed 4 January 2023)
15. ↑ Brokerage Failure: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 30 Dec 1890, page , Newspapers Clip: 115749368 (accessed 3 January 2023)
16. ↑ DuBedat Disappearance: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 30 Dec 1890, page 5, Newspapers Clip: 115750390 (accessed 3 January 2023)
17. ↑ The DuBedat Failure: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 05 Jan 1891, page 5, Newspapers Clip: 115755200 (accessed 4 January 2023)
18. ↑ Office & Glenalua Lodge Furniture: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 26 Jan 1891, page 8, Newspapers Clip: 115778028 (accessed 4 January 2023)
19. ↑ Wine and Spirits Auction: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 07 Feb 1891, page 8, Newspapers Clip: 115756880 (accessed 4 January 2023)
20. ↑ Glenalua Lodge Sale: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 28 Mar 1891, page 8, Newspapers Clip: 115757560 (accessed 4 January 2023)
21. ↑ Construction Material & Mine Equipment Sale: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 27 Jun 1891, page 8, Newspapers Clip: 115778248 (accessed 4 January 2023)
22. ↑ Fraudulent Transactions: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 01 Jul 1892, page 2, Newspapers Clip: 115727528 (accessed 4 January 2023)
23. ↑ French Church Claim: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 16 Jun 1891, page 2, Newspapers Clip: 115758331 (accessed 4 January 2023)
24. ↑ DuBedat Arrest: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 11 Jul 1891, page 5, Newspapers Clip: 115758527 (accessed 4 January 2023)
25. ↑ Arrest & Charge, pt 1: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 22 Jul 1891, page 5, Newspapers Clip: 115758604 (accessed 4 January 2023)
26. ↑ ^{26.0 26.1} Arrest & Charge, pt 2: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 22 Jul 1891, page 6, Newspapers Clip: 115758639 (accessed 4 January 2023)
27. ↑ Arraignment: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 21 Oct 1891, page 3, Newspapers Clip: 115797265 (accessed 4 January 2023)
28. ↑ Sentencing: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 22 Oct 1891, page 2, Newspapers Clip: 115797982 (accessed 4 January 2023)
29. ↑ Final Audit: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 09 Nov 1895, page 2, Newspapers Clip: 115800492 (accessed 4 January 2023)
30. ↑ DuBedat Release: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Freeman's Journal, 02 Dec 1896, page 4, Newspapers Clip: 115801320 (accessed 4 January 2023)
31. ↑ Immigration: "United Kingdom, Outgoing Passenger Lists, 1890-1960," database, FamilySearch Record: 68GQ-8YGD (accessed 4 January 2023) FindMyPast Image, Name: Mr F E Du Bedat; Emigration Date: 3 Jul 1897; Emigration Place: England, United Kingdom; Immigration Place: SOUTH AFRICA; Marital Status: Single; Travel Place: DURBAN (PORT NATAL), SOUTH AFRICA; Arrival Port: DURBAN (PORT NATAL); Departure Port Name: SOUTHAMPTON; Ship Name: SCOT; Source Flag Amended: N.
32. ↑ ^{32.0 32.1 32.2} Woods, C.J., contributor, "Du Bédat, Francis Edward," Dictionary of Irish Biography, database, (Biography : accessed 31 Dec 2022); citing Irish Times, 30, 31 Dec. 1890, 22 Oct. 1891; Dublin Daily Express, 20 June 1891; Maria Wootton, The DuBédat story: Killiney to Kommetjie (1999), portr.
33. ↑ Criminal Register: "Ireland, Prison Registers, 1790-1924," database with images, The National Archives of Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Ireland Prisoner Registers, Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 61943 #1097752 (accessed 4 January 2023), Name: Frank E Dubedat; Admission Age: 52; Role: Prisoner; Birth Date: 1851; Birth Place: Sandymount; Admission Date: 24 Feb 1903; Admission Place: Dublin, Ireland; Charge: CONSPIRACY WITH INTENT TO DEFRAUD; Jail: KILMAINHAM; Identification Number: 244.
34. ↑ Criminal Register: "Ireland, Prison Registers, 1790-1924," database with images, The National Archives of Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Ireland Prisoner Registers, Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 61943 #3121713 (accessed 4 January 2023), Name: Francis E DU Bedat; Admission Age: 51; Role: Prisoner; Birth Date: 1852; Birth Place: Sandymount Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Admission Date: 11 Aug 1903; Admission Place: Dublin City, Laois (Queen's), Ireland; Charge: FALSE PRETENCES; Jail: MARYBOROUGH; Identification Number: 461.
35. ↑ Theatrical Listings: "Newspapers.com," database with images, The Era, 16 Sep 1899, page 1, Newspapers Clip: 115803531 (accessed 4 January 2023)
36. ↑ 1901 Census: "Ireland Census, 1901," database, citing Census, Malahide, County Dublin, Ireland, 0000117966, Public Record Office of Ireland, Belfast, FamilySearch Record: QPB2-R6DG (accessed 4 January 2023) http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai003669705/, Frank Dubedat (46), Finance Agent, head of household in Malahide, County Dublin, Ireland. Born in Dublin.
37. ↑ 1901 Census: "Ireland Census, 1901," database, citing Census, Killiney, County Dublin, Ireland, 0000113756, Public Record Office of Ireland, Belfast, FamilySearch Record: QPB2-L7BJ (accessed 4 January 2023) http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai003741332/, Mary Rose De Bedat (51), married, head of household in Killiney, County Dublin, Ireland. Born in Dublin City.
38. ↑ Probate of Wife: "Ireland Calendar of Wills and Administrations, 1858-1920," database with images, citing 00072, 005014913, Principal Probate Registry, Dublin; 100,999, FamilySearch Record: KZ56-6CG (accessed 4 January 2023) FamilySearch Image: 33S7-9T9Q-C68, Mary Rosa Du Bedat probate on 6 Nov 1902 in Killiney Dublin.
39. ↑ Marriage Registration: "England & Wales, Civil Registration Marriage Index, 1837-1915," database with images, England and Wales Civil Registration Indexes. London, England: General Register Office; Volume: 1b; Page: 303, Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 8913 #8388992 (accessed 4 January 2023), Francis Edward Du Bedat marriage registered Oct-Nov-Dec 1902 in St Pancras.
40. ↑ Baptism of son William George Frederick: "England, Essex Parish Registers, 1538-1997," database, citing Baptism, Essex, England, United Kingdom, Essex Record Office, England, FamilySearch Record: W4ST-CDPZ (accessed 4 January 2023), Francis Edward Du Bedat's son William George Frederick Du Bedat baptism on 12 Apr 1905 in Essex, England, United Kingdom.
41. ↑ Death: "South Africa, Cape Province, Civil Records, 1840-1972," database with images, citing National Archives, Pretoria; FHL microfilm 1,925,836, FamilySearch Record: Q2QM-6T4G (accessed 4 January 2023) FamilySearch Image: 33S7-95FR-ZS4 Image number 00313, Frank Edward Du Bedat death 20 Jul 1919 (age 70) in Simon's Town, Cape Province, South Africa.
42. ↑ Probate: "South Africa, Cape Province, Probate Records of the Master of the High Court, 1834-1989," database with images, citing Probate, Grahamstown, Albany, Cape Province, South Africa, 1919, Pietermaritzburg Archives (Formerly Natal State Archives), South Africa; FHL microfilm 1,367,932, FamilySearch Record: QLKL-74S4 (accessed 4 January 2023) FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-C9BT-BY1 Image number 00291, Frank L Du Bedat probate in 1919 in Grahamstown, Albany, Cape Province, South Africa. Died 20 Jul 1919 in Kommetjie.
43. ↑ Memorial: "Find a Grave," database with images, Find A Grave: Memorial #198345647 (accessed 4 January 2023), Memorial page for Frank Edward Du Bedat (1849-20 Jul 1919), citing Dido Valley Cemetery, Simon's Town, City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality, Western Cape, South Africa; Maintained by Peter H (contributor 47423563).

See also:

• Wootton, Maria. The DuBedat Story: Killiney to Kommetjie. (Dublin: Tram Cottage Productions, 1999). Worldcat OCLC Number 42357379.