Parents: Henry Rutherford Bedinger (1812–1858) and Margaret Rust (1818–1843)

Spouse: None recorded

Children: None recorded

Kinship: Stepson of Caroline Bowne Lawrence (1827–1869), the second cousin 4 times removed of wife

Early Life and Education

Born near Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, Virginia (now West Virginia), George Rust Bedinger was the eldest son of Congressman Henry Bedinger. His mother died when he was only two years old, and his father passed away when George was eighteen.

He received a classical education and was a student at the University of Virginia (Class of 1859/1860). He left his studies or early career pursuits to enlist at the outbreak of the Civil War.

Military Career

Bedinger served in all three branches of the Confederate Army—infantry, artillery, and cavalry—displaying a pattern of seeking active combat or leadership roles.

Enlistment: He mustered in at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, on May 15, 1861, as a Private in Company B, 2nd Regiment, Virginia Infantry.

Artillery: On August 26, 1861, he transferred to the famous Rockbridge Battery, 1st Regiment, Virginia Light Artillery (part of the Stonewall Brigade), serving as a cannoneer.

Cavalry: On April 28, 1862, he transferred to Company E, 3rd Regiment, Virginia Cavalry (known as Ashby’s Cavalry), engaging in the Valley Campaign.

Infantry Commission: On August 11, 1862, by special order of General Robert E. Lee, he was commissioned Captain. He subsequently transferred on November 19, 1862, to command Company E of the 33rd Regiment, Virginia Infantry (part of the Stonewall Brigade).

Death at Gettysburg

Captain Bedinger led his company during the Gettysburg Campaign. He was killed in action on July 3, 1863, during the fierce fighting for Culp's Hill, where the Stonewall Brigade suffered heavy casualties attempting to storm the Union breastworks.