Brother of Nelson and Alonzo Beardsley. He read law in the office of his brother, Nelson Beardsley, and after being admitted to practice law he was appointed master in chancery, a position he held for several years. He was later the cashier and president of the Auburn Exchange Bank, one of the original stockholders of the Cayuga County National Bank, treasurer of the old Merchants Union Express Company, a director in the Grand Trunk railroad, one of the first trustees of Fort Hill Cemetery Association and trustee of the Auburn Savings Bank up to the time of his death. He also served as postmaster from 1841-45 and was presidential elector in 1852.