A biographical history of eminent and self-made men of the state of Indiana : with many portrait-illustrations on steel, engraved expressly for this work, Volume II, Part 89

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Cincinnati, Ohio : Western Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1006


USA > Indiana > A biographical history of eminent and self-made men of the state of Indiana : with many portrait-illustrations on steel, engraved expressly for this work, Volume II > Part 89


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120


21


REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF INDIANA.


12th Dist.]


whom are now living-Ilarrison Dawson, who occupies ' eminently conservative, and warred against the extreme the homestead, and Mrs. Hulda Johnson. Another of ; doctrine as being dangerous to the liberties of a coun- his children was R. J. Dawson, who removed to Fort Wayne in 1832. He was for a time in the land-office, and afterwards studied law with his brother - in - law, Thomas Johnson. He became widely known by his talents and wealth. John W. Dawson received the greater part of his education in the common schools of Cambridge. From this place he removed with his par- ents to a farm near the village of Guilford, on the Indi- anapolis and Cincinnati Railroad, seven miles from Lawrenceburg. Here he assisted his father until March, 1838, when he went to Fort Wayne, and attended school till the middle of October of that year. At that time he became clerk in the office of the Receiver of Public Moneys, which was held by his brother-in-law, Colonel John Spencer. Though quite young, he performed the duties faithfully until December 31, 1839, when Colonel Spencer's term expired, and Mr. Dawson retired with him. In February, 1840, he went to Iowa, but returned in April of the same year, and entered Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, Indiana. Here he remained a part of two years, diligently pursuing his studies. After leaving college he entered the law office of his brother- in-law, Thomas Johnson, one of the most prominent attorneys of Northern Indiana. He remained there until 1843, when he was admitted to the bar at the March term of the. Wells County Circuit Court. Shortly after, he opened a law office in Augusta, then the county seat of Noble County ; but, upon the death of Mr. John- son in the fall of the year, he returned to Fort Wayne, and took charge of Mr. Johnson's law business. In 1847 he went to Lexington, Kentucky, and entered upon a course of study in the law department of Transylvania University. Close application soon impaired his health, and he was obliged to return home. After remaining a short time among his friends at Fort Wayne, he pro- ceeded to his old home in Dearborn County, where, until 1853, he was engaged on his farm and in keeping a country store. In August of that year, his health being very much improved, he returned to Fort Wayne, and, in company with T. H. Hood, leased the Fort Wayne Times, a Whig paper, then owned and conducted by G. W. Wood & Co. Mr. Dawson became its editor, and, September 1, 1854, purchased the office, and be- came sole proprietor. One of the most exciting and : dangerous epochs in the political history of the United States commenced at this time. The repeal of the try that maintained itself through the elective franchise. The People's party gave Mr. Dawson the nomination for Secretary of State, and he made a vigorous canvass in the northern counties of the state; but, with the na- tional and State Anti- Democratic tickets, he was de- feated, although he ran considerably ahead of his ticket. On the 4th of November, 1855, Mr. Dawson was married to Miss Amanda M. Thornton, a most estimable lady. The ceremony was performed at the Second Presbyterian Church, by Rev. E. Curtis, the pastor. Shortly after the accession of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency Mr. Dawson was appointed Governor of Utah. The Mormon portion of the territory was at that time in no favorable mood towards the general government. Con- gress had passed laws looking to the abolishment of polygamy, and when Mr. Dawson arrived he found an intense feeling against those sent to administer them. He gave them to understand that the civil authorities must be respected and the laws obeyed, and conse- quently on him centered all their hostility. As he was returning from Salt Lake City, after a residence of six months, he was followed by a gang, who waylaid, robbed, and seriously injured him. From its effects he suf- fered long and terribly, and never fully recovered. All who were engaged in this outrageous proceeding after- wards came to violent deaths-the last one just two years and twelve days after the deed was done. Mr. Dawson was in many respects a remarkable man. He possessed in an eminent degree those qualities which adorn and elevate mankind. In politics, he never re- sorted to petty schemes to secure success for himself and party, and in all his dealings was scrupulously hon- est. His convictions were strong and well grounded, and he contended for them vigorously. No one could mistake his opinions upon any question of public inter- est. He courted discussion, and wielded a powerful pen in argument. The public good was his sole aim, and to this end he advocated comprehensive internal improve- ments. He guarded the free schools, and warmly de- fended all eleemosynary institutions. Mr. Dawson's men- tal organism was well balanced. His powers of ana- lyzation were great. He seemed to see by intuition the chief points in a case, and used them to good advantage. His editorial career during the stormy political times ! preceding the late war brought him into many sharp discussions with various classes of men, who were inva- Missouri Compromise produced a profound sensation | riably forced to succumb. This created jealousies, which throughout the land, both in the North and South. In Indiana the People's or Anti- Nebraska party was the


engendered much hard feeling and base slanders on the part of his opponents ; but they never deterred him from outgrowth of this repeal, and Mr. Dawson soon became ; what he deemed right, and he lived to see their calum- a recognized leader in politics. His paper was bold and progressive, yet not in the precise direction of the radical anti-slavery element, for on that point he was


nies fade away and his character stand out clear and unspotted. One of Mr. Dawson's prominent character- istics was his charity. The worthy needy were never


22


REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF INDIANA.


[ 12th Dist.


turned from his door unrelieved. His acts of kindness were done unostentatiously, and from pure motives. The immediate cause of Mr. Dawson's death originated in dyspepsia, which affected both the bronchial and pul- monary organs. He suffered much, being frequently confined for weeks to the house. He visited a number of hygienic institutions, and consulted the most eminent medical practitioners in the country, without receiving any permanent relief. As soon as he realized that the end was near he began, with his customary method, to arrange all his affairs. His death, though not unex- expected, was sudden. His mind was unimpaired to the last, and he passed calmly and almost imperceptibly away. The bar association passed resolutions indicative of their high esteem for his character, their sorrow in his death, and sympathy with those bereaved. They also attended his funeral in a body. Thus passed away a great and good man, one who thought and acted from inward convictions of right, and regarded con- scious integrity of more value than popular applause.


ENNY, JAMES M., lawyer, of Albion, Noble County, Indiana, was born, October 29, 1827, in Eaton, Preble County, Ohio. His parents, John and Mary (McConnell) Denny, were natives re- spectively of Virginia and Pennsylvania. His father was of Scotch-Irish extraction, his ancestors emigrating from Scotland some time prior to the war of 1776, and settling in Pennsylvania. Walter Denny, grandfather of James, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and fought for our national independence, serving in General Washington's army till the close of the conflict. His father was elected Associate Judge of the Circuit Court in Preble County, serving for several years. When James M. was five years of age the family removed from Ohio to Indiana, locating in Perry Township, Noble County, on what is known as the Haw Patch, a tract of land of exceeding value and productiveness. He was kept at hard work as a boy, assisting in clearing and improving the farm. When out of school he was given by his parents all the educational advantages so new a country afforded, and also given those of the better grades of schools elsewhere, including academies of good repute, so that at the age of eighteen he was the master of a thorough academic education. When he closed his days as a pupil, and, Yankee-like, saw greatness in being a schoolmaster, he sought such a situation, and continued teaching for four terms. Being a natural student, he pursued his studies at all leisure times with diligence and energy. His industry and manifest inter- est in the advancement of his pupils demonstrated his adaptation to the calling, and secured the commenda- tion of his employers and the confidence and esteem of


his pupils. In 1849 he entered, as a student at law, the office of William M. Clapp, of Albion, under whose in- struction he read for about two years, when he entered the legal department of a law school at Ballston Springs, New York, from which at the end of the year he grad- uated with honor, receiving his parchment in March, 1853. He returned to Albion, Indiana, and began the practice of his profession, which he pursued with grati- fying prospects of success; but close application pro- duced failing health, which eventually compelled him to abandon active labor. Yet he still accepted and trans- acted the amount of business in his calling that a well- directed prudence would justify. He has also given much time and study in the pursuit of science and lit- erature, as well as much labor in the preparation and delivery of lectures, orations, essays, and addresses on many different subjects of interest to the people. As a speaker, he is clear, forcible, and convincing. His pop- ularity as such is more than local. He has for years been a liberal and frequent contributor to the papers and periodicals of the day. As a writer, he is ready, terse, logical, and comprehensive. His propositions are always clearly defined, and energetically and intelli- gently defended. Mr. Denny is a man of extensive reading, close and careful observation, and deep and thoughtful reflection, which give to his literary produc- tions both argument and beauty. Mr. Denny is a Royal Arch Mason, and his pen is ready and fearless in the defense and support of the usages and principles of the Order which to him is so dear. We have been especially impressed in the perusal of the lecture entitled, "Charles Sumner as an Example to Young Men." Its truthful- ness and elegance are especially worthy of notice. His lecture on the "Sabbath-school," delivered at Kendall- ville, and many others of his efforts that have fallen under our notice, are full of merit. Mr. Denny is a man of strong brain power, and, like all men of positive character, reads, thinks and acts for himself and on his own convictions. Although of quick perceptions, he usually arrives at conclusions only after due reflection ; but when once settled upon any belief his ideas are shaken only by the most convincing proofs. Any posi- tion he may have espoused, political, religious, or other- wise, finds in him an able and fearless advocate and de- fender. In short, for him to believe is to know. He was trained in the Democratic school of politics, and has always been an active and influential adherent of that party. While he is zealous in the support of its men and measures, and liberal in his contributions of both time and money to its necessities, he is not a pol- itician, nor an aspirant for office. He has held positions of honor and trust, but not from his own seeking. He was elected by his party, in 1859, treasurer of Noble County, and re-elected to the same position in 1861, and each time by a vote largely exceeding the regular party


23


REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF INDIANA.


12th Dist.]


strength. In the discharge of the duties of his office he was courteous and conscientious, commanding the confidence and respect of his constituents. Mr. Denny is orthodox in his religious convictions, and believes it is not only man's first duty, but his greatest privilege, to worship his Creator; but, not having been able to accept all of the usages and dogmas of any Church, has kept himself aloof from membership. He is a regular attendant of, and liberal contributor to, the Presbyterian Church of Albion, of which his wife is a member. He was married, January 1, 1856, to Miss Frances J. Plum- stead, of Portage City, Wisconsin, who died September 9, 1866, leaving two sons. The oldest, Watts P., born September 14, 1857, is now in his twenty-third year, and is filling his second term as principal of Rome City school. James O. was born August 26th, 1862. He is in his seventeenth year of age, and is successfully con- ducting a district school. The sons have partaken largely of the parent's adaptability and love of school- teaching, which promises for them a brilliant future. Mr. Denny was again married, September 10, 1868, to Miss Julia A. Kiblinger, of Albion. In private life, Mr. Denny is a courteous and genial gentleman. His do- mestic habits are strong ; and his purity of devotion to those obligations secures the love and confidence of his family and friends. His honorable dealing with men commands the respect and esteem of all who know him. His friendships are firm and enduring. His character is above reproach, and his position is assured as a citi- zen and as a man. While he is not in the enjoyment of robust health, his correct and temperate life, with his wiry constitution, seem to assure him a long life.


OUGLAS, ALEXANDER JACKSON, superin- tendent of Whitley County schools, was born in Richland County, Ohio, March 22, 1827. His father, William Douglas, was born in Pennsylva- nia, and his mother, Margaret (Edgington), in Jeffer- son County, Ohio. He received at home a common district school education. He is the eldest of five chil- dren, and when only twelve years of age told his father, who was confined to the house, that if the tenant were discharged he could take care of the farm. Accord- ingly, from that time, he not only conducted the place successfully but spent his leisure hours at his books. When nineteen years of age he left the homestead in charge of his brothers, and attended college at Hayes- ville, Ohio, afterward going to Ashland Academy, and completed what was called the liberal course, at Witten- berg College, Springfield, Ohio, in March, 1850. July 4th, the same year, he was married at Ontario, Rich- land County, Ohio, to Miss Mary Jenner, and in Octo- ber took charge of the Union Schools, at Upper San-


dusky, where he continued two years. Deciding then to read law, he returned to Ontario and entered the office of Kirkwood & Burns, both of whom have since been prominent in American politics. After three years' study, in their office, he was admitted to the bar, in May, 1855, and in September, the same year, removed to Whitley County, Indiana, and taught eighteen months in what was then Wartburg Seminary, situated in the eastern part of the county. In April, 1857, he removed to Columbia City, for the purpose of practicing law, and was engaged until 1862, both in teaching school and the practice of law, part of the time having his law office in the school building. In 1858 he was elected prosecuting attorney for the counties of Whitley and No- ble. While holding those positions he was also chosen school examiner for the county, which position he has held nearly all the time since. In 1862 he was elected to represent the counties of Huntington and Whitley, in the state Senate, for a term of four years. From 1866 to 1868 he represented the same counties in the House of Representatives. In 1867, after the close of the biennial session, he again began the practice of law with a determination to make that his business for life, but, in 1869, having been unanimously elected, by the school board of the corporation, superintendent of the Columbia City schools, he decided to follow his tastes and the will of the people. Since then he has held that position. In 1870 he was elected school examiner for Whitley County, and when that office was abolished and that of county superintendent substituted, Mr. Douglas was chosen for the position, which he still holds. In 1868 he was nominated, on the Democratic ticket, Judge of the Common Pleas Court in the Republican district embracing the counties of Noble, Steuben, Lagrange, Whitley and DeKalb, and was defeated. The first Sun- day in January, 1870, he joined the Lutheran Church of Columbia City. The pastor of the Church resigning, in April following, Mr. Douglas was prevailed upon to discharge the duties of a minister until another could be secured. He did so, and after serving four months, as a substitute, was unanimously elected by the Church as their pastor. He continued in that capacity two years; was very popular, and the membership of the Church in that time was increased from one hundred and fourteen to two hundred and twenty-eight. His duties to the Church and schools, being more than one man could in justice perform, Mr. Douglas, on account of ill health, resigned as pastor and devoted his time to his school duties, although very few Sabbaths pass with- out his preaching, at least one sermon, either in Colum- bia City or contiguous towns. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and also of the Independent Order of Odd-fellows, and was at one time, master of the Masonic Lodge in Columbia City. Mr. Douglas has been twice married. By his first wife, who died


1


24


REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF INDIANA.


[12th Dist.


in April, 1875, he had eleven children, eight of whom | are still living. Mr. Douglas's daughter, Miss Lizzie Douglas, is superintendent of the public schools at Cherubusco, Whitley County, Indiana. He married his present wife, Jennie Cassel, in Noble County, Indi- ana, July 20, 1376. They have two children.


WENGER, REV. JOSEPH, Bishop of Fort Wayne, was born in Mercer County, Ohio, in 98 1837. His father, Henry Dwenger, one of the 20% pioneers of that part of Ohio, died in 1840, and his mother moved to Cincinnati. He studied at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, in that city, and was ordained priest by Archbishop Purcell in 1859. He taught for three years in the seminary of the priests of the Order of the Precious Blood in Carthagena, Ohio, and was appointed pastor of Wapakoneta in 1862. In 1864 he moved to St. Mary's, Ohio, built the church there, and finished the churches of Celina, Kenton, and Six Mile Settlement. His pastoral charge was given up in 1868, and his time was thenceforth wholly devoted to traveling in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, and holding preaching stations. He was consecrated Bishop of Fort Wayne or Northern Indiana, April 14, 1872, succeeding Bishop Lucas.


DGERTON, JOSEPH KETCHUM, Fort Wayne, Indiana, lawyer and ex-member of Congress, was born at Vergennes, Vermont, February 16, 1818. He is the third son of Bela and Phebe (Ketchum) Edgerton, and of the fifth generation, in direct descent, from Richard Edgerton, who came from England about 1640, and was one of the original thirty-five proprietors of the township of Norwich, Connecticut. He is also of the blood of William Hyde, another of the original proprietors of Norwich, the genealogy of whose family has been illustrated in two octavo volumes, published in his life-time by the late Chancellor Walworth, of New York, who was of the same family. Mr. Edgerton's grandfather, Elisha Edgerton, was a member of the Constitutional Convention of Connecticut in 1818, and also of the Legislature of that state. Bela Edgerton, who died at Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1874, at the age of eighty - seven years, was a prominent member of the Legislature of New York. He represented Clinton County from 1826 to 1829. Joseph Ketchum, maternal grandfather of Mr. Edgerton, was a merchant and man- ufacturer. He died at an early age in the city of New York, in 1795. After attending the common schools of Clinton County, and the academy at Plattsburg, Mr. Edgerton, in 1833, commenced the study of law in the office of William Swetland, of Plattsburg, then the lead-


ing lawyer of Northern New York, honored alike for his eminent ability and integrity. In 1835 he removed to New York City, and entered, as student and clerk, the law office of Dudley Selden and James Mowatt. Mr. Selden was a distinguished lawyer and represented the city of New York in the Twenty-third Congress from 1833 to 1835. Mr. Mowatt was the husband of Anna Cora Mowatt, the distinguished authoress and actress. In 1839 Mr. Edgerton was admitted to the New York bar. In the same year he was married to Hannah Maria Spies, third daughter of William and Elizabeth (Chatterton) Spies, of New York. In May, 1844, he removed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where, in the fol- lowing year, he formed a law partnership with ex- Governor Samuel Bigger. This connection terminated with the death of the latter, in September, 1846. Mr. Edgerton continued his law practice in Fort Wayne, until November, 1855, when he was elected president of the Fort Wayne and Chicago Railroad, as successor to Samuel Hanna. This road was then in process of construction, ten miles only of the track having been laid, and was greatly embarrassed in its finances. In March, 1856, at a convention held in Philadelphia of the presidents of the Pennsylvania, Ohio and Pennsyl- vania, Ohio and Indiana (in which Mr. Edgerton was also a director), and Fort Wayne and Chicago Railroads, he proposed the consolidation of the three last named roads, so as to form one united line, under one corpora- tion, from Pittsburgh to Chicago; also in behalf of his company he negotiated and prepared the preliminary con- tract for uniting, March 28, 1856, and the final articles of consolidation, of May 6, 1856, which were unan- imously approved by the stockholders. Notwithstand- ing the financial disasters of 1857, this union secured the rapid progress of the road to completion, and laid the foundation of its subsequent great prosperity. This new corporation, called the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railroad Company, went into operation August I, 1856, and Mr. Edgerton was elected vice-president. In 1857 and 1858, years of great depression of railroad credit, he was financial agent of the company in the city of New York. In 1859 he had charge of the com- pany's legal department. In December of the same year he was appointed receiver of the company by the United States Circuit Court, for the northern district of Ohio, with the concurrence of the leading bond- holders and a large interest of stockholders. This ap- pointment was opposed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, which was then aiming to obtain, as it did subsequently, the full control of the road, and to com- promise differences and prevent litigation, Mr. Edgerton resigned in favor of W. B. Ogden, of Chicago. In 1860 Mr. Edgerton, who had previously been a Whig in pol- ities, by his conviction of the constitutionality and pat- riotism of Stephen A. Douglas's position on the great


12th Dist.]


REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF INDIANA.


25


question at issue in that campaign, was drawn to the Democratic party, and the support of Mr. Douglas for the presidency. In 1862 Mr. Edgerton was elected to Congress on the Democratic ticket, in the Tenth Dis- trict, by four hundred and thirty-six over William Mitchell, Republican candidate, who had been elected NSLEY, GEORGE, mechanic, of Auburn, Indiana, was born in York County, Pennsylvania, on the 12th of September, 1815, and was taken by his parents to Ohio in 1816. They remained in Wayne County ten years, then removing to Seneca County. In 1838 he was married to Miss Lydia Noel; in 1860 by nearly three thousand majority. In 1864 he ; and in 1841 removed to De Kalb County, Indiana, was a candidate for re-election against Joseph H. De- where he has ever since resided. In 1843 he was elected a Justice of the Peace, and he served as township trus- tee for twelve years. He was also chosen as county commissioner in 1871. His occupation has been that of a millwright and undertaker, and he is now a part- ner in the house of Nicholas & George Ensley, dealers in agricultural machinery. He stands very high in public esteem, and has accumulated a large property by indus- try and economy. He owns five stores, and seven hun- dred and fifty acres of land. He has led an exemplary life, and is well liked by his fellow-citizens. In addition to the employments named above, he has been a director in the Eel River Railroad, and was solicitor on the Sag- inaw Railroad. He has had nine children, seven of whom are now living. frees, but was defeated by five hundred and eighty votes. In the Thirty-eighth Congress he was a member of the Committee on Naval Affairs. At that time this commit- tee was one of the most important in the House. It regulated the expenditures and determined the efficiency of our national fleet. n 1866, on a large tract of land which he owned in Allen County, he established the Woodburn Lumber and Stave Mills. These mills were destroyed by fire in August, 1867, and were not rebuilt. In July, 1866, he became president of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Company, then a greatly embarrassed and discredited corporation of over twelve years' existence, with a land grant liable to im- mediate forfeiture and without a mile of road built. In August, 1871, after five years' service, he left the com- pany with a restored and protected land grant, and two hundred miles of road in operation In 1863 he visited WING, CHARLES WAYNE, was born, October 13, 1798, at the village of Big Tree, near Geneseo, Livingston County, New York. He was the oldest son and second child of Colonel Alexander Ewing, one of the earliest settlers at Fort Wayne. An account is given of him and his wife in the sketch of George W. Ewing, elsewhere in this book. Four chil- dren, who survived him, are still living. The oldest, Mary L., is the wife of P. E. Studabaker, of South Bend, Indiana ; the next oldest, Lavinia A., is the widow of the late Charles D. Bond, of Fort Wayne, Indiana ; the next, Catharine E., is the wife of Eli W. Kearns, Esq., of Fort Scott, Kansas; and the youngest is Mer- ica E., the wife of Frederick G. Heath, Esq., of Grand Rapids, Michigan. In the War of 1812 Colonel Alex- ander Ewing entered the North-western Army, under command of William H. Harrison. He was in the fall campaign of 1813. Charles W. Ewing, the subject of this sketch, received a collegiate education in Ohio, and subsequently studied law with Judge Este, of Cincinnati. Being admitted to the bar, he first began his practice at Fort Wayne, where, at the first session of court in Allen County, August 9, 1824, he was appointed prosecuting attorney. He must have held that position about two years, for, on the court records for 1826, Charles W. Ewing presented a design for a court seal, which was accepted. In 1823 Wayne Lodge, No. 25, of Free and Accepted Masons was organized by General Tipton, and Charles W. Ewing elected secretary. About the time of his father's death Charles Ewing went to Detroit, where he practiced about two years, and marrying Miss Europe, traveling in Great Britain and on the Conti- nent, in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary. In the fall of 1871 he crossed the North American Continent to San Francisco, visit- ing Salt Lake City, the Yosemite Valley, and other points of interest. In the same year he aided in estab- lishing the Fort Wayne Steel Plow Works, and in 1875 became their sole owner. Since 1862 he has not resumed the practice of his profession, and since 1865, except as an occasional writer on political subjects for the public press, he has not taken any public part in politics. He has been for many years a member of the vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church, at Fort Wayne, and in 1879, was president of the board of trustees of the Fort Wayne Medical College. Mr. Edgerton has seven children liv- ing. His eldest daughter, Frances, is the wife of George Nelson, of Piqua, Ohio, who served through the Civil War as captain in the Twelfth Indiana Infantry. His second daughter, Helen, is the wife of Henry B. Rum- sey, a lieutenant commander in the United States Navy in 1870, and now a resident of Laramie City, Wyoming Territory. His eldest son, Edward C. Edgerton, grad- uated at West Point Military Academy in 1870. Mr. Edgerton's eldest brother, Alfred P., for many years a | distinguished citizen of Ohio, and since 1857 of Indiana, is still living. The second brother, Lycurgus, who was long a prominent merchant in the city of New York, died suddenly in November, 1878, near Salt Lake City, while negotiating the sale of the Horn Silver Mine, known as the Great Bonanza of Utah.




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.