Sidney Edgerton
Encyclopedia
Sidney Edgerton was a politician, lawyer, judge and teacher from Ohio
. He served during the American Civil War
, as a Squirrel Hunter. During this time, Edgerton served as a U.S. Congressman
. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln
appointed him the first Chief justice
of the Idaho Territorial Court
. Edgerton lobbied for the creation of separate territories, out of the Idaho Territory
, and in 1864, Abraham Lincoln
appointed Edgerton as the first Territorial Governor of Montana. During his term as Territorial Governor, he was an alleged member of the infamous Montana Vigilantes, and was reputedly among its founders.
He was a sickly child that was not expected to survive; burial clothing was ordered for him. He survived and, eventually, moved to Ohio
. He became a lawyer, and was involved in both the Free Soil Party
and the Republican Party
. After John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry
, Edgerton was invited, by Brown's family, to settle Brown's affairs. He never was able to meet with Brown. He had a successful career as a politician, and after his term ended in the Territory of Montana
, Edgerton returned to Ohio
. He served as a lawyer in his home state until his death in 1900.
, in 1818. His parents were Amos and Zerviah (Graham) Edgerton. He was a cousin of millionaire, Anson Greene Phelps
. As a child, Edgerton was so sickly and frail that burial clothes were prepared for him. He eventually grew to be a very healthy young man, but his father died when Edgerton was six months old. He attended country schools during his childhood. He later attended the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary
in Lima, New York
. He would later become an instructor there.
and began working in the law office of Congressman Rufus P. Spalding
. Edgerton also taught in an academy in Tallmadge, Ohio
, the same year. He studied law and graduated from the Cincinnati Law School
, in 1845. In 1846, Edgerton was admitted to the bar. He then began commencing practice, in Akron, Ohio
. During this time, Edgerton declared himself an Agnostic. He married Mary Wright (1827–1885) on May 18, 1848, but Mary almost ended the relationship, because of Edgerton's religious views.
, in 1848. He then served as prosecuting attorney
of Summit County, Ohio
, from 1852 to 1856. Later in 1856, Edgerton was a delegate to the first Republican National Convention
. That same year, he was nominated for probate judge, but he declined the nomination. Edgerton was elected as a Republican
to the United States House of Representatives
in 1858.
Edgerton began his House term in 1859. As an abolitionist, he was at risk of attack; when his term began, he purchased a sword for his defense. The sword was held, secretly, inside a walking cane. As an ardent anti-slavery member of the House of Representatives
, Edgerton made numerous speeches about its abolition. After John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry
, Edgerton was asked by Brown's family to come and settle his affairs. This was very dangerous, as Edgerton was anti-slavery. Edgerton went by train, and was joined by Congressman Alexander Boteler
and Congressman H. G. Blake
. While on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
, Boteler was told that the men did not need to go on. Boteler and Blake listened to the advice, but Edgerton refused to go back.
On his arrival at Charles Town
, Edgerton found the commander of Harper's Ferry, General William Taliaferro
. Edgerton told Taliaferro about his request, but Taliaferro informed him that Governor Wise
would only allow family and a minister to visit John Brown
. That night, Taliaferro arranged for a wagon to take him back to Washington D.C. Edgerton was given a driver and a guard, for his journey. During his ride back, a group of men on horses rode up, and Edgerton's guard jumped out of the wagon and ran. The men on horses retrieved the man, and brought him back to the wagon. Edgerton asked his guard why he ran, and the guard replied, "I heard them say that they would kill [you]". The men on horses then attempted to get Edgerton to leave the wagon, but he refused. He eventually made it out of Virginia, but always believed had he left the wagon, the men would have killed him. After this encounter, Edgerton viewed Southerners, generally, with contempt. Edgerton continued to be a large voice in the anti-slavery movement, but decided not to run for reelection in 1862.
, Edgerton served in the Union Army
as colonel
. Edgerton was one of the Squirrel Hunters, expert shots from Ohio, and served at the Defense of Cincinnati
. Edgerton served as both a U.S. Congressman
and soldier at the same time, during the first few years of the war.
, to be the Chief Justice
of the Territory of Idaho
. His salary was to be $2,500 a year (about $34,000 in 2009). He left with his wife, his children, his niece, Lucia Darling, his nephew, Wilbur F. Sanders
, Sanders' wife, Sanders' children, a family friend, Henry Tilden, and a young woman named Almarette Greer. Edgerton's group first travelled to Cleveland, Ohio
, by train, they then traveled, by boat, across Lake Erie
, continuing, by train, to St. Joseph, Missouri, they then travelled, by steamboat, to Omaha, Nebraska
. They then bought their provisions, and began their trip on ox-drawn wagons. The party was met by good weather, and no bad confrontations with Native Americans
. The group stopped at Chimney Rock
, to visit. They then started off again, on their trip. One incident that did happen was when Edgerton fell from one of the wagons, and was almost crushed by one of the wheels. The group arrived at South Pass
, in August 1863. After arriving in South Pass City
, Edgerton received a telegraph message saying that the capital of the Territory of Idaho
had yet to be decided. On August 15, as the group was heading west, a man arrived with a telegraph message saying that the capital of the Territory of Idaho
was to be at Lewiston
. The message was welcome news to the group, but knew that to get to Lewiston
, before the snows, would be difficult. As the group descended the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains
, it was discovered that Mary Edgerton was pregnant. In September, the group arrived at the trail, beginning at the Blackfoot River
. Edgerton realized, that it would not be possible to make it to Lewiston, before the snows. The group then changed its course for Bannack
. The party crossed the Snake River
, by ferry, on September 6. After crossing, they met Sheriff Henry Plummer
. This would not be the last meeting between Edgerton and Plummer. The group continued, and crossed Monida Pass
. The group finally made it to Bannack, on September 16.
After arriving in Bannack, Idaho Territory
, Edgerton reported to Territorial Governor William Wallace
. Edgerton requested the designation of courts and districts, but no court was designated for his district. Wallace appointed Edgerton to one of the farthest and most remote places away from the capitol. When he arrived there was no administrator to administer the oath of office. He never took the oath of office and therefore he never legally took his position as Chief Justice. The Edgerton's then bought a home at a Sheriff's sale for $400. The one room home became the first Montana Governor's Residence
. After arriving in his district, he began taking tours of the territory gold fields
and gold camps. Edgerton realized the value of the gold fields, to the Union
. He was then chosen, by the local population, to go to Washington D.C.. His mission was to lobby for the split of the Territory of Idaho
. Edgerton and Sanders then left in a stagecoach for Washington. Edgerton arrived with $2,500 in gold nugget
s in his pockets (about $34,000 in 2009). He presented this to President Abraham Lincoln
and numerous members of Congress. His lobbying paid off in 1864. That year the Territory of Idaho
split into three parts. The three parts included the Territory of Idaho
, the Territory of Montana
, and the Territory of Dakota
.
, Edgerton had a private meeting with President Abraham Lincoln
, in which he asked for the position of Territorial Governor of Montana. Lincoln told Edgerton that he would think about it. Edgerton then left for the west, unsure of whether or not he would have a new position when he arrived, but on May 23, 1864, while on his way home, Mary Edgerton had a baby girl. She named her Idaho, unknowing of the fact that it was now the Territory of Montana
. After seeing his skills in the Territory of Idaho
, President Abraham Lincoln
appointed Edgerton as the first Territorial Governor of Montana.
Lincoln appointed Edgerton on June 22, 1864, and Edgerton found out on his arrival at Bannack
. Bannack was created the capital of the Territory of Montana
, and the Edgertons were able to keep their same home. Edgerton was disliked by the people of the Territory of Montana
, as they felt little loyalty to the United States
. There were death threats for those who flew an American Flag. Edgerton put together a quick census
, so that an election could be held. The elections would be for the State Council, State House, and for the Delegate of the Territory of Montana to the House of Representatives. After the elections of 1865, Democrats
took power in the House, and took the Delegate seat in the House of Representatives. While the Republicans
took the Council. Numerous engagements between the Governor and Democrats
occurred, causing troubles for the Montana Legislature. In all, though, the legislature worked with Edgerton to pass numerous bills on roads, public education, irrigation, and mining.
In 1865, Edgerton began to have to deal with threats from Native Americans
. General Patrick Connor
was sent to handle these threats. He led an expedition against the Sioux
and Cheyenne
Indians, who were disrupting travelers along the Bozeman Trail
. Edgerton then issued a proclamation for five hundred volunteers to help defend immigrants. Numerous other battles were fought, and numerous treaties were signed between the Government of the Territory of Montana
and the Native Americans
.
In 1865, Edgerton was forced to go East to get funds for the territory. The revenues being received were not enough to pay for expenses, and Edgerton himself gave large sums of his own money to the territory. He hoped to both get funds for the state, and receive compensation for his expenditures. He would receive neither. Edgerton left the Territory, in September 1865. During this time, Edgerton was in the Washington D.C. While he was away, Thomas Francis Meagher
served as the acting Territorial Governor of Montana. Despite remaining governor, until January 13, 1866, Edgerton did not return to Montana
for 25 years. To express their dislike for Edgerton, the state legislature changed the name of Edgerton County to Lewis and Clark County
.
, began the Montana Vigilantes. This group began meeting in secret, and began trying and lynching suspected criminals. On January 10, 1864, Edgerton and the Montana Vigilantes traveled to Sheriff Henry Plummer
's home. Plummer was suspected of murder, and the men coaxed him from his sickbed. They then grabbed him, and brought him to a pine tree. Then the men put a noose over his neck, and slowly raised him to his death. Along with the lynching of Plummer, the Montana Vigilantes hung 22 road agents. After these actions Edgerton's nephew, Wilbur F. Sanders
, was forced to defend the group in Utah
courts.
. His family returned to Ohio, as well. It was here that he began practicing law. He was involved in his law practice until his death on July 19, 1900. He is buried in Tallmadge Cemetery, Tallmadge, Ohio
.
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
. He served during the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, as a Squirrel Hunter. During this time, Edgerton served as a U.S. Congressman
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through a great constitutional, military and moral crisis – the American Civil War – preserving the Union, while ending slavery, and...
appointed him the first Chief justice
Chief Justice
The Chief Justice in many countries is the name for the presiding member of a Supreme Court in Commonwealth or other countries with an Anglo-Saxon justice system based on English common law, such as the Supreme Court of Canada, the Constitutional Court of South Africa, the Court of Final Appeal of...
of the Idaho Territorial Court
Idaho Supreme Court
The Idaho Supreme Court is the state supreme court of the state of Idaho, composed of the chief justice and four associate justices.The decisions of the Idaho Supreme Court are binding on all other Idaho state courts.The only court that may reverse or modify its decisions is the Supreme Court of...
. Edgerton lobbied for the creation of separate territories, out of the Idaho Territory
Idaho Territory
The Territory of Idaho was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from March 4, 1863, until July 3, 1890, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Idaho.-1860s:...
, and in 1864, Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through a great constitutional, military and moral crisis – the American Civil War – preserving the Union, while ending slavery, and...
appointed Edgerton as the first Territorial Governor of Montana. During his term as Territorial Governor, he was an alleged member of the infamous Montana Vigilantes, and was reputedly among its founders.
He was a sickly child that was not expected to survive; burial clothing was ordered for him. He survived and, eventually, moved to Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
. He became a lawyer, and was involved in both the Free Soil Party
Free Soil Party
The Free Soil Party was a short-lived political party in the United States active in the 1848 and 1852 presidential elections, and in some state elections. It was a third party and a single-issue party that largely appealed to and drew its greatest strength from New York State. The party leadership...
and the Republican Party
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
. After John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry
John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry
John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry was an attempt by white abolitionist John Brown to start an armed slave revolt by seizing a United States Arsenal at Harpers Ferry in Virginia in 1859...
, Edgerton was invited, by Brown's family, to settle Brown's affairs. He never was able to meet with Brown. He had a successful career as a politician, and after his term ended in the Territory of Montana
Montana Territory
The Territory of Montana was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from May 28, 1864, until November 8, 1889, when it was admitted to the Union as the State of Montana.-History:...
, Edgerton returned to Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
. He served as a lawyer in his home state until his death in 1900.
Early life
Edgerton was born in Cazenovia, New YorkCazenovia (town), New York
Cazenovia is a town in Madison County, New York, United States. The population was 6,481 at the 2000 census. The town is named after Theophilus Cazenove, an agent of the Holland Land Company.The Town of Cazenovia has a village also named Cazenovia...
, in 1818. His parents were Amos and Zerviah (Graham) Edgerton. He was a cousin of millionaire, Anson Greene Phelps
Anson Greene Phelps
Anson Greene Phelps was a co-founder of mining company Phelps Dodge, which he founded in 1833 along with his son-in-law William E. Dodge.-Early life:...
. As a child, Edgerton was so sickly and frail that burial clothes were prepared for him. He eventually grew to be a very healthy young man, but his father died when Edgerton was six months old. He attended country schools during his childhood. He later attended the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary
Genesee Wesleyan Seminary
The Genesee Wesleyan Seminary was the name of two institutions located on the same site in Lima, New York.The Genesee Wesleyan Seminary was founded in 1831 by the Genesee Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The plan for its establishment dates to 1829 when the Conference...
in Lima, New York
Lima (town), New York
Lima is a town in Livingston County, New York, U.S. The population was 4,541 at the 2000 census.The town of Lima is in the northeast part of the county, south of Rochester...
. He would later become an instructor there.
Early career
In 1844, he moved to OhioOhio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
and began working in the law office of Congressman Rufus P. Spalding
Rufus P. Spalding
Rufus Paine Spalding was a nineteenth century politician, lawyer and judge from Ohio.-Early life:Born in West Tisbury, Massachusetts, Spalding graduated from Yale College in 1817. After graduating, Spalding began his study of law as an apprentice under Zephaniah Swift...
. Edgerton also taught in an academy in Tallmadge, Ohio
Tallmadge, Ohio
As of the census of 2000, there were 16,390 people, 6,273 households, and 4,711 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,173.9 people per square mile . There were 6,494 housing units at an average density of 465.1 per square mile...
, the same year. He studied law and graduated from the Cincinnati Law School
University of Cincinnati College of Law
The University of Cincinnati College of Law is the fourth oldest continually running law school in the United States and a founding member of the Association of American Law Schools. It was started in 1833 as the Cincinnati Law School...
, in 1845. In 1846, Edgerton was admitted to the bar. He then began commencing practice, in Akron, Ohio
Akron, Ohio
Akron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
. During this time, Edgerton declared himself an Agnostic. He married Mary Wright (1827–1885) on May 18, 1848, but Mary almost ended the relationship, because of Edgerton's religious views.
Political career
Edgerton was a delegate to the convention that formed the Free Soil PartyFree Soil Party
The Free Soil Party was a short-lived political party in the United States active in the 1848 and 1852 presidential elections, and in some state elections. It was a third party and a single-issue party that largely appealed to and drew its greatest strength from New York State. The party leadership...
, in 1848. He then served as prosecuting attorney
Prosecutor
The prosecutor is the chief legal representative of the prosecution in countries with either the common law adversarial system, or the civil law inquisitorial system...
of Summit County, Ohio
Summit County, Ohio
Summit County is an urban county located in the state of Ohio, United States. As of the 2000 census, the population was 542,899. In the 2010 Census the population was 541,781. Its county seat is Akron...
, from 1852 to 1856. Later in 1856, Edgerton was a delegate to the first Republican National Convention
1856 Republican National Convention
The 1856 Republican National Convention convened from June 17 to June 19, 1856 at the Musical Fund Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, and nominated General John C. Frémont of California and former Senator William Dayton of New Jersey for President and Vice President of the United...
. That same year, he was nominated for probate judge, but he declined the nomination. Edgerton was elected as a Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
to the United States House of Representatives
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
in 1858.
House of Representatives and John Brown
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
, Edgerton made numerous speeches about its abolition. After John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry
John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry
John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry was an attempt by white abolitionist John Brown to start an armed slave revolt by seizing a United States Arsenal at Harpers Ferry in Virginia in 1859...
, Edgerton was asked by Brown's family to come and settle his affairs. This was very dangerous, as Edgerton was anti-slavery. Edgerton went by train, and was joined by Congressman Alexander Boteler
Alexander Boteler
Alexander Robinson Boteler was a nineteenth century politician and clerk from Virginia.-Biography:Born in Shepherdstown, Virginia , Boteler graduated from Princeton College in 1835 and engaged in agriculture and literary pursuits...
and Congressman H. G. Blake
Harrison G. O. Blake
Harrison Gray Otis Blake was a U.S. Representative from Ohio.Born in Newfane, Vermont, Blake moved to Salem, New York, and in 1830 to Guilford, Ohio.He attended the public schools....
. While on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
B & O Railroad Potomac River Crossing
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Crossings at the Potomac River are a set of railroad bridges that span the Potomac River between Maryland Heights, Maryland and Harpers Ferry, West Virginia in the United States. Two bridges comprise the current crossing...
, Boteler was told that the men did not need to go on. Boteler and Blake listened to the advice, but Edgerton refused to go back.
On his arrival at Charles Town
Charles Town, West Virginia
Charles Town is a city in and the county seat of Jefferson County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 2,907 at the 2000 census. Due to its similar name, travelers have sometimes confused this city with the state's capital, Charleston.-History:...
, Edgerton found the commander of Harper's Ferry, General William Taliaferro
William B. Taliaferro
William Booth Taliaferro , was a United States Army officer, a lawyer, legislator, and Confederate general in the American Civil War.-Early life:...
. Edgerton told Taliaferro about his request, but Taliaferro informed him that Governor Wise
Henry A. Wise
Henry Alexander Wise was an American politician and governor of Virginia, as well as a general in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War.-Early life:...
would only allow family and a minister to visit John Brown
John Brown (abolitionist)
John Brown was an American revolutionary abolitionist, who in the 1850s advocated and practiced armed insurrection as a means to abolish slavery in the United States. He led the Pottawatomie Massacre during which five men were killed, in 1856 in Bleeding Kansas, and made his name in the...
. That night, Taliaferro arranged for a wagon to take him back to Washington D.C. Edgerton was given a driver and a guard, for his journey. During his ride back, a group of men on horses rode up, and Edgerton's guard jumped out of the wagon and ran. The men on horses retrieved the man, and brought him back to the wagon. Edgerton asked his guard why he ran, and the guard replied, "I heard them say that they would kill [you]". The men on horses then attempted to get Edgerton to leave the wagon, but he refused. He eventually made it out of Virginia, but always believed had he left the wagon, the men would have killed him. After this encounter, Edgerton viewed Southerners, generally, with contempt. Edgerton continued to be a large voice in the anti-slavery movement, but decided not to run for reelection in 1862.
American Civil War
During the Civil WarAmerican Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, Edgerton served in the Union Army
Union Army
The Union Army was the land force that fought for the Union during the American Civil War. It was also known as the Federal Army, the U.S. Army, the Northern Army and the National Army...
as colonel
Colonel (United States)
In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, colonel is a senior field grade military officer rank just above the rank of lieutenant colonel and just below the rank of brigadier general...
. Edgerton was one of the Squirrel Hunters, expert shots from Ohio, and served at the Defense of Cincinnati
Defense of Cincinnati
The Defense of Cincinnati occurred during what is now referred to as the Confederate Heartland Offensive of American Civil War from September 1 through September 13, 1862, when Cincinnati, Ohio, was threatened by Confederate forces....
. Edgerton served as both a U.S. Congressman
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
and soldier at the same time, during the first few years of the war.
Territory of Idaho
In 1863, Edgerton was appointed, by President Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through a great constitutional, military and moral crisis – the American Civil War – preserving the Union, while ending slavery, and...
, to be the Chief Justice
United States federal judge
In the United States, the title of federal judge usually means a judge appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate in accordance with Article II of the United States Constitution....
of the Territory of Idaho
Idaho Territory
The Territory of Idaho was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from March 4, 1863, until July 3, 1890, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Idaho.-1860s:...
. His salary was to be $2,500 a year (about $34,000 in 2009). He left with his wife, his children, his niece, Lucia Darling, his nephew, Wilbur F. Sanders
Wilbur F. Sanders
Wilbur Fiske Sanders was a United States Senator from Montana, a skilled lawyer and played a prominent role in the state's development.- Biography :...
, Sanders' wife, Sanders' children, a family friend, Henry Tilden, and a young woman named Almarette Greer. Edgerton's group first travelled to Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and is the county seat of Cuyahoga County, the most populous county in the state. The city is located in northeastern Ohio on the southern shore of Lake Erie, approximately west of the Pennsylvania border...
, by train, they then traveled, by boat, across Lake Erie
Lake Erie
Lake Erie is the fourth largest lake of the five Great Lakes in North America, and the tenth largest globally. It is the southernmost, shallowest, and smallest by volume of the Great Lakes and therefore also has the shortest average water residence time. It is bounded on the north by the...
, continuing, by train, to St. Joseph, Missouri, they then travelled, by steamboat, to Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha is the largest city in the state of Nebraska, United States, and is the county seat of Douglas County. It is located in the Midwestern United States on the Missouri River, about 20 miles north of the mouth of the Platte River...
. They then bought their provisions, and began their trip on ox-drawn wagons. The party was met by good weather, and no bad confrontations with Native Americans
Indigenous peoples of the Americas
The indigenous peoples of the Americas are the pre-Columbian inhabitants of North and South America, their descendants and other ethnic groups who are identified with those peoples. Indigenous peoples are known in Canada as Aboriginal peoples, and in the United States as Native Americans...
. The group stopped at Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Chimney Rock is a prominent geological rock formation in Morrill County in western Nebraska. Rising nearly 300 feet above the surrounding North Platte River valley, the peak of Chimney Rock is above sea level. During the middle 19th century it served as a landmark along the Oregon Trail, the...
, to visit. They then started off again, on their trip. One incident that did happen was when Edgerton fell from one of the wagons, and was almost crushed by one of the wheels. The group arrived at South Pass
South Pass
South Pass is two mountain passes on the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Wyoming. The passes are located in a broad low region, 35 miles broad, between the Wind River Range to the north and the Oregon Buttes and Great Divide Basin to the south, in southwestern Fremont...
, in August 1863. After arriving in South Pass City
South Pass City, Wyoming
South Pass City is an unincorporated community in Fremont County, Wyoming, United States. It is located 2 miles south of the intersection of highways 28 and 131. The closest town is Atlantic City...
, Edgerton received a telegraph message saying that the capital of the Territory of Idaho
Idaho Territory
The Territory of Idaho was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from March 4, 1863, until July 3, 1890, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Idaho.-1860s:...
had yet to be decided. On August 15, as the group was heading west, a man arrived with a telegraph message saying that the capital of the Territory of Idaho
Idaho Territory
The Territory of Idaho was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from March 4, 1863, until July 3, 1890, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Idaho.-1860s:...
was to be at Lewiston
Lewiston, Idaho
Lewiston is a city in and also the county seat of Nez Perce County in the Pacific Northwest state of Idaho. It is the second-largest city in the northern Idaho region, behind Coeur d'Alene and ninth-largest in the state. Lewiston is the principal city of the Lewiston, ID - Clarkston, WA...
. The message was welcome news to the group, but knew that to get to Lewiston
Lewiston, Idaho
Lewiston is a city in and also the county seat of Nez Perce County in the Pacific Northwest state of Idaho. It is the second-largest city in the northern Idaho region, behind Coeur d'Alene and ninth-largest in the state. Lewiston is the principal city of the Lewiston, ID - Clarkston, WA...
, before the snows, would be difficult. As the group descended the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains are a major mountain range in western North America. The Rocky Mountains stretch more than from the northernmost part of British Columbia, in western Canada, to New Mexico, in the southwestern United States...
, it was discovered that Mary Edgerton was pregnant. In September, the group arrived at the trail, beginning at the Blackfoot River
Blackfoot River (Idaho)
The Blackfoot River is a tributary of the Snake River in the U.S. state of Idaho. Formed by the confluence of Diamond Creek and Lanes Creek, it flows to its mouth at the Snake River. The river is part of the Columbia River Basin....
. Edgerton realized, that it would not be possible to make it to Lewiston, before the snows. The group then changed its course for Bannack
Bannack, Montana
Bannack is a ghost town in Beaverhead County, Montana, United States, located on Grasshopper Creek, approximately upstream from where Grasshopper Creek joins with the Beaverhead River south of Dillon.-History:...
. The party crossed the Snake River
Snake River
The Snake is a major river of the greater Pacific Northwest in the United States. At long, it is the largest tributary of the Columbia River, the largest North American river that empties into the Pacific Ocean...
, by ferry, on September 6. After crossing, they met Sheriff Henry Plummer
Henry Plummer
Henry Plummer served as sheriff of what became Bannack, Montana, from May 24, 1863 until January 10, 1864, when he was hanged without legal system trial by the controversial Montana Vigilantes. [Notes of historical clarification: the original Idaho Territory, declared July 4, 1863 at Lewiston,...
. This would not be the last meeting between Edgerton and Plummer. The group continued, and crossed Monida Pass
Monida Pass
Monida Pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of the northwestern United States, at an elevation of 6870 feet above sea level on Interstate 15....
. The group finally made it to Bannack, on September 16.
After arriving in Bannack, Idaho Territory
Bannack, Montana
Bannack is a ghost town in Beaverhead County, Montana, United States, located on Grasshopper Creek, approximately upstream from where Grasshopper Creek joins with the Beaverhead River south of Dillon.-History:...
, Edgerton reported to Territorial Governor William Wallace
William H. Wallace
William Henson Wallace was an important figure in the early histories of two U.S. states, serving as governor and Congressional delegate from both Washington Territory and Idaho Territory.Wallace's older brother David Wallace served as a Whig Governor of Indiana from 1837 to 1840...
. Edgerton requested the designation of courts and districts, but no court was designated for his district. Wallace appointed Edgerton to one of the farthest and most remote places away from the capitol. When he arrived there was no administrator to administer the oath of office. He never took the oath of office and therefore he never legally took his position as Chief Justice. The Edgerton's then bought a home at a Sheriff's sale for $400. The one room home became the first Montana Governor's Residence
Montana Governor's Residence
Montana Governor's Residence is located at 2 Carson Street, Helena, Montana. It began operation as the governor's residence in 1959 replacing the old Governor's Mansion...
. After arriving in his district, he began taking tours of the territory gold fields
Gold Fields
Gold Fields Limited is a South African gold mining firm, one of the world’s largest, which is listed on both the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange ....
and gold camps. Edgerton realized the value of the gold fields, to the Union
Union (American Civil War)
During the American Civil War, the Union was a name used to refer to the federal government of the United States, which was supported by the twenty free states and five border slave states. It was opposed by 11 southern slave states that had declared a secession to join together to form the...
. He was then chosen, by the local population, to go to Washington D.C.. His mission was to lobby for the split of the Territory of Idaho
Idaho Territory
The Territory of Idaho was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from March 4, 1863, until July 3, 1890, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Idaho.-1860s:...
. Edgerton and Sanders then left in a stagecoach for Washington. Edgerton arrived with $2,500 in gold nugget
Gold nugget
A gold nugget is a naturally occurring piece of native gold. Watercourses often concentrate and grow the nuggets. Nuggets are recovered by placer mining, but they are also found in residual deposits where the gold-bearing veins or lodes are weathered...
s in his pockets (about $34,000 in 2009). He presented this to President Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through a great constitutional, military and moral crisis – the American Civil War – preserving the Union, while ending slavery, and...
and numerous members of Congress. His lobbying paid off in 1864. That year the Territory of Idaho
Idaho Territory
The Territory of Idaho was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from March 4, 1863, until July 3, 1890, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Idaho.-1860s:...
split into three parts. The three parts included the Territory of Idaho
Idaho Territory
The Territory of Idaho was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from March 4, 1863, until July 3, 1890, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Idaho.-1860s:...
, the Territory of Montana
Montana Territory
The Territory of Montana was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from May 28, 1864, until November 8, 1889, when it was admitted to the Union as the State of Montana.-History:...
, and the Territory of Dakota
Dakota Territory
The Territory of Dakota was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from March 2, 1861, until November 2, 1889, when the final extent of the reduced territory was split and admitted to the Union as the states of North and South Dakota.The Dakota Territory consisted of...
.
Territory of Montana
Before leaving Washington D.C. for the Territory of IdahoIdaho Territory
The Territory of Idaho was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from March 4, 1863, until July 3, 1890, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Idaho.-1860s:...
, Edgerton had a private meeting with President Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through a great constitutional, military and moral crisis – the American Civil War – preserving the Union, while ending slavery, and...
, in which he asked for the position of Territorial Governor of Montana. Lincoln told Edgerton that he would think about it. Edgerton then left for the west, unsure of whether or not he would have a new position when he arrived, but on May 23, 1864, while on his way home, Mary Edgerton had a baby girl. She named her Idaho, unknowing of the fact that it was now the Territory of Montana
Montana Territory
The Territory of Montana was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from May 28, 1864, until November 8, 1889, when it was admitted to the Union as the State of Montana.-History:...
. After seeing his skills in the Territory of Idaho
Idaho Territory
The Territory of Idaho was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from March 4, 1863, until July 3, 1890, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Idaho.-1860s:...
, President Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through a great constitutional, military and moral crisis – the American Civil War – preserving the Union, while ending slavery, and...
appointed Edgerton as the first Territorial Governor of Montana.
Lincoln appointed Edgerton on June 22, 1864, and Edgerton found out on his arrival at Bannack
Bannack, Montana
Bannack is a ghost town in Beaverhead County, Montana, United States, located on Grasshopper Creek, approximately upstream from where Grasshopper Creek joins with the Beaverhead River south of Dillon.-History:...
. Bannack was created the capital of the Territory of Montana
Montana Territory
The Territory of Montana was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from May 28, 1864, until November 8, 1889, when it was admitted to the Union as the State of Montana.-History:...
, and the Edgertons were able to keep their same home. Edgerton was disliked by the people of the Territory of Montana
Montana Territory
The Territory of Montana was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from May 28, 1864, until November 8, 1889, when it was admitted to the Union as the State of Montana.-History:...
, as they felt little loyalty to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. There were death threats for those who flew an American Flag. Edgerton put together a quick census
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
, so that an election could be held. The elections would be for the State Council, State House, and for the Delegate of the Territory of Montana to the House of Representatives. After the elections of 1865, Democrats
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
took power in the House, and took the Delegate seat in the House of Representatives. While the Republicans
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
took the Council. Numerous engagements between the Governor and Democrats
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
occurred, causing troubles for the Montana Legislature. In all, though, the legislature worked with Edgerton to pass numerous bills on roads, public education, irrigation, and mining.
In 1865, Edgerton began to have to deal with threats from Native Americans
Indigenous peoples of the Americas
The indigenous peoples of the Americas are the pre-Columbian inhabitants of North and South America, their descendants and other ethnic groups who are identified with those peoples. Indigenous peoples are known in Canada as Aboriginal peoples, and in the United States as Native Americans...
. General Patrick Connor
Patrick Edward Connor
Patrick Edward Connor was a Union General during the American Civil War. He was most famous for his campaigns against Native Americans in the American Old West.-Early life and career:...
was sent to handle these threats. He led an expedition against the Sioux
Sioux
The Sioux are Native American and First Nations people in North America. The term can refer to any ethnic group within the Great Sioux Nation or any of the nation's many language dialects...
and Cheyenne
Cheyenne
Cheyenne are a Native American people of the Great Plains, who are of the Algonquian language family. The Cheyenne Nation is composed of two united tribes, the Só'taeo'o and the Tsétsêhéstâhese .The Cheyenne are thought to have branched off other tribes of Algonquian stock inhabiting lands...
Indians, who were disrupting travelers along the Bozeman Trail
Bozeman Trail
The Bozeman Trail was an overland route connecting the gold rush territory of Montana to the Oregon Trail. Its most important period was from 1863-1868. The flow of pioneers and settlers through territory of American Indians provoked their resentment and caused attacks. The U.S. Army undertook...
. Edgerton then issued a proclamation for five hundred volunteers to help defend immigrants. Numerous other battles were fought, and numerous treaties were signed between the Government of the Territory of Montana
Montana Territory
The Territory of Montana was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from May 28, 1864, until November 8, 1889, when it was admitted to the Union as the State of Montana.-History:...
and the Native Americans
Indigenous peoples of the Americas
The indigenous peoples of the Americas are the pre-Columbian inhabitants of North and South America, their descendants and other ethnic groups who are identified with those peoples. Indigenous peoples are known in Canada as Aboriginal peoples, and in the United States as Native Americans...
.
In 1865, Edgerton was forced to go East to get funds for the territory. The revenues being received were not enough to pay for expenses, and Edgerton himself gave large sums of his own money to the territory. He hoped to both get funds for the state, and receive compensation for his expenditures. He would receive neither. Edgerton left the Territory, in September 1865. During this time, Edgerton was in the Washington D.C. While he was away, Thomas Francis Meagher
Thomas Francis Meagher
-Young Ireland:Meagher returned to Ireland in 1843, with undecided plans for a career in the Austrian army, a tradition among a number of Irish families. In 1844 he traveled to Dublin with the intention of studying for the bar. He became involved in the Repeal Association, which worked for repeal...
served as the acting Territorial Governor of Montana. Despite remaining governor, until January 13, 1866, Edgerton did not return to Montana
Montana
Montana is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges" are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name,...
for 25 years. To express their dislike for Edgerton, the state legislature changed the name of Edgerton County to Lewis and Clark County
Lewis and Clark County, Montana
-National protected areas:* Flathead National Forest * Helena National Forest * Lewis and Clark National Forest * Lolo National Forest * Rocky Mountain Front Conservation Area -Demographics:...
.
Montana Vigilantes
After numerous acts of lawlessness, and with no help from the non-existent court system, Governor Edgerton and his nephew, Wilbur F. SandersWilbur F. Sanders
Wilbur Fiske Sanders was a United States Senator from Montana, a skilled lawyer and played a prominent role in the state's development.- Biography :...
, began the Montana Vigilantes. This group began meeting in secret, and began trying and lynching suspected criminals. On January 10, 1864, Edgerton and the Montana Vigilantes traveled to Sheriff Henry Plummer
Henry Plummer
Henry Plummer served as sheriff of what became Bannack, Montana, from May 24, 1863 until January 10, 1864, when he was hanged without legal system trial by the controversial Montana Vigilantes. [Notes of historical clarification: the original Idaho Territory, declared July 4, 1863 at Lewiston,...
's home. Plummer was suspected of murder, and the men coaxed him from his sickbed. They then grabbed him, and brought him to a pine tree. Then the men put a noose over his neck, and slowly raised him to his death. Along with the lynching of Plummer, the Montana Vigilantes hung 22 road agents. After these actions Edgerton's nephew, Wilbur F. Sanders
Wilbur F. Sanders
Wilbur Fiske Sanders was a United States Senator from Montana, a skilled lawyer and played a prominent role in the state's development.- Biography :...
, was forced to defend the group in Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
courts.
Death
After serving as the Territorial Governor of Montana, in 1866, Edgerton returned to Akron, OhioAkron, Ohio
Akron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
. His family returned to Ohio, as well. It was here that he began practicing law. He was involved in his law practice until his death on July 19, 1900. He is buried in Tallmadge Cemetery, Tallmadge, Ohio
Tallmadge, Ohio
As of the census of 2000, there were 16,390 people, 6,273 households, and 4,711 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,173.9 people per square mile . There were 6,494 housing units at an average density of 465.1 per square mile...
.