Part of the Indiana Biographies Project
Nathan Edgerton
Nathan Edgerton, the first son of Samuel and Mary (Sargent) Edgerton, was born July 18, 1827, in Wayne Township, Wayne Co., Ind., and is a farmer by occupation. He remained with his parents until he was fifteen years of age, and then started in life for himself by working through the summer seasons by the month and going to school in winter, until he was eighteen years of age. He taught school in the winter and went to school in the summer until he was twenty-three years of age. During these years he maintained himself and assisted his parents in the maintenance of their family. Later he taught school and pursued his studies for eighteen months, studying for the practice of medicine, and taking one course of lectures at Cincinnati "Eclectic School," making great progress in his studies. In 1853 he was married to Ruthana Rogers, eldest daughter of Jacob and Christiana Rogers. There were five children by this union — William Rogers, John Owen, Jonathan Owen, Charles Francis, Lydia Jane and Jacob Franklin. The daughter died at the age of one year four months and thirteen days. These four sons are all of the highest type of manhood, and bid fair to be of the leading men of Wayne County. Farming always being his chosen vocation, he located in Franklin Township, where he remained until his death in 1876, being considered one of the best and most successful farmers in Wayne County. He became a member of the Society of Friends at the age of twenty-four, and from that date to the time of his death was considered a most worthy member of his church, always working for the up-building of the same, being loved by all that knew him, and counseled by the society. He was always ready to help the poor and needy, and to promote all good movements for public good.
Source:
History of Wayne County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884. Volume 2