Alonzo J. Edgerton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alonzo J. Edgerton
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| Judge of the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota | |
| In office November 19, 1889 – August 9, 1896 |
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| Appointed by | Benjamin Harrison |
| Preceded by | Seat established by 25 Stat. 676 |
| Succeeded by | John Emmett Carland |
| United States Senator from Minnesota |
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| In office March 12, 1881 – November 14, 1881 |
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| Preceded by | William Windom |
| Succeeded by | William Windom |
| Member of the Minnesota Senate | |
| In office 1858-1859 |
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| Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives | |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Alonzo Jay Edgerton
June 7, 1827 Rome, New York |
| Died | August 9, 1896 (aged 69) Sioux Falls, South Dakota |
| Resting place | Evergreen Cemetery Mantorville, Minnesota |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | Wesleyan University read law |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United StatesUnion |
| Branch/service |  United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1867 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 10th Minnesota Infantry Regiment 67th United States Colored Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Alonzo Jay Edgerton (born June 7, 1827 – died August 9, 1896) was an important American leader. He served as a U.S. Senator for Minnesota. He was also a federal judge in South Dakota.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Alonzo Jay Edgerton was born on June 7, 1827. His hometown was Rome, in New York State. He went to Wesleyan University and finished his studies in 1850. After college, he decided to study law. He did this by reading law, which means he learned by working with an experienced lawyer. He became a lawyer in 1855.
Starting a Career in Minnesota
After becoming a lawyer, Edgerton moved to Mantorville, Minnesota. He started his own law practice there in 1855. He also worked as a prosecutor for Dodge County. This meant he represented the government in legal cases.
Public Service and Military Role
Alonzo Edgerton was a dedicated public servant. He held several important roles in Minnesota.
Serving in the Minnesota Legislature
Edgerton was elected to the Minnesota Senate. He served as a state senator from 1858 to 1859. Later, he also served in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Fighting in the Civil War
In 1862, the American Civil War began. Edgerton helped organize a group of soldiers. This group became part of the Tenth Minnesota Infantry Volunteers. He showed great leadership during the war. By 1864, he became a Colonel. He led the 67th Regiment Infantry United States Colored Troops. This was a unit made up of African American soldiers. On March 13, 1865, he was given the honorary rank of Brevet Brigadier General. This was a special recognition for his brave service.
Returning to Civilian Life
After the war, Edgerton went back to his law practice in Mantorville. He also took on other important jobs. From 1871 to 1874, he was the Railroad Commissioner for Minnesota. He also became a leader at the University of Minnesota in 1872.
Time in the U.S. Senate
Alonzo Edgerton was a member of the Republican Party. He was chosen to be a U.S. Senator for Minnesota. He took office on March 12, 1881. He served in the United States Senate until October 30, 1881.
Becoming a Federal Judge
After his time in the Senate, Edgerton continued his public service.
Judge in Dakota Territory
From 1881 to 1885, he served as a judge. He worked for the District Court of the Dakota Territory. This area later became the states of North and South Dakota. He then returned to private law practice in Mitchell, South Dakota.
Leading South Dakota's Constitution
In 1889, South Dakota was preparing to become a state. Alonzo Edgerton was chosen to be the President of the state's constitutional convention. This was a very important meeting. Leaders wrote the rules and laws for the new state.
Serving as a U.S. District Judge
On November 19, 1889, President Benjamin Harrison chose Edgerton to be a federal judge. He became a judge for the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota. The United States Senate approved his appointment in January 1890. He served as a federal judge until he passed away. Alonzo Jay Edgerton died on August 9, 1896, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Mantorville, Minnesota.
Legacy
Alonzo Edgerton was a freemason. The town of Edgerton, Minnesota, was named in his honor. This shows how much he was respected.
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Alonzo Jay Edgerton
