Edgar A. Wedgwood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edgar A. Wedgwood
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From 1914's Men of Affairs in the State of Utah: A Newspaper Reference Work
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| Born | May 2, 1856 Lowell, Massachusetts |
| Died | January 31, 1920 (aged 63) Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Buried |
Mount Olivet Cemetery, Salt Lake City, Utah
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1876–1918 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | Company M, 1st Utah Infantry Regiment Battery A, Utah Light Artillery Utah National Guard 82nd Infantry Brigade, 41st Division Camp Greene, North Carolina |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War Philippine–American War World War I |
| Spouse(s) | Annie M. Shelton (m. 1886-1920, his death) |
| Children | 3 |
| Other work | Attorney |
Edgar A. Wedgwood (born May 2, 1856 – died January 31, 1920) was an important lawyer and military officer. He was known for his work in Nebraska and Utah. He served in the Spanish–American War, the Philippine–American War, and World War I. One of his most important jobs was being the top officer (called the adjutant general) for the Utah National Guard from 1910 to 1917.
Edgar Wedgwood was born in Lowell, Massachusetts. When he was young, he moved to Nebraska. There, he worked in the home building business. Even though he was a Democrat in an area that mostly supported the Republicans, he was elected sheriff of Hall County twice. He served as sheriff from 1885 to 1889. He also served on the city council in Grand Island and as city treasurer in Wood River. While he was sheriff, Wedgwood studied law. He became a lawyer in 1890.
After becoming a lawyer, Wedgwood moved to Utah. He practiced law first in Provo and then in Salt Lake City. He was involved in many charity groups and community activities. He also served on the state board that tests new lawyers for several years. Wedgwood had been part of the National Guard in both Nebraska and Utah. He joined the United States Army during the Spanish–American War and the Philippine–American War. He was even hurt during a battle in the Philippines. After returning to the United States, he stayed active in the National Guard. He served as the adjutant general of the Utah National Guard from 1907 to 1917.
Wedgwood returned to active military duty for World War I. He was made a brigadier general. He led the 82nd Infantry Brigade, which was part of the 41st Division. Sadly, he became ill. Because of his health, he could not go to France with his brigade. He retired from the military and went back to Salt Lake City in early 1918.
After returning to Utah, Wedgwood continued his work as a lawyer. He became sick in early 1920 and passed away on January 31, 1920. He was buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Salt Lake City.
Contents
Early Life and Moving West
Edgar Andrew Wedgwood was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on May 2, 1856. His parents were Theresa A. (Gould) Wedgwood and Andrew J. Wedgwood, who was a machinist (someone who works with machines). Edgar went to public schools in Lowell. He graduated from Lowell High School in 1873.
When Edgar was 23, his father moved the family to Grand Island, Nebraska. Edgar went with them. Besides helping on his father's farm, Edgar also became involved in building homes.
Starting a Career in Public Service
Even though Edgar Wedgwood was a Democrat in Hall County, which was mostly Republican, he won the election for county sheriff in 1885. He served as sheriff for four years, leaving office in 1889. While living in Grand Island, Wedgwood also served on the city council. After moving to Wood River, he became the city treasurer. While he was sheriff, Wedgwood studied law. In November 1890, he passed the test and became a lawyer.
Wedgwood was a member of several community groups like the Masons. He was also a very religious Baptist. He served his churches as a senior deacon and in other leadership roles. After moving to Utah, Wedgwood joined the board of directors for Salt Lake City's Charity Organization Society, which helped people in need. He also served on the state board that tests people who want to become lawyers.
His Work as a Lawyer
In 1890, Edgar Wedgwood was asked to join a law firm in Provo, Utah with George Sutherland. So, he moved to Utah. Sutherland later moved to Salt Lake City in 1893. Wedgwood then started a new law partnership with Samuel R. Thurman. Later, other lawyers joined the firm.
After returning from his military service in the Spanish–American War in 1898, Wedgwood moved to Salt Lake City. He continued to practice law there. Wedgwood became an expert in "irrigation law." This type of law deals with how water is used, especially for farming. He was known as an authority in this field.
Military Service and Leadership
Early Military Days
While still living in Massachusetts in the 1870s, Wedgwood helped start a new National Guard unit. The National Guard is a group of citizen soldiers who can be called upon to help in emergencies or wars. After moving to Nebraska, he helped organize another National Guard unit there. He stayed active in it until he moved to Utah.
Wedgwood continued his military service in the Utah National Guard. He started as a first lieutenant. By 1898, he was promoted to captain and was in charge of his company.
Fighting in the Spanish-American War
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When the Spanish–American War began, Wedgwood helped create a new artillery unit for federal service. He was chosen as the unit's first lieutenant. He was later promoted to captain and led Battery A. He served in the Philippines during the war.
Wedgwood took part in more than 20 battles during the Spanish–American War and the Philippine–American War that followed. He was wounded during the Battle of Quingua. After the war, veterans in Salt Lake City formed a group called the United Spanish War Veterans. They named their local group in Wedgwood's honor.
Leading the Utah National Guard
After returning to Utah in 1899, Wedgwood continued to be involved with the National Guard. Even though he was a Democrat in a mostly Republican state, and a Baptist in a state where many people were Mormons, he was appointed as the adjutant general of Utah in January 1907. This meant he was the top military officer for the state's National Guard. He was also promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He served two five-year terms, ending in January 1917. In 1913, he was chosen to be on a federal board that helped states plan and work with the national military.
Service in World War I
In 1917, Wedgwood volunteered to serve in World War I. He was made a brigadier general again. He was sent to Camp Fremont, California, to lead the 82nd Infantry Brigade. This brigade was part of the 41st Division. He trained his brigade at Camp Fremont and later at Camp Greene, North Carolina. However, he became very ill. Because of his health, Wedgwood was relieved of his command when the 41st Division left for France in November 1917.
After the 41st Division went to France, Wedgwood remained in charge of the military post at Camp Greene. He retired from the military due to his health in early 1918 and returned to Salt Lake City.
Later Life and Family
After returning to Utah, Wedgwood went back to working as a lawyer in Salt Lake City. He became sick in January 1920 and passed away in Salt Lake City on January 31, 1920. He was buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Doctors believed his death was caused by an infection from abscessed teeth.
In 1886, Wedgwood married Annie M. Shelton (1860-1941). She was from Chicago. They had two sons, Frederick (who died as a baby) and Bruce (1889-1948). They also had a daughter named Edgarda (1888-1973).
