Edward M. Yerger facts for kids

Edward M. Yerger (1828 – April 22, 1875) was an American newspaper editor and military officer. He was known for his work in the newspaper world and for a significant legal case, Ex parte Yerger, which went all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States. This case was about a legal right called Habeas corpus, which protects people from being held without a proper reason.

Who Was Edward M. Yerger?

Edward M. Yerger had an interesting life that combined journalism and military service. He was involved in the newspaper industry for many years, working on different papers across the Southern United States. He also served as a military officer during a very important time in American history.

Early Life and Education

Edward Yerger was born in 1828 in Nashville, Tennessee. He was the youngest son of George Shall Yerger, who was a well-known lawyer and the Attorney General of Tennessee. Edward and his family later moved to Mississippi.

He attended Oakland College, where he completed his education. After his studies, Edward Yerger became a colonel in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War.

A Career in Newspapers

Edward Yerger worked as an editor for several newspapers during his career. Some of these included the Daily Mississippian in Jackson, the Jackson Daily News, the Herald in Vicksburg, and the Evening Journal in Baltimore.

He was known for his strong opinions and sometimes had disagreements with other newspaper editors. For example, in 1867, he had a conflict with I.M. Patridge from the Herald because of an article that criticized his paper, the Mississippian. He also had rivalries with Colonel Manlove of the Vicksburg Times and Major Barksdale of the Jackson Clarion. Yerger later worked for the Vicksburg Herald before leaving in 1868.

A Famous Legal Case

Edward Yerger was involved in a very important legal case known as Ex parte Yerger. This case was heard by the Supreme Court of the United States. It was about the legal right of Habeas corpus. This right allows a person who is arrested to ask a court to decide if their arrest and detention are lawful. Yerger's case challenged the power of military authorities to hold civilians. The Supreme Court's decision in this case helped to clarify the limits of military power over civilians.

Later Life and Passing

Edward Yerger spent his later years in Baltimore, Maryland. He passed away there on April 22, 1875, at the age of 47.