EDGAR J. WEBSTER. – Mr. Webster not only has a claim upon our interests as a citizen of Washington Territory, but also as a veteran of the war. Born in Michigan in 1847, he was of an age, at the commencement of hostilities, to enter the army, whither his father and three brothers had already gone. At the battle of Cold Harbor, he was shot through both legs, and after a year’s confinement in the hospital returned home and pursued the legal and special literary course at the State University. During the last year of his course, he was appointed private secretary of Thomas M. Cooley, and through him received the appointment of United States deputy marshal for taking the census of 1870. Finishing that arduous work, he began the practice of his profession at Hudson, Michigan, but within a year suffered a loss of all his office and equipment by fire. This led him to make a tour of California, during which he also visited nearly all the towns and cities in the West, and returned home by water by way of New York City. Disposing of his property, he returned by water to the Golden state, visiting the cities of Mexico and Central America on the way. At Oakland he found employment as deputy county clerk, and afterwards practiced law, remaining ten years. There he was also married to Miss Ida S. Grisby. In 1883 he came to Spokane Falls, Washington Territory, locating permanently and engaging in the practice of his profession. He furthermore undertook real-estate and mining interests. he has identified himself largely with the educational interests of the city, developing the present admirable school system, and has acted for six years as trustee. He is one of the foremost in these as in all the public concerns of the city of his choice.
