Edgar J. Webster: Soldier, Builder and Founder

EDGAR J. WEBSTER. – 1847 - 1939

Born in Michigan in 1847, Edgar Webster enlisted as a Private in the Independent Company of the Fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry on March 2, 1864, at Hudson, Michigan, for 3 years’ service. A month earlier, his father, Andrew J. Webster, had enlisted in the same unit.

Edgar was wounded in action while assigned to serve on detached service with Company F of the First Michigan Infantry on June 3, 1864, at Old Church, Virginia, 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. while assigned to serve on detached service with Company F of the First Michigan Infantry, by order, July 2, 1864, at Petersburg, Virginia. He was discharged from service approximately a year later.

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.

Upon locating here he at once invested in property and began the practice of law, Spokane at that time being a town of about 700 inhabitants. Soon, however, he turned his attention to real-estate business, and operated very extensively. Mr. Webster has been closely connected with the various enterprises which have transformed Spokane from a small town to a rapidly growing city. He was president of the Ross Park Street Railroad Company; was one of the founders of the Fairmount Cemetery Association, which in one of the most beautiful memorial parks in the State as well as still being in operation today.

It is, however, in an educational line that Mr. Webster has, perhaps, done the most to advance Spokane's interests. For six years he has acted as a member of the School Board, and for three years has been President of the Board. During this time the sites of the present school buildings were selected, and the corps of teachers was increased from four to twenty-four. To his exertions in behalf of the educational interests much of the present admirable school system is due.