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Edgerton

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Leonard Pember Edgerton, son of Justin Pember and Mary (Barrows) Edgerton.                               PHOTO

Harriet Eliza Flower, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Francis) Flower.

Children:

1. Frank Carlton, b. January 7, 1857; Windham, Windham Co., CT. 
2. Minnie F., b. November 1860; Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY.

The Historic Record of the Town of Meriden, Connecticut, Vol 2 (1906, pp. 523-524) gives the following biography of Leonard Pember Edgerton:

“L. P. Edgerton, the senior member of the firm of Edgerton & Immich, is a native of Coventry, Tolland county, Conn., and was born January 31, 1833. He is the son of Justin P. and Mary (Barrows) Edgerton. His father and grandfather carried on adjoining farms at Coventry, where the family were tillers of the soil for many generations before.

Mr. Edgerton obtained his education by attending the district school during three months of the year and remained upon the farm of his father until the age of twenty-two, when he began his mercantile career by entering a grocery store at Willimantic. He afterwards spent eight years in New York City with his brother, David B., in the manufacture of cloaks and wraps and conducted a wholesale business. During the Civil war, in connection with his brother, Mr. Edgerton opened a store at Norfolk, Va., which he carried on for six months. During this time his patrons were comprised entirely of northern soldiers, owing to the bitter feeling against the north which prevailed at that time. On account of ill health, Mr. Edgerton removed from New York City to New Britain, and to get the benefit of out-door life he rented a farm, which he conducted with profit until 1870.

It was in that year that he came to Meriden and bought out the coal business of Frederick Williams, which he carried on for two years and afterwards sold to Amos Ives. In 1874 he established himself in his present line by buying out the express and forwarding business of Mr. Forsyth. His first stables were on Veteran street. He afterwards removed to stables on Pratt street, later had an office on State street near Main; and after the railroad freight depot was built in its present location, the firm of Edgerton & Immich bought the land and built the present large stables which have ever since been situated directly opposite. The business of the firm has more than quadrupled in the past thirty-two years, and its growth has been steady and substantial.

Mr. Edgerton’s extended business career has been an honorable one and his dealings with the public conducted upon lines of fairness and liberality. His even disposition and genial qualities have made him a favorite with all who have been associated with him, both in business and private affairs. He has never possessed aspirations for a public career, although he has been given ample opportunity.

He was married November 29, 1855, to Harriet Eliza Flower and they celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in Meriden in 1905. Their children are Frank C., vice-president and treasurer of the Kelsey Press Company of Meriden; and Minnie (Mrs. Edward S. Thompson), also of Meriden. They have also two grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.”

The household of “L. P.” Edgerton was recorded in the 1870 Federal Census of Meriden, New Haven County, Connecticut (pg. 431; dwelling #1506; family #2089; enum. July 1870), as follows:

The household of Leonard Edgerton was recorded in the 1900 Federal Census of Meridan, New Haven County, Connecticut (pg. 207; dwelling #88; family #95; enum. June 4-5, 1900), as follows:

According to the above census record, Eliza was the mother of two children, both of whom were still living.  Leonard’s occupation was listed as “jeweler”.  The family was residing at 274 East Main Street.  Leonard’s son, Frank, was also living in Meriden at this time (286 E. Main Street) and his household was recorded on the same page of this census roll.