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Marcus Duane Edgerton, son of John Griswold and Charlotte (Wyman) Edgerton.

Maud Ella Daggett, daughter of David and Julia (Leppla) Daggett.

Children:

1. Leroy Duane, b. August 4, 1890; Spearfish, Lawrence Co., SD.

The following biography of Marcus Duane Edgerton is excerpted from History of the Dakota Territory (George W. Kingsbury; 1915; Vol. IV, pp. 449-450)

“Marcus D. Edgerton, the proprietor of a well known men’s furnishings store in Spearfish, was born in Granville, Washington county, New York, January 19, 1859, a son of John and Charlotte (Wyman) Edgerton, both natives of Vermont.  The father was born in Rutland county, his grandfather, Captain Simeon Edgerton, being a pioneer of that county.  John Edgerton was a farmer throughout his active life and never left the east.  He died in 1885 but his widow survived until 1892.  He was highly esteemed in his community and held a number of local offices.

Marcus D. Edgerton is the youngest in a family of five children.  His educational opportunities were those afforded by the public schools of New York state.  At the age of sixteen years he began his business career, working for others in New York and also in Pennsylvania.  When about twenty-one years of age he removed to Kansas City, Missouri, where he was employed as a hotel clerk for a short time, and afterward held a similar position in Lawrence, Kansas.  Upon leaving that place he removed to Mitchell, South Dakota, and after engaging for a time in the laundry business entered a one hundred and sixty acre claim in Aurora county and resided thereon until he had proved up.  He went to the Black Hills in 1884 and worked in Deadwood for the telephone company for one year.  Going to Buffalo Gap, he was there employed in a grocery store for a year, and the following year he removed to Sundance, Wyoming, where he remained for about six months.  His next removal was to Spearfish, South Dakota, where he worked in a grocery store for about three years, and then went to Minnesela, where he was connected with the confectionery and news business for two years.  On his return to Spearfish, he purchased a stock of clothing and men’s furnishings, boots and shoes and is still in that business, which has proved a distinct success.  He carries a large and well selected stock and as his customers are sure of receiving full value for their money many of his patrons have traded with him for a number of years.  He is interested in mining properties in the vicinity of Spearfish, the Break of Day and Castle Rock being two of the mines in which he has invested.  He is also the owner of valuable real estate, including the building in which his store is located.

Mr. Edgerton was married on the 10th of September, 1889, to Miss Maud E. Daggett, who was born in Nebraska, a daughter of David and Julia Daggett, the former a native of Wisconsin.  Her father engaged in farming in early life but later was connected with the drug business in Sloan, Iowa.  He also lived in Nebraska for a time but in 1885 removed to the Black Hills and located in Spearfish, where he conducted a drug business until his death, which occurred in May, 1898.  He had five children, of whom Mrs. Edgerton is the fourth in order of birth.  She has become the mother of a son, Leroy D., who was born August 4, 1890, and is assisting his father in the latter’s business.

Mr. Edgerton of this review is a republican and for some time was a member of the city council and for two years held the office of city treasurer.  He has not aspired to other offices, however, as his business demands his undivided attention and as he believes that in building up a prosperous mercantile enterprise he also serves his city.  Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter, commandery and Shrine, and is prelate in the commandery.  He is also affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America.  His success in the business world has been founded upon industry, a keen sense of right and a readiness to see and utilize opportunities.  Through adherence to high standards of conduct he has won the sincere respect of all who have had business dealings with him or have come in contact with him in the social relations of life and his activities are a factor in the development of Spearfish.”

The household of “M. D. Edgerton” was recorded in the 1900 Federal Census of Spearfish City (Ward 2), Lawrence County, South Dakota (pg. 284; dwelling #132; family #140; enum. June 11, 1900), as follows:

According to the above census record, Maude was the mother of one child.  Marcus’ occupation was listed as “clothing mcht” and Leroy was noted as “at school”.

The household of Marcus D. Edgerton was recorded in the 1910 Federal Census of Spearfish City (Ward 1), Lawrence County, South Dakota (pg. 215; dwelling #128; family #130; enum. April 20, 1910), as follows:

According to the above census record, Maude was the mother of one child.  Marcus’ occupation was listed as “merchant – clothing”.  The family was residing at this time on 6th Street.

The household of “Mack Edgerton” was recorded in the 1930 Federal Census of Spearfish City (Ward 1), Lawrence County, South Dakota (pg. 96; dwelling #16; family #16; enum. April 15, 1930), as follows:

Marcus’ occupation was listed as “Retail merchant – Dry Goods” and Leroy was listed as a “Clerk – Clothing Goods”.

Original Source Documents:

1900 Federal Census – household of Marcus Duane Edgerton; Spearfish City (Ward 2), Lawrence Co., SD.

1910 Federal Census – household of Marcus Duane Edgerton; Spearfish City (Ward 1), Lawrence Co., SD.

1930 Federal Census – household of Marcus Duane Edgerton; Spearfish City (Ward 1), Lawrence Co., SD.