Age:  38

On November 13, 1884, about 3 a.m., Patrolmen Edgar and John McCloud, while walking their beat, found a light on in the rear of J. B. Lock’s grocery store on the northeast corner of Monmouth and Ringgold (8th) Streets.  As they looked in a window, they saw several men trying to break open a safe.  The burglars saw the officers and ran to the rear of the building.  The officers caught them attempting to scale a fence.  A scuffle ensued and McCloud fired a warning shot into the air.  One of the burglars fired a shot, hitting Edgar in the abdomen.  Patrolman McCloud went to Patrolman Edgar’s aid and the burglars escaped. 

Patrolman Edgar was carried across the street to the office of Dr. F. A. Locke.  Dr. Locke could do nothing for him and he was transported to his home at 154 Putman Street.  There was little hope of his recovery.  He died four days later on November 17, 1884.    

Patrolman Edgar was survived by his wife, Katy (33), and five children, Lydia (15), John (13), Margaret (10), James (8), and Anna (6).  His funeral was held on November 18, 1884, at Grace Methodist Episcopal Church.  City buildings were draped in black for 30 days.  Patrolman Edgar had served in the Union Army during the Civil War and was decorated for bravery.  Part of the graveside service included a large, three foot high flower arrangement in the design of the GAR, which stood for Grand Army of the Republic, the association of Union veterans.  Patrolman Edgar was buried in the section of Evergreen Cemetery set aside for soldiers and sailors.

If you have further information, artifacts, or pictures of this officer, please contact the Museum Director at Director@GCPHS.com.