Joseph Edson Explained

Joseph Edson
Office:United States Marshal for the District of Vermont
Term Start:March 13, 1823
Term End:June 6, 1829
Predecessor:Heman Allen
Successor:Heman Lowry
Office2:Sheriff of Orange County, Vermont
Term Start2:1815
Term End2:1822
Predecessor2:Harry Hale
Successor2:Abel Carter
Term Start3:1812
Term End3:1813
Predecessor3:Daniel Peaslee
Successor3:Harry Hale
Birth Date:3 March 1782
Birth Place:Randolph, Vermont, U.S.
Death Place:Randolph, Vermont, U.S.
Restingplace:Randolph Center Cemetery,
Randolph, Vermont
Party:Democratic-Republican
Spouse:Sarah Throop (m. 1802-1832, his death)
Children:5
Occupation:Farmer

Joseph Edson (March 3, 1782 – March 7, 1832) was a farmer, military leader, and government official in Vermont. Among the offices in which he served were United States Marshal for the District of Vermont (1823-1829), Sheriff of Orange County (1812-1813, 1815–1822), and commander of the Vermont Militia's 4th Division with the rank of major general in 1822.

Life

Early life

Joseph Edson was born in Randolph, Vermont on March 3, 1782, a son of Josiah Edson (1758-1819) and Sarah (Pinney) Edson (1756-1804). He was educated in Randolph and became a farmer. A Democratic-Republican, Edson began a career in government at an early age, serving as a town constable from 1805 to 1809. after serving as deputy sheriff, he was elected Sheriff of Orange County and served from 1812 to 1813, and then again from 1815 to 1822.

Edson also became active in the militia. During the War of 1812 he was commissioned as a major, and helped organize the Randolph-area contingent that took part in the defense of Plattsburgh in September 1814. He continued to serve in the militia, and was commander of 1st Brigade, 4th Division from 1818 to 1822 with the rank of brigadier general. In 1822 he was appointed to command the 4th Division and promoted to major general.

From 1815 to 1821, Edson served as a trustee of Randolph's Orange County Grammar School. In March 1823, Edson was appointed United States Marshal for the District of Vermont, succeeding Heman Allen. He served until June 1829, when he was succeeded by Heman Lowry.

Edson died in Randolph on March 7, 1832. He was buried at Randolph Center Cemetery in Randolph.

Family

In 1802, Edson married Sarah Throop (1783-1863) of Bethel, Vermont. They were the parents of five children:

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