Joseph Edson | |
|---|---|
| United States Marshal for the District of Vermont | |
| In office March 13, 1823 – June 6, 1829 | |
| Preceded by | Heman Allen |
| Succeeded by | Heman Lowry |
| Sheriff of Orange County, Vermont | |
| In office 1815–1822 | |
| Preceded by | Harry Hale |
| Succeeded by | Abel Carter |
| In office 1812–1813 | |
| Preceded by | Daniel Peaslee |
| Succeeded by | Harry Hale |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 3, 1782 Randolph, Vermont, U.S. |
| Died | March 7, 1832 (aged 50) Randolph, Vermont, U.S. |
| Resting place | Randolph Center Cemetery, Randolph, Vermont |
| Political 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.
Joseph Edson was born in Randolph, Vermont on March 3, 1782, a son of Josiah Edson (1758-1819) and Sarah (Pinney) Edson (1756-1804).[1] He was educated in Randolph and became a farmer.[2] A Democratic-Republican,[3] Edson began a career in government at an early age, serving as a town constable from 1805 to 1809.[4] after serving as deputy sheriff,[5] he was elected Sheriff of Orange County and served from 1812 to 1813, and then again from 1815 to 1822.[6]
Edson also became active in the militia.[4] 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.[4] 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.[4][7] In 1822 he was appointed to command the 4th Division and promoted to major general.[4][8]
From 1815 to 1821, Edson served as a trustee of Randolph's Orange County Grammar School.[4] In March 1823, Edson was appointed United States Marshal for the District of Vermont, succeeding Heman Allen.[9] He served until June 1829, when he was succeeded by Heman Lowry.[10]
Edson died in Randolph on March 7, 1832.[4][11] He was buried at Randolph Center Cemetery in Randolph.[11]
In 1802, Edson married Sarah Throop (1783-1863) of Bethel, Vermont.[12] They were the parents of five children: