Edgerton W. Agar, BiographyPorter County biographical sketches . . . .
Transcribed biography of Edgerton W. Agar
EDGERTON W. AGAR was born in Meaford, Ontario, Canada, on January 15, 1864, the son of James A. and Annie (Burchill) Agar, both of whom were natives of Canada and who later removed to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The paternal grandparents were natives of England and were among the early settlers in Toronto, Canada. The maternal grandparents, Jason and Isabella Burchill; were natives of Ireland, the former of County Cork and the latter from Belfast. They also settled in Meaford, Canada, upon coming to America. To the paternal grandparents were born the following children: Thomas, John, Stephen, James, Jane, Fannie and Margaret. To the maternal grandparents were born: Catherine, Fannie, Margaret, Susan, William, Andrew, Robert, Joseph, Abraham and Annie. There were also four half brothers: John, Henry, Wesley and Jason. James A. Agar was a well-to-do farmer of Meaford and later at Sault Ste. Marie - being one of the pioneers of that city and that section of Michigan. He received a land grant there from President Chester A. Arthur. To his marriage were born four children: Edgerton, Robert, Andrew and Francis, who is now the wife of Stephen Barton, the prosecuting attorney of Benton, Missouri.
Edgerton Agar attended the public schools of Gray County, Canada and Chippewa County, Michigan, and in 1886 entered Valparaiso University, from which institution he graduated in the scientific, classical, law and commercial departments. He received the degrees of B. S. and LL. B. and the honorary degree of J. D. for continued service in that University, he having served as an instructor there for thirty-two years. His record shows that during these years he had instructed more than 40,000 students from all parts of the world. He also saw service as an educator in the schools of Chippewa County, Michigan, and another service was as Indian agent and superintendent of the Indian schools of the State of Washington. It was after this service that he came to Valparaiso.
Shortly after his graduation from the law department he established his practice in this city and during this period served in the City Council and as city attorney. In 1921 he was elected mayor of Valparaiso, serving until 1926, and he is now superintendent of the water department of the city. The years of service of Mr. Agar have been fruitful. He has not only garnered the splendid knowledge that comes from such a versatile career, but the valuable service rendered his fellow-man has won an assured place in the affections of the citizens of this community.
Mr. Agar was united in marriage with Jennie, daughter of Robert and Annie Bowden, of Sault Ste. Marie, on March 17, 1887. Mrs. Agar is a graduate of the music and expression department of Valparaiso University and served as an instructor in expression in that institution for eighteen years, during which time she was widely known as a teacher and reader. She took a leading part in the women's movements, and her death on April 28, 1925, left a distinct void in the cultural circles of this community. To this marriage was born a daughter, Edna. She is a graduate of music and expression of Valparaiso University, and is now in charge of that department. She has also done much lyceum work and Chautauqua work. She is affiliated with a number of clubs, the Women's Club, Christian Church, Kappa Kappa Kappa sorority and the Gamma Phi sorority. Mr. Agar is a member of the Porter County Bar Association, Christian Church, Chamber of Commerce, K. of P., Modern Woodmen, Kiwanis Club and the Elks.
Source: Cannon, Thomas H., H. H. Loring, and Charles J. Robb. 1927. History of the Lake and Calumet Region of Indiana Embracing the Counties of Lake, Porter and Laporte. Volume II. Indianapolis, Indiana: Historians' Association. 827 p.
Page(s) in Source: 226-227
This biography has been transcribed exactly as it was originally published in the source. Please note that we do not provide photocopies or digital scans of biographies appearing on this website.
Biography transcribed by Steven R. Shook