Wright P. Edgerton

The death of Lieut.-Col. Wright P. Edgerton, U.S.A., in the prime of life, was a severe loss to the Military Academy, where he was Professor of Mathematics and where he served, in all, nineteen years. Graduated in 1874, he served in the artillery on garrison duty at ten different stations, in a half dozen different States; for thirteen years he was successively Assistant Professor and Associate Professor of Mathematics at West Point, and this varied army and academic experience was of great value in his subsequent career. His keen interest in active service is shown by the fact that in June, 1898, he “by persistent effort succeeded in being assigned to duty in connection with the transportation of troops from Port Tampa to Cuba.” He was later engaged in the campaign in Porto Rico, on the staff of Major-General Miles. At West Point he was deeply and intelligently interested in athletic sports, and was for a number of years President of the Athletic Association. In the general order announcing his death, Brigadier-General [Albert L.] Mills says:

“He was an accomplished officer, devoted to his duties, an inspiring teacher, loyal to his superiors, considerate of his subordinates, courteous to all—a type of man and soldier of which the Military Academy is justly proud. All who have come in contact with him socially or officially will ever remember his genial personality, his courteous manner, and the perpetual charm of variety which made him so delightful a companion. In his death the country, the army, and the academy have cause to lament the loss of a noble character.”

Edward Cary
1905 Century Association Yearbook