Description

by Daniel Cruson

This biographical pamphlet tells the story of Newtown’s most distinguished citizen, the maternal grandfather of the town benefactress, and the man after whom the town hall is named.

William Edmond was a hero of the Battle of Ridgefield during the American Revolution, being wounded and left for dead all night on the battlefield. He actually operated upon himself to save his leg from amputation.

Edmond went on to become a Representative for Connecticut in the Congress of John Adams at the turn of the 18th century. He also served as a judge of the Connecticut Supreme court until the new state constitution, to which he was opposed on principle, was adopted in 1818 whereupon he retired to Newtown where he gave free legal advice, composed poetry, and continued his study of philosophy, theology, and several other scholarly subjects. A selection of his recently rediscovered poetry has been included so the reader can judge its merit.