Washburn, Edson D., ca. 1842-

Edson Washburn was born in New York and moved with his family to Otsego (Wright County), Minnesota while a child. He enlisted in the 8th Minnesota Infantry Regiment, Company E, on August 14, 1862 (age 20) and was mustered out on July 11, 1862, as a corporal. He participated in the Sully Expedition against the Dakota Indians (1864) and in the Civil War (Dec. 1864-May 1865) as part of the Third Brigade, First Division, 23rd Army Corps.

From the guide to the Edson Washburn diaries, 1863-1865., (Minnesota Historical Society)