Egle, William Henry, 1830-1901

Biographical Information:

William H. Egle was born in Harrisburg, PA in 1830. After completing school, he worked as a printer for the "Pennsylvania Telegraph." Later, Egle became the editor for the "Literary Companion" and the "Daily Telegraph." In 1859, he received a degree from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania. After the outbreak of the Civil War, Egle worked as a surgeon for the Pennsylvania volunteers, and in 1863 was appointed surgeon to the 47th Pennsylvania Regiment. After the war, in 1870, he became surgeon-in-chief for the Pennsylvania National Guard.

During this time, Egle also became interested in historical research and genealogy, and began writing books on Pennsylvania history, including "History of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," "Pennsylvania in the Revolution," and "History of the County of Dauphin." In 1887, Governor Beavers appointed Egle State Librarian, a position he held for twelve years. He resigned from the National Guard in 1898. In 1901, Egle died of pneumonia.

From the guide to the William H. Egle Collection, 1817-1967, 1896-1900, (Special Collections & University Archives)