A native of Ireland, Edgar came to the U.S. in 1760; commanded vessels on Lakes Huron and Erie from 1772-1775; and settled in Detroit as a merchant about 1775. He was imprisoned by Lernoult and his holdings confiscated in 1779. During his incarceration, he discovered and reported a plot to unite Vermont with the British interests. He later petitioned for reimbursement for his losses. In 1734, he and his wife Rachel, who, escaped from Detroit with about $12,000, settled in Kaskaskia, where he was a civic leader and merchant until his death. He was a member of the legislature; Edgar Co. was named for him; served as chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. After Mrs. Edgar's death in 1822, he married Martha Eliza Stevens, aged about 15. He died in December, 1830; and on Nov. 27, 1832, the widow married Nathaniel Paschall. (from "Ill. Hist. Cos. Trans." VII, 64, ff.) (blue index cards)
From the description of John Edgar papers, 1782. (Detroit Public Library). WorldCat record id: 427865419
