Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan : 1830-1930
Author: Heath, May Francis
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Mich: 1930

W. G. EDGCOMB

A resident of Saugatuck sixty-five years, William Edgcomb was born in Lorain, Ohio, July 14, 1842, and left this life in 1929. He shipped in the navy in 1861 at the beginning of the Civil War and at its close was honorably discharged at Boston. Sailing was his vocation and he served the most of his life before the mast or as first engineer. Mr. Edgcomb was one of six brothers.

When he came to Saugatuck he was engaged in river boating and was engineer on the Ira Chaffee with Capt. Ed. Costain and it was on the Ira Chaffee that he met his fate— Mrs. Costain was entertaining Ella Greenhalgh from Buffalo, N. Y. and made the introduction—it was a case of mutual admiration and in 1868 they were happily married enjoying sixty-one years of companionship, which was broken by his death.

For sixty-one years they resided in the same house, and here four children were born, William; Nellie, who died in 1890; Charles and Morgan.

He was closely allied with the Masonic order of which he was Past Master; also a Past Patron O. E. S. He held office of Justice of Peace for ten years and held many village positions of trust.

Mrs. Edgcomb and son, Charles, reside at the family home.