One of the substantial citizens and businessmen of Goldsboro is Hon. John Milford Edgerton, Wayne County's representative in the General Assembly, elected November 6th,last.

Mr. Edgerton was born in Wayne county April 26, 1865. His parents were John H and Annie Edgerton. His father was an extensive farmer, ans tan a large tan yard. His grandfather, William H. Edgerton, owned the only cotton factory in the State at that time, and was considered one of the most influential men the State afforded. His cotton factory was situated on Little river, in Johnson county, and known as the Old Lowell Factory.

Mr. Edgerton received his early training in the ge public schools or Wayne county, and the Nanhunta Academy and High School, twelve miles north of Goldsboro. He later matriculated to Guilford College, where he remained one year.

Returning from school Mr. Edgerton entered into co-partnership with his brother, Mr. G.L. Edgerton, and purchased the tan yard from his father, which was situate about fifteen miles south of Goldsboro. Later, in addition to his tanning business, he purchased a farm of 270 acres from his father, which he cultivated.

In 1895, Mr. Edgerton entered business in Goldsboro under the firm name of Edgerton & Edgerton, doing a general sales and exchange stables business.

Mr. Edgerton was elected to the General Assembly in the last campaign with a handsome majority, which shows the kindly favor he is held in by the people of Wayne County. This was his first experience in politics, and he did not solicit the office whatsoever, but was the people's choice from the start. Mr.Edgerton held the position as magistrate for twelve years, and is now a school committeeman and road overseer. He is a member of Friends church, descendent from England, and also a member of the Democratic Executive Committee of Wayne County.

April 12, 1890, Mr. Edgerton was married to Miss. Sallie, daughter of Bartine and Mary Smith, of Wayne county. Three children bless his home- one girl and two boys.

source: Mount Olive Tribune Industrial Edition, 1907, pg 4 , ECU Digital Collection