Concord Township in Troy in Miami County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

William Norton Edwards

First Superintendent Troy Public Schools, 1852 – 1867

— Works Do Follow Him — Placed by His Former Pupils, 1897 —

William Norton Edwards Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 23, 2023

1. William Norton Edwards Monument

The title and subtitles of this entry are taken from the four edges of the bronze relief

Inscription. In 1808 the court appropriated this city block for educational purposes. It was here that the Union School was built in 1852. William Norton Edwards (1812-1867) became the first Troy superintendent and the school was renamed in his honor. In 1891 that structure was replaced by a larger building, still called the Edwards School, where this plaque was placed in 1897 and remained there until 1973.

Erected 1978 by The Troy Historica Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1808.

Location. 40° 2.51′ N, 84° 12.424′ W. Marker is in Troy, Ohio, in Miami County. It is in Concord Township. Marker is on North Oxford Street (Ohio Route 41) north of West Main Street, on the left when traveling north. It is to the left of the the parking lot entrance to the public library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 419 W Main St, Troy OH 45373, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Brukner Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Statue Of Agriculture (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Statue Of Lady Justice (about 500 feet away); Statue Of Education (about 500 feet away); These Stones…

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(about 500 feet away); Miami County War Savings Quota Plaque (about 600 feet away); Statue Of Industry (about 600 feet away); Statue Of Transportation (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Troy.

More about this marker. The Troy-Miami County Public Library now stands where the Edwards School stood.

Also see . . . The lasting legacy of two Troy teachers. Article in Bravo Troy Ohio. Excerpt:

William Norton Edwards came to Troy from Massachusetts in 1852 to be the first superintendent of the newly organized Troy School District. He was a stern-looking man with eyes described as "piercing." Though his appearance was harsh, he was kind, fair and loved by his students. The January 20, 1896 edition of the BUCKEYE newspaper published the recollections of C.N. Burns: “Mr. Edwards was probably five feet ten inches tall (but looked to us boys to be at least seven feet), angular of form, very lame, with eyes that looked as if he might have borrowed a prize owl at the Zoological Garden...he cared little for personal appearance, but everything for personal performance....”

In 1896, Joseph Hoagland, a graduate of Troy High School class of 1860 and a founder of the Royal Baking
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 23, 2023

2. William Norton Edwards Monument, Troy, Ohio
Powder Company, along with his brother Cornelius, Jacob Dettmer (for whom the former Dettmer Hospital was named) and the Troy High School class of 1896 donated money to place a plaque honoring William Edwards at the Edwards School. It hung in the school for many years. In 1978, The Troy Historical Society incorporated the plaque into a monument that today stands near the parking lot entrance to the Troy-Miami County Public Library.

(Submitted on July 24, 2023.)

Troy-Miami County Public Library, North Façade image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 23, 2023

3. Troy-Miami County Public Library, North Façade

Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 76 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 24, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.