Edward Eggleston

Edward Eggleston (December 10, 1837–September 3, 1902) was an American historian and novelist, born in Vevay, Indiana, to Joseph Cary Eggleston and Mary Jane Craig. His brother, George Cary Eggleston, was also an author. Due to childhood illnesses, his education was primarily provided by his father. He was ordained as a Methodist minister in 1856.

Eggleston gained recognition for his "Hoosier" series, including *The Hoosier Schoolmaster* and *The Hoosier Schoolboy*. His novels often drew on historical events, such as the Miller prophecy in *The End of the World* and Lincoln's murder trial in *The Graysons*. He also wrote romanticized stories based on personal experiences, like *The Mystery of Metropolisville* and *The Circuit Rider*.

Eggleston contributed to children's literature, writing for *The Little Corporal* and editing *Little Folks* from 1869 to 1877. He was an editor at *The Sunday School Teacher* starting in 1866. In 1884, he helped found the American Historical Association and served as its president in 1899, advocating for a focus on "important lives" in historical study.

His home in Vevay was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and his summer home, Owl's Nest, became his primary residence. Eggleston died in 1902 at age 64. His daughters included writer Elizabeth Seelye and artist Allegra Eggleston, while his son Edward William died young.

Eggleston's works spanned novels, historical texts, and religious writings, including *Christ in Art* and *Christ in Literature*.