Person:Edward Giddings (2)

Soldier, scientist, author, lighthouse-keeper, Masonic conspirator and later anti-Masonic publisher, Edward Giddings or Giddins was born July 19, 1785 in Massachusetts, the 9th of 13 children of John Giddings and Abigail Webber. The Giddings family had early roots in Massachusetts, having settled at Ipswich in 1635.

Military Service

An autograph document signed by Major William Gates (1788-1868) states "It is hereby certified that Mr. Edward Giddins, now a resident of Fort Niagara was under my command from 1814 to 1820 and served as Quarter Master Sergeant was honorably discharged Whereby the service sustained a great loss in his departure for since my term of service (say 20 years) I have never been made acquainted with so correct, so sober, so attentive, intelligent and faithful a soldier."

Fort Niagara and the Morgan Affair

Giddings was the Lighthouse Keeper at Fort Niagara for a number of years, from 1823 until some time after 1850. During this time, he was a participant in a scandal of the day, involving one William Morgan.

Publishing

Scientific Pursuits

1.   Autograph Document Signed by William Gates
   1823.
2.   The Olive Branch and Christian Inquirer.