Private James Frederick Edgar was born in Toronto, Ontario 6 July, 1866 to Sir James David Edgar and Matilda Ridout. He was christened at St. John’s Anglican Church by Reverend A. Williams on September 2nd, 1866.
Sir James was a Lawyer, built railroads, including the short-lived Beltline in Toronto, and was elected to Parliament a number of times between 1872 and 1899.
James F. Edgar joined the Queen’s Own Rifles in 1882 at 16 years of age as a Bandsman in “H” Company. He remained serving until 1891 including volunteering to serve in the North-West Field Force that was sent west to quell the North-West Rebellion in 1885. Although he didn’t see action, James F. sent many letters back to his parents describing the conditions the soldiers had to endure during the long, cold trip by rail, sleigh, wagon, and foot.
After serving in the North-West Rebellion, James F. completed his legal studies and was called to the bar of Ontario in 1889. He worked at the Edgar and Malone firm, which was located on the south east corner of Yonge and Colborne in Toronto. Eventually he was created a K.C. In 1899 he married Ruby Turner Gillespie, they had three children, two daughters and a son.
He died 3rd February 1930 in York, Ontario, Canada.
With information from Steve Edgar, the Queen’s Own Museum Archives, and Library and Archives Canada
The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum and Archive 