A resolution declaring Agness a ‘Medal of Honor Community’ was adopted by the Board of Commissioners in a recent board meeting. The recipient who received the Medal of Honor though wasn’t present–it was Nathan Huntley Edgerton, an officer in the Civil War.
Edgerton was originally from Ohio, but after serving in the war, he came to Agness where he ran a farm and was later laid to rest at the age of 93. He won his prestigious award in 1898.
Lieutenant Edgerton was a white infantry officer serving the United States Colored Troops. In 1864 his regiment was attacked and one Union flag bearer was shot down, then a second, then a third. Edgerton, wounded, lifted the flag up and advanced his regiment until the opponent retreated.
Agness is just one of twelve cities or communities to receive the recognition, thanks to the Bend Heroes Foundation, who were successful in getting the legislature to designate the twelve as ‘Medal of Honor Cities/Communities’. The non-profit foundation was also able to have 451 miles of Highway 20 in Oregon designated the ‘Oregon Medal of Honor Highway’.
The foundation presented the county with three plaques in honor of the designation. The Board proudly accepted the recognition and announced the plaques would be displayed in Agness at the Cougar Lane Lodge. The County Road Department will also create and install road signs announcing Agness as a Medal of Honor Community. A celebration in honor of the recognition, and memory of Officer Edgerton, will be held Memorial Day weekend.
If anyone is interested in assisting in the celebration, please contact Board Chair, Christopher Paasch, at (541) 247-3213. For more information about the Bend Heroes Foundation, please contact Dick Tobiason, Chair and Project Manager, at (541) 390-9932.
