Elliott, Edward Gregory (1914-2008)

Dates

• Existence: 1914 - 2008

Biography

Edward Gregory Elliott was born March 6, 1914, to Jesse Robb and Edward G. “Pete” Elliott in Boise, Idaho. He grew up on Fairview Avenue, attending Cole School and then Boise High School. He played football, basketball, and competed in track and field. During his high school career, he earned nine athletic letters, was named all-state football end twice, all-star basketball center, and set a state record for the high jump in 1932. After graduation he attended the University of Idaho, continuing to play football until his sophomore year when he was shot by an armed robber while trying to protect his father. After recovering from his injuries two years later, he returned to the University of Idaho where he became active in the ROTC Calvary program. Edward enlisted in the Idaho National Guard in 1936 and served in the Army Reserve in 1938. He was also working as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) company commander in the Riddle/Givens Hot Springs and Sun Valley areas.

In 1942 Edward became active duty in the US Army’s 96th Infantry Division and began training in California. He had met Mary Price during his time in the CCC, and while training in California married her on April 24, 1942. He and Mary moved to several different training facilities over the next two years, and had a daughter, Linda, during that time. In the summer of 1944, his infantry division was active in the invasion of Leyte Island in the Philippines and landed on Okinawa April 1, 1945.

After returning from World War II, Edward and his family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho. He worked for the Veteran’s Administration, then purchased a John Deere dealership in Burley in 1952. He relocated the dealership to Overland Road in Boise in 1960, and added additional locations in Idaho Falls and Jerome, while remaining an active member of the National Guard, eventually being promoted to Brigadier General, before his retirement in 1967.

Edward was an active member of his community, serving as president of the Burley Chamber of Commerce, member and chairman of the Small Business Advisory Council of Idaho, president of the Intermountain Association of Hardware and Implement Dealers, and was a founder and first president of the South Idaho Chamber of Commerce. He was also active in the Democratic Party, serving in the state party and as a delegate to the 1968 and 1972 National Democratic Conventions. Edward was involved in the creation of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and served on advisory boards for the US Forest Service.

Edward and Mary moved to Declo, Idaho to raise and show Tennessee Walking Horses. They around the country showing the horses and won several awards. Edward also served as the National Directory of the Tennessee Walking Horse Association. In 1996, they built a home in Eagle, Idaho where they lived together until Mary died on January 16, 2004. Edward died March 5, 2008.

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