Edward Gillette

Edward Gillette was born on December 14, 1854 in New Haven, Connecticut. After graduating from Yale University in 1871, he was an engineer for the US Coast and Geodetic Survey, several railroads, and the Wyoming State Engineer's Office. The town of Gillette, founded in 1891, is named for him as a reward for saving the CB&Q Railroad a substantial sum by changing the proposed route, eliminating 5 miles of track and 30 bridges. He was elected State Treasurer in 1906 and served one term. Afterwards, he continued to be active in the engineering field in various ways. He married the daughter of US Representative Henry A. Coffeen. Gillette died in Sheridan, Wyoming on January 3, 1936.