Ok Tom as promised here are some pictures of the case. On the inner dust cover around the top edge it has engraved "Rev John Todd Edgar DD" directly below that it has "Nashville Tenn Nov 13th 1860"
Then John Todd Edgar Beirut Syria. Then 1888 -1901 and June 26th 1882. then at the bottom Edgar McClelland. On the inside of the back cover it has J.V.L McClelland 1931 and below that Frank McClelland with some greek fraternity symbols Phi Delta Theta

Well here is the start
John Todd Edgar was a minister born 13 April 1792 in Sussex Delaware, he died the day that is one your watch 13 Nov 1860 in Nashville Tn.

in 1850 he is living in Nashville with his wife Mary & son John Todd who was 24 & a school teacher.

EDGAR, John Todd, clergyman, born in Sussex County, Del., 13 April 1792; died in Nashville, Tennessee, 13 November 1860. He removed with his parents to Kentucky early in life, and entered Transylvania University, Lexington, but was not graduated. He was graduated at Princeton theological seminary in 1816, and in 1817 ordained as a Presbyterian. He was pastor at Flemingsburg, and Maysville, Kentucky, in 1827, and Frankfort in 1827'33, where his preaching attracted much attention. Henry Clay said of him: "If you want to hear eloquence, listen to John T. Edgar." He became pastor of the 1st Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1833, and remained there till his death. At one time he edited the " American Presbyterian," published at Nashville. He was much beloved in Nashville by people of all denominations, and on the day of his funeral there was a general suspension of business in the City, by proclamation of the mayor.

Tom who were the McClellands? were they decedents or just someone that were impressed by Mr Edgar?

John Todd Edgar (the son) died in 1882 in Beirut Syria, he was the United States Consul General to St. Thomas 1861-66 then to Beirut 1875-1882

Edgar, John Todd.—Son of Rev. Dr. John T. and Mary (Todd) ; born Marysville, Ky., Sept. 9, 1825; teacher Nashville, Tenn., '48-54; principal Ladies' Seminary. Shelbyville. Ky.. '54-61; Consul-General to St. Thomas. '61-66; office Washington, D. C., '66-71; merchant Omaha, Neb., '71-75; Consul-General Beirut. Syria, '75-82; married June 15, '47, Frances R., daughter of Rev. Dr. William Smith; died Beirut. Syria, June 26, '82.

Hon. John Todd Edgar, of Gamma, '47, died at Beirut, Syria, in June, 1882, and should have been entered upon the roll of our dead by last year's committee, but no notice of his death reached that committee, until after its report was published. For many years brother Edgar was in the diplomatic service of his government. He was appointed United States consul to St. Thomas, West Indies, by President Lincoln, in 1861, and remained at that post until 1866. In 1870 he removed to Omaha, where he soon became a prominent citizen. In 1877 he was sent to Beirut, where he occupied the post of consul until his death, or for a period of seven years. A man of unusual accomplishments, his services were well-nigh invaluable, and all Americans who traveled in Syria during the time of his consulate will remember with gratitude his many courtesies and attentions.

Wow I am glad I spend just over $100 for this watch, sounds like it has a great deal of family lineage engraved on it. I did find a reference to J.V.L McClelland at this location http://atthefair.homestead.com...rancisBOOKpage7.html

Trying to figure out how it went from the Edgar family to the McClelland family.

In the 1850 census for John Todd Edgar, there neighbors were the McClelland's. In 1870 the same McClelland family now living in Blackwater Mo. have a son Edgar McCelland who was born about 1852 in Tn.

Now I need to figure out how the watch got to them, I would guess there is a marriage some where between the two families.

Tom

Claude

It looks like the watches 1st owner, was a very well known minister, he is credited with getting Andrew Jackson to join their church, you can read that here;
http://books.google.com/books?...%20nashville&f=false

Also, I was wrong about the McClellands being his neighbors, they lived in the same house & were about the same age as his son. I am not sure yet but I think John Sr. might have lost his 1st wife & remarried, I am wondering if maybe the McClellands were his step children. That is all just guess for now.

Tom

Tom

I know we mention it on nearly every post like thie you do, but your work is fantastic. You have taken what is a very nice watch and given it a history and a family. I find your work to add so much to this hobby.

Bruce

Thank you Bruce, I get so much enjoyment out of searching for this stuff & I think it helps keep the memory alive of those that have gone on. I guess I should get my name put on a watch so some day there will be a post about me.

Tom

Geat work Tom, I love reading the material you post.

Ray

It's a nice watch and it is even nicer to have some history to go with it. I guess I am a sucker for some of these engraved watches, I have a few in my collection, this one, a Elgin BWR grade 370 from Canada (presentation watch from the Imperial Bank of Canada), a Burlington triple signed and a beat out 18s hunter case.