Edward North was born on March 9, 1820 in Berlin, Connecticut, United States. His father, Reuben North, was a son of Colonel Simeon North, 1765-1852; his mother, Hulda (Wilcox), was the daughter of Daniel Wilcox, owner of a large landed property in East Berlin. Edward spent his early years in Berlin, but at the age of fifteen he went to Clinton, New York, to live in the family of his uncle, Simeon North, 1802-1884, president of Hamilton College.
North was graduated at Hamilton in the class of 1841 with the rank of valedictorian.
After a year as a private tutor in a family in Paterson, New Jersey, and a few months spent in a law office, North was appointed principal of the Clinton Grammar School, and soon thereafter, on December 27, 1843, professor of ancient languages in Hamilton College. In 1862 he was made Edward Robinson Professor of Greek, and held this position until his resignation, November 16, 1901, after fifty-seven years of service. The greater part of the college year 1871-72 he spent in Athens, holding a position as secretary under John M. Francis, United States minister to Greece.
After the death of President Henry Darling, he was appointed acting president of Hamilton College, serving from April 21, 1891, until November 1892. During his active connection with the faculty he was preeminently a teacher, with a singular skill in interpreting the masterpieces of Greek poetry. In addition to his classroom duties he did a great amount of editorial work, preparing the copy for the annual catalogue under at least three presidents. For thirty-four years he contributed news items concerning graduates to the college literary magazine. It was he who first undertook to prepare accurate obituary records of deceased alumni. He had a wide acquaintance with the public and private schools of the state and many teaching appointments were made upon his recommendation.
In 1864 he declined the principalship of the State Normal School at Albany. In his earlier years he appeared frequently as a lyceum lecturer.
North was an elder in the Presbyterian Church from 1865 until his death.
One of Edward North's marked traits was a love of nature and a sympathy with country life.
His classroom lectures were remembered by his students for their singular charm.
North married Mary Frances Dexter, daughter of Hon. S. Newton Dexter, of Whitesboro, New York, July 31, 1844. Her death occurred May 27, 1869. Simon Newton Dexter North was their son.
