EDGAR WILSON NYE, who won an immense popularity under the pen name of 'BILL NYE," was one of the most eccentric humorists of his day.  He was born Aug. 25, 1850, at Shirley, Piscataqua county, Maine, "at a very early age" as he expresses it.  He took an academic course in River Falls, Wisconsin, from whence, after his graduation, he removed to Wyoming Territory.  He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1876.  He began when quite young to contribute humorous sketches to the newspapers, became connected with various western journals and achieved a brilliant success as a humorist.  Mr. Nye settled later in New York City where he devoted his time to writing funny articles for the big newspaper syndicates.  He wrote for publication in book form the following: "Bill Nye and the Boomerang," "The Forty Liars," "Baled Hay," "Bill Nye's Blossom Rock," "Remarks," etc.  His death occurred Feb. 21, 1896, at Asheville, North Carolina.
Source:  Biographical Memoirs of Wyandot Co., Ohio - Published 1902 - Page 59