Edward Robert Chrisman organized the Military Science Department and mathematics professor at the University of Idaho. He was born in 1866 and had graduated from West Point. Lt. Chrisman served on faculty committees and on the University football team during his time in Moscow. He would be pulled for other commands through his time in Moscow, serving during the Spanish-American War, was posted in the Philippines, Alaska, and South Dakota during his 37 year long military career. Between various appointments he would come back to the University of Idaho, the final time in 1919. He retired from active duty military duty in 1921 and was immediately recalled to duty as a retiree, allowing Chrisman and his family to settle in Moscow. In 1930, Chrisman's rank was upgraded to Brigadier General and in 1932 retired once more but continued serving as Commandant of Cadets at the University of Idaho without pay. General Chrisman died on January 15, 1939 in Moscow.