Was born in the state of Tennessee, March 25, 1814, and continued to live there until 1828, when he emigrated,
with his parents, to Illinois, and settled in Sangamon county, near Clarrie's Grove, where he remained until 1835.
He then moved to Pike county, and settled in the town of Pittsfield, and for two years engaged in teaming - breaking
prairie and doing whatever he could get to do that was honorable. He then engaged in the grocery business, and
in the meantime was elected constable; was also appointed deputy sheriff under Col. Seely. He served in these capacities
for several years. On the seventh day of July, 1839, he was married to Miss Eliza M. Allred, who was born in the
state of Tennessee, October 29, 1822, and emigrated to Illinois with her parents. The fruits of this marriage were
two children, one son and one daughter. July 30, 1842 Mrs. Edwards departed this life. In the fall of the same
year Mr. Edwards was a candidate for sheriff of Pike county, and was defeated by E. Canon by a small majority.
February 15, 1843, he married his second wife, Miss Angeline Davis, who was born in Kentucky in 1821. They had
three children, two sons and one daughter. On the 28th day of September, 1853, Mr. Edwards lost his second wife.
On the 2d day of March following he was married to his third wife, Miss Dedliah Godwin, who was born in Illinois
in 1817. In the fall of the same year he was elected sheriff of Pike county, and served for two years with full
satisfaction to all, after which he purchased a farm in Newburgh township and followed farming for a short time.
He then engaged in hotel keeping in Pittsfield, and at the same time was proprietor of a line of stages and mail
contractor, when, in 1862, in response to a call of the President for volunteers to suppress the rebellion, he
went to work with a spirit of patriotism, and of the brave sons of old Pike organized company "A", of
the noted 99th regiment, and on the 23d day of August, with his "band of patriots," he left for the battlefield,
where he bravely led them in many contests, among which were the ever memorable battles of Port Gibson and Black
River Bridge. After continuing in the service for more than a year he was compelled to resign on account of his
extreme age and poor health, which he did, receiving an honorable discharge, and returned to his home and family.
After his return from the army he again engaged in keeping a hotel in Naples, Scott county, and afterwards in Griggsville,
Pike County. He was also engaged in carrying mail and running stage lines in connection with his hotel. This he
continued with success for about four years.
In 1869, the captain, with other enterprising citizens of Pittsfield, formed a joint stock company for the purpose
of erecting a first-class hotel in that place, one that would be a credit to the city. When the building was completed
the captain furnished it in the best of style, and on the first day of January, 1871, opened it to the public.
To the traveling public we would say,"Go to the new hotel," for there you will find everything in the
best of style, with a palace "bus" to take you to and from the hotel.
Pittsfield may well be proud of her new hotel, as it is one of the largest, best furnished, and best kept hotels
in the west, and all will admit that Capt. Edwards is a model landlord.