Within the serene confines of the Edwards Plot, cradled beneath the protective canopy of majestic cedar and sycamore trees, a medium-sized obelisk proudly displays the family name "Edwards" in the historic old section of Willow Dale Cemetery. Encircling this central monument are seven modest headstones, each bearing silent witness to the vibrant lives once cherished in the heart of Goldsboro.
William L. Edwards and his wife, Margaret "Patsy" Williams, originally hailed from Greene County, N.C., before making their home in Goldsboro. Together, they raised five children. Prior to the Civil War, W.L. operated a grocery store, but his path took a dramatic turn with the outbreak of the war. He answered the call to arms and suffered a wound to the shoulder at Fort Fisher.
Following the war's end, he joined forces with his eldest son, John W. Edwards, immersing himself in the vibrant ambiance of the Mozart Billiards Saloon on East Street, situated just opposite the H. Weil & Bros. Renowned for its exquisite selection of wine and liquor, the Mozart saloon also boasted W.L. Edwards' specialty: Norfolk oysters prepared in myriad styles, a culinary delight savored by patrons throughout the season.
His reputation as an oyster virtuoso spread far and wide, earning him acclaim across the state. W.L. Edwards capitalized on his culinary prowess by establishing an "Oyster Saloon" adjacent to his son's establishment. However, in 1881, tragedy struck when a malfunctioning flue sparked a devastating fire, wreaking havoc on the brick building and engulfing two aging frame structures and another brick store. The new Opera House was spared.
Undeterred by adversity, he persevered, temporarily relocating his operations to various rented venues. Yet, his indomitable spirit led him to the culmination of his dreams: the opening of his own culinary haven, St. James Restaurant, on September 9, 1893.
Another devastating blow befell the family in 1898, when his son, Thomas R. Edwards, a courageous soldier serving with the Goldsboro Rifles during the Spanish-American War, fell victim to the ravages of smallpox. Amidst the chaos of conflict, he found his final resting place in Cuba. Yet, his valor and sacrifice were not forgotten, as his remains were later returned to Willow Dale Cemetery on February 22, 1900, where he was laid to rest once more with full military honors, a poignant tribute to his service.
Among the hallowed ground of the Edwards family plot, lie the remains of other cherished kin. Eugene W. Edwards, proprietor of a beloved soda fountain shop in Goldsboro, found his final rest alongside his sister, Cherry Edwards, who never married, but tenderly devoted to the care of her parents, a son named Carperes, who died young and a sister in-law, Cherry Shackleford, who's stone bears the inscription " Sister of Martha Edwards".
~ Adrienne S. Stanley
∼
Most unusual, but most all of the dates inscribed on the headstones in the Edward's family plot show only the birthdates or an age. Most all have foot stones but the initials are the first name and Last name.
W.L. Edwards real age, based off of US Census Reports, and Obituary would have been around 1824. His wife was a little older than him.
His full name, William, is on the 1850 U.S. Census, Greene County, N.C.
∼
Obituary
Mr. W. L. Edwards, a revered figure in our community, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday night at the age of 76. He leaves behind a legacy as the father of Mr. John W. Edwards and as a valiant Confederate soldier.
Known for his culinary prowess, Mr. Edwards operated a renowned oyster restaurant in the city during the season, earning a reputation as one of the finest oyster cooks in the state.
The funeral, was held on Monday at 4 o'clock, was a solemn affair conducted at his home, overseen by the esteemed members of Wayne Lodge No. 112 A.F. and A.M., of which he was a dedicated member. His final resting place is in the serene grounds of Willowdale Cemetery, where he was laid to rest amidst the reverence of his brethren and loved ones.A stalwart of the Masonic fraternity, Mr. Edwards embodied the principles of humility and integrity. He faithfully discharged his duties, maintained his obligations, and stood in solidarity with his fellow Masons. Though his physical presence may be absent, his Masonic virtues endure in our hearts, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family in their time of mourning.
∼
1860 US Census
W.L. Edwards, age 36, oyster restaurant business.
Wife- Martha age 40
Son- John W. Age 9
Son -Capias Age 7
Son-Eugene W age 3
Son- Thomas R. Age 1
Within the serene confines of the Edwards Plot, cradled beneath the protective canopy of majestic cedar and sycamore trees, a medium-sized obelisk proudly displays the family name "Edwards" in the historic old section of Willow Dale Cemetery. Encircling this central monument are seven modest headstones, each bearing silent witness to the vibrant lives once cherished in the heart of Goldsboro.
William L. Edwards and his wife, Margaret "Patsy" Williams, originally hailed from Greene County, N.C., before making their home in Goldsboro. Together, they raised five children. Prior to the Civil War, W.L. operated a grocery store, but his path took a dramatic turn with the outbreak of the war. He answered the call to arms and suffered a wound to the shoulder at Fort Fisher.
Following the war's end, he joined forces with his eldest son, John W. Edwards, immersing himself in the vibrant ambiance of the Mozart Billiards Saloon on East Street, situated just opposite the H. Weil & Bros. Renowned for its exquisite selection of wine and liquor, the Mozart saloon also boasted W.L. Edwards' specialty: Norfolk oysters prepared in myriad styles, a culinary delight savored by patrons throughout the season.
His reputation as an oyster virtuoso spread far and wide, earning him acclaim across the state. W.L. Edwards capitalized on his culinary prowess by establishing an "Oyster Saloon" adjacent to his son's establishment. However, in 1881, tragedy struck when a malfunctioning flue sparked a devastating fire, wreaking havoc on the brick building and engulfing two aging frame structures and another brick store. The new Opera House was spared.
Undeterred by adversity, he persevered, temporarily relocating his operations to various rented venues. Yet, his indomitable spirit led him to the culmination of his dreams: the opening of his own culinary haven, St. James Restaurant, on September 9, 1893.
Another devastating blow befell the family in 1898, when his son, Thomas R. Edwards, a courageous soldier serving with the Goldsboro Rifles during the Spanish-American War, fell victim to the ravages of smallpox. Amidst the chaos of conflict, he found his final resting place in Cuba. Yet, his valor and sacrifice were not forgotten, as his remains were later returned to Willow Dale Cemetery on February 22, 1900, where he was laid to rest once more with full military honors, a poignant tribute to his service.
Among the hallowed ground of the Edwards family plot, lie the remains of other cherished kin. Eugene W. Edwards, proprietor of a beloved soda fountain shop in Goldsboro, found his final rest alongside his sister, Cherry Edwards, who never married, but tenderly devoted to the care of her parents, a son named Carperes, who died young and a sister in-law, Cherry Shackleford, who's stone bears the inscription " Sister of Martha Edwards".
~ Adrienne S. Stanley
∼
Most unusual, but most all of the dates inscribed on the headstones in the Edward's family plot show only the birthdates or an age. Most all have foot stones but the initials are the first name and Last name.
W.L. Edwards real age, based off of US Census Reports, and Obituary would have been around 1824. His wife was a little older than him.
His full name, William, is on the 1850 U.S. Census, Greene County, N.C.
∼
Obituary
Mr. W. L. Edwards, a revered figure in our community, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday night at the age of 76. He leaves behind a legacy as the father of Mr. John W. Edwards and as a valiant Confederate soldier.
Known for his culinary prowess, Mr. Edwards operated a renowned oyster restaurant in the city during the season, earning a reputation as one of the finest oyster cooks in the state.
The funeral, was held on Monday at 4 o'clock, was a solemn affair conducted at his home, overseen by the esteemed members of Wayne Lodge No. 112 A.F. and A.M., of which he was a dedicated member. His final resting place is in the serene grounds of Willowdale Cemetery, where he was laid to rest amidst the reverence of his brethren and loved ones.A stalwart of the Masonic fraternity, Mr. Edwards embodied the principles of humility and integrity. He faithfully discharged his duties, maintained his obligations, and stood in solidarity with his fellow Masons. Though his physical presence may be absent, his Masonic virtues endure in our hearts, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family in their time of mourning.
∼
1860 US Census
W.L. Edwards, age 36, oyster restaurant business.
Wife- Martha age 40
Son- John W. Age 9
Son -Capias Age 7
Son-Eugene W age 3
Son- Thomas R. Age 1
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