W. H. Edwards, who is living retired in Moline, claims descent from some of the oldest families of America. From the rock-ribbed country of Wales there came to this country, in the seventeenth century, representatives of the name, who founded the family in America. The great-grandfather of our subject, William Edwards, was born in Coventry, Connecticut, in 1741, and married Temperance Huntington, an English lady. Their son, Benatha Edwards, was born in Coventry, May 5, 1772, and his son, William Edwards, the father of our subject, was born in Guilford, Windham County, near Brattleboro, Vermont, July 18, 1795. He married Huldah Bangs, who was born in Montague, Massachusetts, December 31, 1798, a daughter of John Bangs. Their marriage was celebrated January 28, 1823, at Bernardston, Massachusetts. Three years after the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, Edward Bangs, who was born in Colchester, England, in 1592, came to Massachusetts. His son, Captain Jonathan Bangs, was born at Plymouth in 1640. Captain Samuel Bangs was born on July 12, 1680, in Harvich, Massachusetts, and his son, Nathan Bangs, was born in 1736, while John Bangs, the grandfather of our subject, was born June 21, 1764. He was one of the heroes of the Revolution. His daughter, Mrs. Huldah Edwards, died at Moline, Illinois, February 21, 1885.
Mr. Edwards, the father of our subject, died in Moline, July 3, 1848. He removed from Vermont to Illinois in 1834, and the following year located in Moline. Three of his brothers had come to this state in 1827, and he joined them in Greene County, coming to Rock Island County in 1835. Here he purchased of Huntington Wells a claim of one hundred and seventy-three acres, which is now within the corporation limits of Moline. There he cultivated and improved a good farm, and the old farm residence, which was erected in 1838, is still standing on the place, the city having grown up around it. His first home was a cabin, 12 X 16 feet. In this little dwelling lived a family of seven persons, and many strangers were entertained there while looking for land in this neighborhood. Their first neighbors lived about a mile from their home, near the present site of the Moline Water Works. Mr. Edwards died in 1848, but lived to see in embryo the future cities of Davenport, Rock Island and Moline.
William H. Edwards, of this review, is the eldest of the family of four sons. Herbert R. died November 21, 1874; George H. is still living in Moline; and Charles T. resides in Galesburg. Our subject was born in Guilford, Vermont, October 14, 1823, and was, therefore twelve years of age when the family removed to this county. His education was acquired in private schools of Rock Island, and after completing his studies he learned the carriage makers' trade, which he followed in that city until 1863, with the exception of two years spent in Galena, in 1847 and 1848. He then became superintendent of the wood department of the Moline Plow Company, in which capacity he served continuously and acceptably until 1883, discharging his duties with a promptness and fidelity that won him the unqualified confidence of his employers. In 1884 and 1885, he engaged in merchandising in Cedar Rapids, but in the latter year sold out and returned to Moline, where he has since lived retired.
Mr. Edwards was married in Davenport, Iowa, April 3, 1844, to Miss Caroline Fleming, a native of Morgantown, Pennsylvania, who had located in Davenport in 1840, her father being Isaac Fleming. They were twenty-one and sixteen years of age respectively at the time of their marriage and for forty-one years they traveled life's journey together, until separated by death July 8, 1885, the wife being called to the home beyond. They had six children. Nettie H., the eldest, became the wife of Dr. J.B. Davison, and died in 1893. Edwin A. and Clarence W. died in childhood. Ella is the wife of James Magill, of Moline. William M. is with the firm Bernard & Leas. Fred L. is in the employ of the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad Company. There are also eleven grandchildren. Mr. Edwards was again married November 21, 1888, in Moline, his second union being with Mary E. Davison, a native of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
From the organization of the party until 1892 Mr. Edwards was a Republican, but since the latter date has voted with the Prohibition Party. About 1846 he was elected constable and for some years served on the school board, and was assessor of his township in 1869, but he never sought political preferment, desiring rather to give his attention to his business interests. For about ten years he was trustee of the Moline Cemetery, and for many years he has been a member of the Congregational Church, being one of its most active and influential workers. He served as deacon for more than a quarter of a century, was superintendent of the Sunday school for almost ten years, and was leader of the choir for six years.
Few men have longer been identified with the interests of Rock Island County than Mr. Edwards. He came here when much of the land was a dense wilderness or a swampy district, and has seen it develop into richly cultivated farms, while two large and thriving cities have sprung up, together with a number of enterprising towns. The work of progress has been carried steadily forward, bringing with it all the improvements of civilization until today the county ranks among the foremost in this great commonwealth. Mr. Edwards has ever borne his part in the work of improvements and his name occupies a conspicuous place on the roll of Rock Island County's honored pioneers.
[Source: Biographical Record of Rock Island County, 1897; page(s) 58- 62 ]
Name: William H. Edwards
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 3 Apr 1844
Marriage Place: Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Father: Wm. Edwards
Mother: Huldah Edwards
Spouse: Caroline Fleming
FHL Film Number: 1819735
Reference ID: 2:3R37X0R
(Source: Iowa, Select Marriages, 1809-1992)
Name: William H Edward
Age: 25
Birth Year: abt 1825
Birthplace: Vermont
Home in 1850: District 37, Rock Island, Illinois
Gender: Male
Family Number: 953
Household Members:
Name Age
William H Edward 25
Caroline Edward 23
Annella Edward 5
Charles Edwards 17
(Source: 1850 United States Federal Census)
Name: Wm H Edwards
Age in 1860: 36
Birth Year: abt 1824
Birthplace: Vermont
Home in 1860: Moline, Rock Island, Illinois
Gender: Male
Post Office: Moline
Value of real estate: View image
Household Members:
Name Age
Wm H Edwards 36
Caroline Edwards 32
Annette Edwards 15
Ella Edwards 7
(Source: 1860 United States Federal Census)
Name: William M Edwards
Residence: Moline, Rock Island, Illinois
Class: 2
Congressional District: 4th
Age on 1 July 1863: 40
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1823
Race: White
Place of Birth: Vermont
(Source: U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865)
Name: William Edwards
Age in 1870: 45
Birth Year: abt 1825
Birthplace: Vermont
Home in 1870: Moline, Rock Island, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Moline
Value of real estate: View image
Household Members:
Name Age
William Edwards 45
Caroline Edwards 42
Nettie Edwards 25
Willie Edwards 10
Fred Edwards 5
James Mcgill 24
Ella Mcgill 17
Frank Mcgill 1
Ida Erickson 20
(Source: 1870 United States Federal Census)
Name: Wm. H. Edwards
Age: 56
Birth Year: abt 1824
Birthplace: Vermont
Home in 1880: Moline, Rock Island, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Caroline Edwards
Father's Birthplace: Vermont
Mother's Birthplace: Massachusetts
Neighbors: View others on page
Occupation: Plow Manuf.
Cannot read/write:
Blind:
Deaf and Dumb:
Otherwise disabled:
Idiotic or insane:
Household Members:
Name Age
Wm. H. Edwards 56
Caroline Edwards 52
Wm. M. Edwards 19
Fred L. Edwards 15
Ella M. Majill 26
Elma C. Majill 9
Florence G. Majill 7
Herbert F. Majill 4
Roy E. Majill 4m
(Source: 1880 United States Federal Census)
Name: William H Edwards
Gender: Male
Spouse Name: Mary E Davison
Marriage Date: 22 Nov 1888
Marriage County: Rock Island
Comments: This record can be found at the County Court Records, Film # 1428580 - 1428581.
(Source: Illinois, Marriages, 1851-1900)
********
Parents:
William Hollis Edwards
Huldah Bangs Edwards Thomas
Spouses:
Caroline Fleming
Mary E. Davison
Children:
*Nettie H. Edwards (1845- 1893) married Dr. John B Davison (1827 - 1897)
*Edwin A. Edwards (1846- 1854)
*Clarence W. Edwards (1849- 1850)
*Ella M. Edwards (1853- 1925) married James A. Magill (1847 - 1911)
*William Maurice Edwards (1860- 1921) married Virgina Milholland (1863- 1929)
*Fred Lincoln Edwards (1864- 1930) married Mary R. Haight (1863 - ????) and Bertha Diedrick (1865 - 1941)
Mr. Edwards, the father of our subject, died in Moline, July 3, 1848. He removed from Vermont to Illinois in 1834, and the following year located in Moline. Three of his brothers had come to this state in 1827, and he joined them in Greene County, coming to Rock Island County in 1835. Here he purchased of Huntington Wells a claim of one hundred and seventy-three acres, which is now within the corporation limits of Moline. There he cultivated and improved a good farm, and the old farm residence, which was erected in 1838, is still standing on the place, the city having grown up around it. His first home was a cabin, 12 X 16 feet. In this little dwelling lived a family of seven persons, and many strangers were entertained there while looking for land in this neighborhood. Their first neighbors lived about a mile from their home, near the present site of the Moline Water Works. Mr. Edwards died in 1848, but lived to see in embryo the future cities of Davenport, Rock Island and Moline.
William H. Edwards, of this review, is the eldest of the family of four sons. Herbert R. died November 21, 1874; George H. is still living in Moline; and Charles T. resides in Galesburg. Our subject was born in Guilford, Vermont, October 14, 1823, and was, therefore twelve years of age when the family removed to this county. His education was acquired in private schools of Rock Island, and after completing his studies he learned the carriage makers' trade, which he followed in that city until 1863, with the exception of two years spent in Galena, in 1847 and 1848. He then became superintendent of the wood department of the Moline Plow Company, in which capacity he served continuously and acceptably until 1883, discharging his duties with a promptness and fidelity that won him the unqualified confidence of his employers. In 1884 and 1885, he engaged in merchandising in Cedar Rapids, but in the latter year sold out and returned to Moline, where he has since lived retired.
Mr. Edwards was married in Davenport, Iowa, April 3, 1844, to Miss Caroline Fleming, a native of Morgantown, Pennsylvania, who had located in Davenport in 1840, her father being Isaac Fleming. They were twenty-one and sixteen years of age respectively at the time of their marriage and for forty-one years they traveled life's journey together, until separated by death July 8, 1885, the wife being called to the home beyond. They had six children. Nettie H., the eldest, became the wife of Dr. J.B. Davison, and died in 1893. Edwin A. and Clarence W. died in childhood. Ella is the wife of James Magill, of Moline. William M. is with the firm Bernard & Leas. Fred L. is in the employ of the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad Company. There are also eleven grandchildren. Mr. Edwards was again married November 21, 1888, in Moline, his second union being with Mary E. Davison, a native of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
From the organization of the party until 1892 Mr. Edwards was a Republican, but since the latter date has voted with the Prohibition Party. About 1846 he was elected constable and for some years served on the school board, and was assessor of his township in 1869, but he never sought political preferment, desiring rather to give his attention to his business interests. For about ten years he was trustee of the Moline Cemetery, and for many years he has been a member of the Congregational Church, being one of its most active and influential workers. He served as deacon for more than a quarter of a century, was superintendent of the Sunday school for almost ten years, and was leader of the choir for six years.
Few men have longer been identified with the interests of Rock Island County than Mr. Edwards. He came here when much of the land was a dense wilderness or a swampy district, and has seen it develop into richly cultivated farms, while two large and thriving cities have sprung up, together with a number of enterprising towns. The work of progress has been carried steadily forward, bringing with it all the improvements of civilization until today the county ranks among the foremost in this great commonwealth. Mr. Edwards has ever borne his part in the work of improvements and his name occupies a conspicuous place on the roll of Rock Island County's honored pioneers.
[Source: Biographical Record of Rock Island County, 1897; page(s) 58- 62 ]
Name: William H. Edwards
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 3 Apr 1844
Marriage Place: Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Father: Wm. Edwards
Mother: Huldah Edwards
Spouse: Caroline Fleming
FHL Film Number: 1819735
Reference ID: 2:3R37X0R
(Source: Iowa, Select Marriages, 1809-1992)
Name: William H Edward
Age: 25
Birth Year: abt 1825
Birthplace: Vermont
Home in 1850: District 37, Rock Island, Illinois
Gender: Male
Family Number: 953
Household Members:
Name Age
William H Edward 25
Caroline Edward 23
Annella Edward 5
Charles Edwards 17
(Source: 1850 United States Federal Census)
Name: Wm H Edwards
Age in 1860: 36
Birth Year: abt 1824
Birthplace: Vermont
Home in 1860: Moline, Rock Island, Illinois
Gender: Male
Post Office: Moline
Value of real estate: View image
Household Members:
Name Age
Wm H Edwards 36
Caroline Edwards 32
Annette Edwards 15
Ella Edwards 7
(Source: 1860 United States Federal Census)
Name: William M Edwards
Residence: Moline, Rock Island, Illinois
Class: 2
Congressional District: 4th
Age on 1 July 1863: 40
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1823
Race: White
Place of Birth: Vermont
(Source: U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865)
Name: William Edwards
Age in 1870: 45
Birth Year: abt 1825
Birthplace: Vermont
Home in 1870: Moline, Rock Island, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Moline
Value of real estate: View image
Household Members:
Name Age
William Edwards 45
Caroline Edwards 42
Nettie Edwards 25
Willie Edwards 10
Fred Edwards 5
James Mcgill 24
Ella Mcgill 17
Frank Mcgill 1
Ida Erickson 20
(Source: 1870 United States Federal Census)
Name: Wm. H. Edwards
Age: 56
Birth Year: abt 1824
Birthplace: Vermont
Home in 1880: Moline, Rock Island, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Caroline Edwards
Father's Birthplace: Vermont
Mother's Birthplace: Massachusetts
Neighbors: View others on page
Occupation: Plow Manuf.
Cannot read/write:
Blind:
Deaf and Dumb:
Otherwise disabled:
Idiotic or insane:
Household Members:
Name Age
Wm. H. Edwards 56
Caroline Edwards 52
Wm. M. Edwards 19
Fred L. Edwards 15
Ella M. Majill 26
Elma C. Majill 9
Florence G. Majill 7
Herbert F. Majill 4
Roy E. Majill 4m
(Source: 1880 United States Federal Census)
Name: William H Edwards
Gender: Male
Spouse Name: Mary E Davison
Marriage Date: 22 Nov 1888
Marriage County: Rock Island
Comments: This record can be found at the County Court Records, Film # 1428580 - 1428581.
(Source: Illinois, Marriages, 1851-1900)
********
Parents:
William Hollis Edwards
Huldah Bangs Edwards Thomas
Spouses:
Caroline Fleming
Mary E. Davison
Children:
*Nettie H. Edwards (1845- 1893) married Dr. John B Davison (1827 - 1897)
*Edwin A. Edwards (1846- 1854)
*Clarence W. Edwards (1849- 1850)
*Ella M. Edwards (1853- 1925) married James A. Magill (1847 - 1911)
*William Maurice Edwards (1860- 1921) married Virgina Milholland (1863- 1929)
*Fred Lincoln Edwards (1864- 1930) married Mary R. Haight (1863 - ????) and Bertha Diedrick (1865 - 1941)
W. H. Edwards, who is living retired in Moline, claims descent from some of the oldest families of America. From the rock-ribbed country of Wales there came to this country, in the seventeenth century, representatives of the name, who founded the family in America. The great-grandfather of our subject, William Edwards, was born in Coventry, Connecticut, in 1741, and married Temperance Huntington, an English lady. Their son, Benatha Edwards, was born in Coventry, May 5, 1772, and his son, William Edwards, the father of our subject, was born in Guilford, Windham County, near Brattleboro, Vermont, July 18, 1795. He married Huldah Bangs, who was born in Montague, Massachusetts, December 31, 1798, a daughter of John Bangs. Their marriage was celebrated January 28, 1823, at Bernardston, Massachusetts. Three years after the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, Edward Bangs, who was born in Colchester, England, in 1592, came to Massachusetts. His son, Captain Jonathan Bangs, was born at Plymouth in 1640. Captain Samuel Bangs was born on July 12, 1680, in Harvich, Massachusetts, and his son, Nathan Bangs, was born in 1736, while John Bangs, the grandfather of our subject, was born June 21, 1764. He was one of the heroes of the Revolution. His daughter, Mrs. Huldah Edwards, died at Moline, Illinois, February 21, 1885.
Mr. Edwards, the father of our subject, died in Moline, July 3, 1848. He removed from Vermont to Illinois in 1834, and the following year located in Moline. Three of his brothers had come to this state in 1827, and he joined them in Greene County, coming to Rock Island County in 1835. Here he purchased of Huntington Wells a claim of one hundred and seventy-three acres, which is now within the corporation limits of Moline. There he cultivated and improved a good farm, and the old farm residence, which was erected in 1838, is still standing on the place, the city having grown up around it. His first home was a cabin, 12 X 16 feet. In this little dwelling lived a family of seven persons, and many strangers were entertained there while looking for land in this neighborhood. Their first neighbors lived about a mile from their home, near the present site of the Moline Water Works. Mr. Edwards died in 1848, but lived to see in embryo the future cities of Davenport, Rock Island and Moline.
William H. Edwards, of this review, is the eldest of the family of four sons. Herbert R. died November 21, 1874; George H. is still living in Moline; and Charles T. resides in Galesburg. Our subject was born in Guilford, Vermont, October 14, 1823, and was, therefore twelve years of age when the family removed to this county. His education was acquired in private schools of Rock Island, and after completing his studies he learned the carriage makers' trade, which he followed in that city until 1863, with the exception of two years spent in Galena, in 1847 and 1848. He then became superintendent of the wood department of the Moline Plow Company, in which capacity he served continuously and acceptably until 1883, discharging his duties with a promptness and fidelity that won him the unqualified confidence of his employers. In 1884 and 1885, he engaged in merchandising in Cedar Rapids, but in the latter year sold out and returned to Moline, where he has since lived retired.
Mr. Edwards was married in Davenport, Iowa, April 3, 1844, to Miss Caroline Fleming, a native of Morgantown, Pennsylvania, who had located in Davenport in 1840, her father being Isaac Fleming. They were twenty-one and sixteen years of age respectively at the time of their marriage and for forty-one years they traveled life's journey together, until separated by death July 8, 1885, the wife being called to the home beyond. They had six children. Nettie H., the eldest, became the wife of Dr. J.B. Davison, and died in 1893. Edwin A. and Clarence W. died in childhood. Ella is the wife of James Magill, of Moline. William M. is with the firm Bernard & Leas. Fred L. is in the employ of the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad Company. There are also eleven grandchildren. Mr. Edwards was again married November 21, 1888, in Moline, his second union being with Mary E. Davison, a native of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
From the organization of the party until 1892 Mr. Edwards was a Republican, but since the latter date has voted with the Prohibition Party. About 1846 he was elected constable and for some years served on the school board, and was assessor of his township in 1869, but he never sought political preferment, desiring rather to give his attention to his business interests. For about ten years he was trustee of the Moline Cemetery, and for many years he has been a member of the Congregational Church, being one of its most active and influential workers. He served as deacon for more than a quarter of a century, was superintendent of the Sunday school for almost ten years, and was leader of the choir for six years.
Few men have longer been identified with the interests of Rock Island County than Mr. Edwards. He came here when much of the land was a dense wilderness or a swampy district, and has seen it develop into richly cultivated farms, while two large and thriving cities have sprung up, together with a number of enterprising towns. The work of progress has been carried steadily forward, bringing with it all the improvements of civilization until today the county ranks among the foremost in this great commonwealth. Mr. Edwards has ever borne his part in the work of improvements and his name occupies a conspicuous place on the roll of Rock Island County's honored pioneers.
[Source: Biographical Record of Rock Island County, 1897; page(s) 58- 62 ]
Name: William H. Edwards
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 3 Apr 1844
Marriage Place: Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Father: Wm. Edwards
Mother: Huldah Edwards
Spouse: Caroline Fleming
FHL Film Number: 1819735
Reference ID: 2:3R37X0R
(Source: Iowa, Select Marriages, 1809-1992)
Name: William H Edward
Age: 25
Birth Year: abt 1825
Birthplace: Vermont
Home in 1850: District 37, Rock Island, Illinois
Gender: Male
Family Number: 953
Household Members:
Name Age
William H Edward 25
Caroline Edward 23
Annella Edward 5
Charles Edwards 17
(Source: 1850 United States Federal Census)
Name: Wm H Edwards
Age in 1860: 36
Birth Year: abt 1824
Birthplace: Vermont
Home in 1860: Moline, Rock Island, Illinois
Gender: Male
Post Office: Moline
Value of real estate: View image
Household Members:
Name Age
Wm H Edwards 36
Caroline Edwards 32
Annette Edwards 15
Ella Edwards 7
(Source: 1860 United States Federal Census)
Name: William M Edwards
Residence: Moline, Rock Island, Illinois
Class: 2
Congressional District: 4th
Age on 1 July 1863: 40
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1823
Race: White
Place of Birth: Vermont
(Source: U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865)
Name: William Edwards
Age in 1870: 45
Birth Year: abt 1825
Birthplace: Vermont
Home in 1870: Moline, Rock Island, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Moline
Value of real estate: View image
Household Members:
Name Age
William Edwards 45
Caroline Edwards 42
Nettie Edwards 25
Willie Edwards 10
Fred Edwards 5
James Mcgill 24
Ella Mcgill 17
Frank Mcgill 1
Ida Erickson 20
(Source: 1870 United States Federal Census)
Name: Wm. H. Edwards
Age: 56
Birth Year: abt 1824
Birthplace: Vermont
Home in 1880: Moline, Rock Island, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Caroline Edwards
Father's Birthplace: Vermont
Mother's Birthplace: Massachusetts
Neighbors: View others on page
Occupation: Plow Manuf.
Cannot read/write:
Blind:
Deaf and Dumb:
Otherwise disabled:
Idiotic or insane:
Household Members:
Name Age
Wm. H. Edwards 56
Caroline Edwards 52
Wm. M. Edwards 19
Fred L. Edwards 15
Ella M. Majill 26
Elma C. Majill 9
Florence G. Majill 7
Herbert F. Majill 4
Roy E. Majill 4m
(Source: 1880 United States Federal Census)
Name: William H Edwards
Gender: Male
Spouse Name: Mary E Davison
Marriage Date: 22 Nov 1888
Marriage County: Rock Island
Comments: This record can be found at the County Court Records, Film # 1428580 - 1428581.
(Source: Illinois, Marriages, 1851-1900)
********
Parents:
William Hollis Edwards
Huldah Bangs Edwards Thomas
Spouses:
Caroline Fleming
Mary E. Davison
Children:
*Nettie H. Edwards (1845- 1893) married Dr. John B Davison (1827 - 1897)
*Edwin A. Edwards (1846- 1854)
*Clarence W. Edwards (1849- 1850)
*Ella M. Edwards (1853- 1925) married James A. Magill (1847 - 1911)
*William Maurice Edwards (1860- 1921) married Virgina Milholland (1863- 1929)
*Fred Lincoln Edwards (1864- 1930) married Mary R. Haight (1863 - ????) and Bertha Diedrick (1865 - 1941)
Mr. Edwards, the father of our subject, died in Moline, July 3, 1848. He removed from Vermont to Illinois in 1834, and the following year located in Moline. Three of his brothers had come to this state in 1827, and he joined them in Greene County, coming to Rock Island County in 1835. Here he purchased of Huntington Wells a claim of one hundred and seventy-three acres, which is now within the corporation limits of Moline. There he cultivated and improved a good farm, and the old farm residence, which was erected in 1838, is still standing on the place, the city having grown up around it. His first home was a cabin, 12 X 16 feet. In this little dwelling lived a family of seven persons, and many strangers were entertained there while looking for land in this neighborhood. Their first neighbors lived about a mile from their home, near the present site of the Moline Water Works. Mr. Edwards died in 1848, but lived to see in embryo the future cities of Davenport, Rock Island and Moline.
William H. Edwards, of this review, is the eldest of the family of four sons. Herbert R. died November 21, 1874; George H. is still living in Moline; and Charles T. resides in Galesburg. Our subject was born in Guilford, Vermont, October 14, 1823, and was, therefore twelve years of age when the family removed to this county. His education was acquired in private schools of Rock Island, and after completing his studies he learned the carriage makers' trade, which he followed in that city until 1863, with the exception of two years spent in Galena, in 1847 and 1848. He then became superintendent of the wood department of the Moline Plow Company, in which capacity he served continuously and acceptably until 1883, discharging his duties with a promptness and fidelity that won him the unqualified confidence of his employers. In 1884 and 1885, he engaged in merchandising in Cedar Rapids, but in the latter year sold out and returned to Moline, where he has since lived retired.
Mr. Edwards was married in Davenport, Iowa, April 3, 1844, to Miss Caroline Fleming, a native of Morgantown, Pennsylvania, who had located in Davenport in 1840, her father being Isaac Fleming. They were twenty-one and sixteen years of age respectively at the time of their marriage and for forty-one years they traveled life's journey together, until separated by death July 8, 1885, the wife being called to the home beyond. They had six children. Nettie H., the eldest, became the wife of Dr. J.B. Davison, and died in 1893. Edwin A. and Clarence W. died in childhood. Ella is the wife of James Magill, of Moline. William M. is with the firm Bernard & Leas. Fred L. is in the employ of the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad Company. There are also eleven grandchildren. Mr. Edwards was again married November 21, 1888, in Moline, his second union being with Mary E. Davison, a native of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
From the organization of the party until 1892 Mr. Edwards was a Republican, but since the latter date has voted with the Prohibition Party. About 1846 he was elected constable and for some years served on the school board, and was assessor of his township in 1869, but he never sought political preferment, desiring rather to give his attention to his business interests. For about ten years he was trustee of the Moline Cemetery, and for many years he has been a member of the Congregational Church, being one of its most active and influential workers. He served as deacon for more than a quarter of a century, was superintendent of the Sunday school for almost ten years, and was leader of the choir for six years.
Few men have longer been identified with the interests of Rock Island County than Mr. Edwards. He came here when much of the land was a dense wilderness or a swampy district, and has seen it develop into richly cultivated farms, while two large and thriving cities have sprung up, together with a number of enterprising towns. The work of progress has been carried steadily forward, bringing with it all the improvements of civilization until today the county ranks among the foremost in this great commonwealth. Mr. Edwards has ever borne his part in the work of improvements and his name occupies a conspicuous place on the roll of Rock Island County's honored pioneers.
[Source: Biographical Record of Rock Island County, 1897; page(s) 58- 62 ]
Name: William H. Edwards
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 3 Apr 1844
Marriage Place: Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Father: Wm. Edwards
Mother: Huldah Edwards
Spouse: Caroline Fleming
FHL Film Number: 1819735
Reference ID: 2:3R37X0R
(Source: Iowa, Select Marriages, 1809-1992)
Name: William H Edward
Age: 25
Birth Year: abt 1825
Birthplace: Vermont
Home in 1850: District 37, Rock Island, Illinois
Gender: Male
Family Number: 953
Household Members:
Name Age
William H Edward 25
Caroline Edward 23
Annella Edward 5
Charles Edwards 17
(Source: 1850 United States Federal Census)
Name: Wm H Edwards
Age in 1860: 36
Birth Year: abt 1824
Birthplace: Vermont
Home in 1860: Moline, Rock Island, Illinois
Gender: Male
Post Office: Moline
Value of real estate: View image
Household Members:
Name Age
Wm H Edwards 36
Caroline Edwards 32
Annette Edwards 15
Ella Edwards 7
(Source: 1860 United States Federal Census)
Name: William M Edwards
Residence: Moline, Rock Island, Illinois
Class: 2
Congressional District: 4th
Age on 1 July 1863: 40
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1823
Race: White
Place of Birth: Vermont
(Source: U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865)
Name: William Edwards
Age in 1870: 45
Birth Year: abt 1825
Birthplace: Vermont
Home in 1870: Moline, Rock Island, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Moline
Value of real estate: View image
Household Members:
Name Age
William Edwards 45
Caroline Edwards 42
Nettie Edwards 25
Willie Edwards 10
Fred Edwards 5
James Mcgill 24
Ella Mcgill 17
Frank Mcgill 1
Ida Erickson 20
(Source: 1870 United States Federal Census)
Name: Wm. H. Edwards
Age: 56
Birth Year: abt 1824
Birthplace: Vermont
Home in 1880: Moline, Rock Island, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Caroline Edwards
Father's Birthplace: Vermont
Mother's Birthplace: Massachusetts
Neighbors: View others on page
Occupation: Plow Manuf.
Cannot read/write:
Blind:
Deaf and Dumb:
Otherwise disabled:
Idiotic or insane:
Household Members:
Name Age
Wm. H. Edwards 56
Caroline Edwards 52
Wm. M. Edwards 19
Fred L. Edwards 15
Ella M. Majill 26
Elma C. Majill 9
Florence G. Majill 7
Herbert F. Majill 4
Roy E. Majill 4m
(Source: 1880 United States Federal Census)
Name: William H Edwards
Gender: Male
Spouse Name: Mary E Davison
Marriage Date: 22 Nov 1888
Marriage County: Rock Island
Comments: This record can be found at the County Court Records, Film # 1428580 - 1428581.
(Source: Illinois, Marriages, 1851-1900)
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Parents:
William Hollis Edwards
Huldah Bangs Edwards Thomas
Spouses:
Caroline Fleming
Mary E. Davison
Children:
*Nettie H. Edwards (1845- 1893) married Dr. John B Davison (1827 - 1897)
*Edwin A. Edwards (1846- 1854)
*Clarence W. Edwards (1849- 1850)
*Ella M. Edwards (1853- 1925) married James A. Magill (1847 - 1911)
*William Maurice Edwards (1860- 1921) married Virgina Milholland (1863- 1929)
*Fred Lincoln Edwards (1864- 1930) married Mary R. Haight (1863 - ????) and Bertha Diedrick (1865 - 1941)
Inscription
William H. Edwards, Born Oct 14, 1823, Died May 24, 1899
Family Members
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