History of Caldwell and Livingston Counties, Missouri, 1886 pages 455-457

Solomon, Amos and Haywood Edwards

(Farmers and Stock-raisers).

The names which head this sketch are those of three brothers, men well and favorably known among the people of this county, and especially of New York township. They are worthy representatives of a family which early became identified with the material development and progress of this county, and their memory is cherished with fond remembrance by those who recall the pioneer settlement of this community. The Edwards family are originally of English Descent, members of which came to the colony of Virginia many years prior to the War of the Revolution, and not a few of them participated in that long and terrible struggle for Independence, on the side of the American army. One of these, Isaac by name, was the great-grandfather of the Edwards brothers who now make their home within the borders of Caldwell county. His (Isaac's) son was Anual Edwards, the father of Isaac B. Edwards, and the latter in turn became the father of the subjects of this memoir. Anual Edwards was a gallant soldier in the War of 1812; he was long interested in farming in Virginia and reared a large family of children, of whom Isaac B. was born in Carroll county, Va. He also grew to manhood upon a farm, after which he was married to Miss Nancy Moore, of Grayson county, the same State. Heaven blessed this union with the following children: Celia, Solomon, Amos, Haywood, Rosamond, Ollie, Matilda and Ruth J. After his marriage Mr. Edwards continued to live in Carroll county Va., until 1849, when he removed with his family to Caldwell county, settling in New York township (then Grand River township). He immediately resumed his farming interests and from that time until his death was actively and energetically engaged in tilling the soil. As a hunter he was very successful and many pleasant hours were passed in the pursuit of game on the mountains of Virginia or the prairies of Missouri. Kind-hearted, generous and hospitable to all with whom he came into contact, he made friends wherever he went, and to the last enjoyed the respect and confidence and esteem of all who were favored with his acquaintance. Politically he was a Democrat, and his religious preferences led him to become a member of the Christian Church. He died January 15, 1874, after a continuous residence in the State for 25 years, though for one year when a young man he lived in Lafayette county.

Edward Moore, the maternal great-grandfather of the Edwards boys, was a North Carolinian by birth, and his ancestors for many years had been natives of that State. His son, George Moore, when a young man took up his residence in Grayson county, Va., where he met and married Nancy Hanks, they subsequently rearing a family of 11 children. Mr. Moore served his country in the War of 1812.

Solomon Edwards, one of the brothers referred to before, was born in Carroll county, Va., July 16, 1838. From his earliest boyhood his career has been characterized by hard work, for he was brought up as a farmer, obtaining such an education as could be acquired in the common schools; and soon after reaching his majority he started out in life on his own account. Farming received his attention for two years, and later he drove a team, finally freighting across the plains for four years, a portion of the time having charge of a train. In 1866 he returned home and commenced the improvement of the farm which he now occupies, having purchased it while away. Mr. Edwards was married January 28, 1868, to Miss Zerilda A. Hale a native of Daviess county, Mo., born December 23, 1845. Her parents were Mortimer B. and Nancy J. (Bowers) Hale, the latter of whom went to Daviess county about the year 1838, but the father did not settle there until after his marriage, which was in August, 1843. They still reside in that county and are among its oldest and best known citizens. Mr. Edwards now owns a farm of 140 acres, quite well improved, and upon it he is engaged in raising a good grade of all kinds of stock. He is accounted to be one of the practical and thorough farmers and stock-raisers of the township. Brought up a Democrat, he was until about eight years ago ever ready to cast his vote in the interest of that party, but since that time he has been found within the ranks of the Greenback party. He has held the positions of township clerk and trustee. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have five children: Granville D., Celia E., Mitchell M., Benjamin D. M. and Laura E. Mr E. is a member of the Christian Church.

Amos Edwards, the second son in his father's family of children was born January 4, 1841, and like his brother is a native of Carroll county, Va. He, too, was reared to a farm experience, and during the late war he was engaged in driving a Government team, carry supplies, etc., from Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., to Ft. Union, N.M., and also served in the militia of the State, the latter part of the summer and fall of 1864. He also made other trips, besides those mentioned, but with these exceptions has continued to look upon Caldwell county as his permanent home. He is one of the most progressive and successful agriculturists in this portion of the county and, what is better than anything else, he can feel that his entire possessions have been acquired only by his own efforts. He has 320 acres of cultivated land and has paid considerable attention to raising and improving superior grades of live stock; he now owns some valuable Durham cattle. March 28, 1865, Miss Polly A. Hawks became his wife. Born in this county, she was the daughter of William Hawks, an early settler here. Her death occurred March 29, 1876, and she left eight children: Sarah M., Rosa E., Hannah M., Mary S., Louisa A., Nancy P., Georgia A. and an infant, deceased. Mr. E.'s second wife was Mrs. Mary J. McCollum, whom he married March 27, 1877. She had previously been married to William McCollum, and her maiden name was Clark. By this last union there is one child, Polly A. Though formerly of Democratic proclivities, Mr. Edwards is now a Greenbacker. He is likewise connected with the Christian Church.

Haywood Edwards, the youngest of the three brothers mentioned in this biography, has had much in common with his tow brothers just referred to. His birthplace was also Carroll county, the date of his entrance into this world being November 27, 1842. In the spring of 1864, he went West and passed two and a half years in the mines of Idaho with most satisfactory success. He then returned home and for three years followed farming on the old home place. He was united in marriage January 4, 1870 with Miss Elizabeth J. Diddle, daughter of Berry Diddle, a well known citizen of this county. She was born May 12, 1846, in Augusta county, Va. Their three children are named Sarah H., Aaron B. and Celia V. Mr. Edwards owns a good farm of 208 acres. He has, like his brothers, voted the Greenback ticket for some years past, and is also a member of the Christian Church.

These brothers, an outline of whose lives are here briefly sketched, are prominent in all religious and educational enterprises, and in fact all things that will build up the country or benefit their fellow-man. The respect shown them is as wide as their acquaintance.