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Below is a family biography included in The History of Cole County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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John W. Edwards, superintendent of the water works of Jefferson City, was born in Cole County, Mo., June 6, 1842, and is a son of Judge E. L. and Ann I. (Dixon) Edwards, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. John W. was reared and received his early education in his native county, afterward attending Westminster College, at Fulton, where he remained until the war broke out, when the school was closed, and he returned home and studied law with his father. He was admitted to the bar, but has never engaged in the practice of the legal profession. At the close of the war he engaged in the mercantile business at Jefferson City, which he successfully followed three years, and then turned his attention to farming; in the latter occupation he was employed fifteen years, and in 1884 removed to Jefferson City, where he has since resided, but still owns the farm. In November, 1888, he was elected superintendent of the water works, and still holds that position, having given good satisfaction as an officer. In 1866 Mr. Edwards married Mary C. Lockett, who died November 12, 1873, leaving four children, viz.: Edward L., George L., Warren W. and Arthur C. In January, 1880, Mr. Edwards married Ellen C. Pedigo, and two children have blessed this union, A. Eleanor and Mabel P. Mr. Edwards is a member of the I. O. G. T., and master workman of the A. O. U. W. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

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This family biography is one of 127 biographies included in The History of Cole County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Cole County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Cole County, Missouri family biographies here: Cole County, Missouri Biographies

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