My Genealogy Hound

RICHARD EDWARDS. A well-known and prominent figure among the business-men of Pittsburgh subsequent to 1830 was Richard Edwards, who was born Jan. 1, 1803, at Binghamton, N. Y., where he spent his youth. He came to Pittsburgh in June, 1824, and entered, as a clerk, the dry-goods house of William Bell, whose wife was a distant relative. His energy, good address and business tact brought him rapid advancement, and in 1828 he became a partner in the house. The firm did a large and successful business in Western Pensylvania, and after fourteen years, in 1842, he withdrew, to engage in the manufacture of iron and nails with James Wood and William and James McKnight, under firm name of Wood, Edwards & McKnights. After six years of prosperous business the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Edwards engaged in the manufacture of locks, latches and platform scales with David A. Morris, under firm name of Edwards & Morris. He continued in this, business, with some change of partners, until 1856, when he removed with his family to Dubuque, Iowa, where he became a member of the firm of Chislett, Buckley & Co., who carried on an extensive business in hardware and iron throughout Northern Iowa. In 1862 he returned to Pittsburgh, and embarked in the insurance business, securing the agency of several of the largest companies of the country. In conjunction with his son, Ogden M. Edwards, under firm name of R. Edwards & Son, a large business was built up, in which he continued till his death. Mr. Edwards was universally respected for his energy, good business capacity, sound judgment and unswerving integrity. He had, in a remarkable degree, the confidence of all who knew him.

But it was through the religious side of his character that his influence was most strongly felt. Descended from a long line of devout ancestors, being a great-grandson of Jonathan Edwards, the renowned theologian, the religious element in, his character was the controlling force in his life. He was one of the original members of the Third Presbyterian Church, organized in 1833, and its first officer, having been elected a ruling elder before a pastor had been chosen. He was for many years superintendent of the Sunday-school, labored energetically in the church work, and contributed most liberally to its pecuniary support. Probably no one, except the pastor, did more than he to make this church the power which it speedily be came. On settling in Dubuque he took an active part in organizing and building the Second Presbyterian Church there, and was chosen an elder. On his return to Pittsburgh in 1862 he resumed his connection with the Third Presbyterian Church, and was again chosen an elder. In May, 1873, on changing his residence to the suburbs of the city, he became a member of the Shady Side Presbyterian Church, and continued in that relation to his death. As a Christian man Mr. Edwards was marked by the unswerving steadfastness of his belief in the vital doctrines of Christianity; by the governing of his life and conduct by its principles; by untiring energy in its service; by an unusual liberality in money subscriptions, guided not by impulse but by principle; and by a cheerful readiness to obey the call of duty at whatever cost. One who knew him well said: “I never knew him to hesitate in that performance of duty, however hard. He never seemed to think of himself.”

In 1828 he married Catharine Pond May, a sister of the wife of William Bell, his partner in business. In her he had a help meet worthy, as wife, mother and Christian, of all the affection and honor which husband and children could bestow. They reared a family of seven children, all of whom became members of the Presbyterian Church, and one, Maurice Dwight Edwards, entered the ministry. Naturally a leader, he was often appealed to for advice and assistance, and never in vain. Although profoundly religious, he was no ascetic, but enjoyed keenly all the innocent pleasures of life. Especially did he delight in social gatherings, where his frank, cordial manner, strong sense of humor, and warm human sympathies made his presence always welcome. The bare facts of his life give very little idea of the influence for good which he exercised over others, due to an assemblage of qualities unusual in one person, combined with an intense earnestness, which affected powerfully all who knew him. Some of Pittsburgh’s most successful men of a later generation could cheerfully acknowledge how much they owe to the stimulus of his example. He died on the 18th of September, 1884, in the eighty-second year of his age, leaving a memory fragrant with Christian faith and righteous living.