Edwards, William

    William Edwards, whose death was briefly referred to yesterday, was born October 22, 1834, on a farm near Sumnerville.
    On June 1, 1869 he was married to Miss Marian Josephine Baxter, who survives.  The wedding occurred in Niles and Mr. and Mrs. Edwards went to Missouri and spent eight years there.  They then returned to the old Edwards homestead and later purchased a farm in Howard township and resided there for 21 years, or until they came to Niles 10 years ago.  Mr. Edwards on two occasions, spent a year in the west.
    Seven children were born to them of whom five survive, viz: Mrs. Ella Leach of Mantan, Mich.: Frank B. of Dowagiac; Mrs. Addie Burkett of St. Joseph; George and Miss Clara Edwards of Niles.  A son, Edwin Clifford Edwards was killed four years ago by a train and a daughter, Mrs. Delbert Mittan died February 28, 1915.
    Mr. Edwards had always followed farming until his health failed. The immediate cause of death was gangrene of the foot from which he had been a sufferer for several months.
    The deceased was highly respected and he enjoyed a wide acquaintance.
    Two brothers, Henry Edwards of Dowagiac and Joseph Edwards of Albany, Ore., who is 92 years old, and a sister, Mrs. Mattie Griswold of Denver, survive.
    The funeral services will be held from the residence at 312 Broadway tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock.  Rev. R.A. Wright will officiate.
    The committal service at Silver Brook cemetery, will be in charge of St. Joseph Valley lodge No. 4, F. and A.M. Mr. Edwards had been a Mason for over 50 yars[sic], having joined that fraternity at Pokagon when a young man and later becoming a member of the Niles lodge.
(Source: Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, June 13, 1916, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)

AND

    At 3:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon, death claimed William Edwards, pioneer agriculturist of Cass county.  Mr. Edwards had been in failing health for a long time, and had been confined to his bed for about a month.  Death was due to a gangrenous affection.
    Mr. Edwards was born in Sumnerville, Cass county, October 22, 1834, and the greater part of his life was spent in Pokagon and Howard townships up to the time he retired and came to Niles with his family a decade ago. He was married to Miss Marian Josephine Baxter of Sumnerville, on January 1, 1869.  To this union, seven children were born, and the mother and five of the children live to mourn the demise of a kind husband and indulgent parent.  The latter are Mrs. Ella Leach, of Manton, this state; Frank B. Edwards, of Dowagiac; Mrs. John Burket, of St. Joseph, and Miss Clara and George Edwards, who reside at home.
    Mr. Edwards had been affiliated with the Masonic order for over half a century.  He was an honorable, upright man, who was held in highest esteem by his wide circle of acquaintances.
    The funeral will take place Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the home under Masonic aspices.  The services at the home will be conducted by Rev. R.A. Wright, pastor of the Methodist church, and the ceremony at the graveside will be in charge of the Masonic Order.  (Source:  Niles Daily Star, Tuesday evening, June 13, 1916, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library)