EDWARDS, William F. - One of the most prosperous and substantial farmers in western Illinois, and one who is favorably known throughout Cass County, is William F. Edwards, whose home is in the vicinity of the town of Ashland. The farm on which he lives is situated in section 9, township 17, range 8, n., and consists of 200 acres of land. In addition to this, he owns about 500 acres in township 18, range 8. Mr. Edwards is a native of Cass County, where his birth took place August 13, 1854. His father was John Edwards, of English nativity, and the maiden name of his mother, also born in England, was Elizabeth Peat. They were married in England, and on coming to the United States, located in Cass County, Ill., where the father always carried on farming and stock raising.

In youth William F. Edwards received his education in the country schools in his neighborhood, and from that time on, devoted himself to farming. For two years, he farmed near the town of Virginia, and then moved to the vicinity of Chandlerville, where he remained five years, then made another move, taking the farm on which he now lives, and has occupied it for thirty-one years. He has improved it in every way, and has erected fin buildings on it. He calls it the "Cox Grove Farm," having bought it on a court decree, his being part of the second transfer from the government.

On June 20, 1879, William F. Edwards was married to Lucinda F. Stout, born in Cass County, Ill., June 5, 1858, a daughter of Emely and Elvira (Denny) Stout, natives of New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards had the following children: Howard, who married Maud Strubel; Lloyd L., and Aletha Pearl, who married George Muttra and lives in Springfield. The mother of this family died April 16, 1911. The two sons are engaged in farming on land in Cass County that belongs to their father. the father formerly farmed extensively himself, feeding at one time a large number of cattle and hogs.

Mr. Edwards was reared within the folds of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a very sociable and pleasantly disposed man, and is popular with all who have been so fortunate as to make his acquaintance, which presupposes a large circle of friends. Fraternally, he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, of Tallula, Ill., and the I.O.O.F., of Ashland.