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 be 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.

Transcribed from:
History of Cole, Moniteau, Morgan, Benton, Miller, Maries, and Osage Counties, Missouri, Goodspeed Publishing Company (1889).