1859-1931
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Edwards started his military career when he enrolled in West Point in 1879 and graduated in 1883. Following his graduation, he worked at Fordham University as professor of military science. In 1882 he already began his duties as a newly commissioned officer with the 23rd U.S. Infantry Regiment of the active army. During his career he was stationed at various posts and installations out west. He advanced steadily through the ranks of the regular army, becoming a major in 1898. In 1899, Edwards was in the Philippines fighting against insurrectionists and reportedly had been under fire 112 times. During his time in the Philippines, he was mentioned in general Lawton’s dispatches on four different occasions and was recognized for his gallantry and extremely effective administrative abilities. In 1906 Edwards was made brigadier general. Prior to World War I, he was stationed in Hawaii and later was in command of United States soldiers in the Panama Canal Zone. In 1917 the United States entered World War I and Edwards was appointed commandant of the newly created department of the Northeast, New England States. Being an extremely skilled administrator, he organized the 26th Infantry Division and ensured it was the first division to reach France in September of that year. Under his command, the 26th Division performed in key tasks which helped bring the war to an end. His effectiveness as a leader was celebrated throughout the division during the war and in the post war period. In 1921 Edwards was promoted to major general, before retiring in 1922.