Dr. Eldridge Sharp Edwards

EDWARDS, SHARP, LONGACRE, BROWN

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/3/2001 at 07:04:41

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties - 1890

DR. ELDRIDGE SHARP EDWARDS
Dr. Eldridge Sharp Edwards of Milton, was born near Bloomfield, Sullivan County Tennessee, April 16, 1839, and is a son of O.M. and Amanda Theresa Longacre Edwards, who was also born in the same locality. His father, born in 1806, was of English and Welsh descent and belonged to an old Virginian family, which was founded in America during Colonial days. His mother, whose maiden name was Sharp, was born in 2807, and was of English lineage. Her death occurred in Tennessee in 1843, and some eleven years later, Mr. Edwards came to Iowa, locating near Drakesville, Davis County Iowa, where he engaged in farming until his death in 1872.
The subject of this sketch remained in Davis County until 1862. He acquired his literary education in the common schools and at the age of nineteen began the study of medicine. He began practice some four years later and from Wapello County, where he first located, removed to Milton. In 1871 he returned to Drakesville, where he continued practice until 1887, which year witnessed his arrival at this place. He attended lectures in the Keokuk Medical College in the winter of 1884-85, but did not graduate.
On August 6, 1874, in Drakesville, Dr. Edwards was united in marriage with Miss Mattie Brown, a native of Hendricks County Indiana. Unto them have been born six children, three sons and three daughters, but two are now deceased—Clyde, who died at the age of one year; and Charles, who died when eight years of age. The living are: Prince, Mary Jessie, Fannie and Nellie. The Doctor and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are widely and favorable known in the community. In politics he is a supporter of Democratic principles and socially is an Odd Fellow and Mason. He has a good practice and is one of the representative citizens of the community.
I am not related, and am posting this biography for those who may find this person in their family history.