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Introductory Material:
Preface
Chapter 1
The Edwards Coat of Arms

Family Records:
John 1
John 2
John 3
Richard 3
Jonathan 3
Samuel 3
Nathaniel 3
William 3

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Justin Edwards had a Farm
Letters from Henry

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Comments:

Family located: Westbrook ME
Occupation: Dry Goods Merchant

Other Info:

Lewis Warren Edwards is Dead
Oldest Merchant in Westbrook
Fifty Years in business at One Location
Westbrook, April 25.-(Special to the Express-Advertiser).-While not wholly unexpected, as he had been critically ill for about two weeks, yet the news of the death of Lewis Warren Edwards came as a shock to the community at large when they learned of his passing away at his home on Main street this morning at 6:03.
He had always lived in Westbrook and for more than half a century had been in business in the same corner that of Main and Bridge streets.
He was the son of Bryce (McLellan) and Martha (Irish) Edwards. On his father's side he was descended from Hugh McLellan who was one of the first settlers of Gorham, and on his mother's side his descent can be traced, in the less direct line to the first white child born in the town of Gorham, Mary Gorham Phinney. He was the grandson of Gen. James Irish, so well known in civic and military circles in 1812. Mr. Edwards was born in Westbrook, the first child of the family, on August 28, 1834. He was one of six children all of whom are now dead. His only brother was the late Bryce McLellan Edwards, Jr., of the firm of Edwards & Walker of Portland.
He married, October 15, 1862, Mary Elizabeth Brown, who died December 5, 1875.
October 31, 1888, he was married to Harriet E. Raymond, only daughter of the late Jonas and Mary Raymond of Westbrook, who survives him.
Besides his widow he is survived by several nephews and nieces: Frank H. McCann, who for more than a quarter of a century has been with him in his business and in the closest personal relation, not unlike that of a son; Carrie A. McCann, also of this city, children of his sister, Mrs. D. N. McCann; a niece is also living in California, Miss Gertrude Marsh, daughter of his sister, Mrs. Frederick Proctor, George C. Edwards, of Portland, Mrs. Harry O. Fabyan and Miss Marion Edwards of Brighton, Mass., children of the late Bryce M. Edwards, Jr., and Capt. Frank E. Cummings of Portland, a son of his sister, Mrs. Francis E. Cummings of Portland.
Mr. Edwards was by far the oldest Merchant in Westbrook. As he was fond of telling when in a reminiscent mood when he was 21 years of age he left the employ of his father (who for many years was in business in that store now occupied by Elmer Black) to enter the store on the corner of Main and Bridge streets as a clerk for the firm of North and Pierce. It was a general country store then. In 1858 after Mr. Pierce's death Mr. Edwards purchased his interest and in 1862 on the death of Mr. North he became sole proprietor. About this time the store
------(piece missing)------
Fifty years in business in one spot is an unusual thing. Although Mr. Edwards had lived out his allotted three score years and ten until within the past year it would have been difficult for a stranger to credit it, his form was erect and those who knew him, and that was practically everybody in this vicinity, knew how brisk were his movements.
While he was interested in the civic life of the community he never cared for or held a public office except that of trustee of Woodlawn Cemetery, which he had held for many years. In this city where hardly a man but that belongs to one or more secret societies he never belonged to one.
All his live he had been much interested in fire protection and in the days of volunteer firemen there was never a fire he did not attend, in in fact his interest had never waned, but for the last year he had been unable to attend.
Mr. Edwards leaves behind him a reputation for the strictest honesty and integrity. While he amassed more than a competency it was honestly obtained by legitimate business.
He was an honest man, what greater tribute! While he was interested in everything that pertained to Westbrook, yet it was in his home that he was happiest and where he delighted to entertain his friends.
Much sympathy is expressed for his family and most sincere sorrow by the whole community.

undated newspaper clipping from the scrapbook of Sarah Crockett Cash, from the collection of Carolyn (Crockett) Edwards