James Edward Edwards

Throughout his section of Arkansas, William Edward Edwards, postmaster of Rison, was widely known, for he held several important public offices and discharged the duties with marked ability and courage.

Edwards was born at Vilonia, Faulkner County, Arkansas, March 30, 1881, son of T.S. and Alice (Wilson) Edwards, and one of four children. His father was born in South Carolina, his mother in Alabama. The son was well educated in the public and high schools of Lonoke County and he attended the University of Arkansas three years. He taught school for a time, spending three years as superintendent of schools in Austin, Arkansas.

Moving to Rison from Austin, he held the post of coach and principal of the grammar school four years. He was then appointed postmaster. He owned a half interest in a prosperous grocery and meat store in Sheridan, of which his son had charge.

Mr. Edwards served the public in other capacities, for he was deputy sheriff from 1912 to 1916, while he also taught school. He served on the City Council for two years and on the School Board for six. He belonged to the Free and Accepted Masons, Rison Lodge, and held all offices in his lodge up to the Master’s chair.

William Edward Edwards married Vivian Story, of El Paso, Arkansas, on June 7, 1905.  She was formerly from Kentucky. Their children were: Pauline, who attended Conway Teacher’s College, Aline, also attended Conway Teacher’s College, Vinton, who attended Arkansas Technological School at Russellville, and who resided at El Dorado, Rupert, who graduated high school and was in charge of Turner & Edwards Grocery and Meat Market in Sheridan, and Lola Maysel.

Mr. Edwards was a democrat, and a member of the Methodist church, serving on the board of stewards.

Submitted by Belinda (Brown) Winston