Page:History of the Municipalities of Hudson County (1924), Vol. 2.djvu/15



EDWARDS, Edward Irving,

This is the record in the history of his native region of a bank runner and clerk who became president of the institution and of a public servant whose work, begun as clerk to a State commission, is contin- ued after a term as governor in the office of United States Senator. In Jersey City such a description could fit but one man, Edward I. Edwards, whose record in pub- lic and business life is that of a straight- forward, energetic, courageous, depend- able citizen, equal to the weighty respon- sibilities that have been placed upon his shoulders and faithful representative of his fellows in financial relations and exec- utive and legislative positions.

Edward I. Edwards was born in that part of Jersey City formerly known as the town of Bergen, December 1, 1863, son of William W.and Emma J. Edwards, his father a native of Wales, and his mother of England, both now deceased. William W. Edwards was a ship carpen- ter and later a truck gardener at Lafay- ette, Jersey City, and until he left school Mr. Edwards helped his father in the cul- tivation of his garden. He received his education at Public School No. 12, Jersey City High School, and New York Uni- versity, and after leaving college he entered the law office of his brother, the late Senator William D. Edwards. Dis- continuing the study of law he entered the First National Bank, Jersey City, as a runner and clerk at the salary of two dollars a week. Here he remained for about seven years, during this time studying carefully the subject of finance and taxation. Overstudy and the confining nature of his work compelled him to sever his connection with the institution, and for several years thereafter he was en- gaged in the general contracting business | as a member of the firm of Edwards Brothers. Among his earliest connections with public affairs was his service as clerk to the Martin Act Commission during the busy years of that board, and in the work of this commission he became considered an authority on all matters relating to tax- ation. In 1903 through the influence of Edward F. C. Young, then president of the First National Bank, Jersey City, he again became connected with that bank as an assistant to the president. He there- after became cashier and a director, and finally president of this important institu- tion, which position he holds at the pres- ent time.

Upon the election of Woodrow Wilson as governor, and the control of the Legis- lature of 1912 by the Democratic party, Mr. Edwards’ knowledge of finance and taxation made him the logical choice for the position of comptroller of the treas- ury, and on February 7, 1911, he was elected for the term of three years. In 1913 he became a candidate for the office of State treasurer, but by reason of the factional differences in the Democratic party his election was opposed by Gov- ernor Wilson and other leaders, and he was defeated. He was one of the leaders in the movement which finally brought about the adoption of the commission form of government for Jersey City. He was also actively engaged in the cam-