SIMPSON EDWARDS, a prominent farmer and stock raiser, whose methods have brought success to his efforts, is a tiller of the fertile soil of Gill township. He was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, June 30, 1852, son of Henderson and Cynthia (Cox) Edwards. The father was born in the same county, as was the mother, the former in 1820, and the latter in 1831. Henderson Edwards was a farmer throughout his entire lifetime. When about twenty-one years of age he entered land in the Vincennes district, which he cleared up and used for agricultural purposes. Here he resided and labored until 1885, then sold out and purchased the farm where his son now lives, at first purchasing eighty acres. His wife died in 1901 and he now resides with his son Simpson. The children born to Henderson and Cynthia (Cox) Edwards were five in number, as follows: Simpson, of whom further mention is made; Geneal Edwards, deceased; Clementine, deceased; Jane, wife of William Cox, of Haddon township; Margaret, wife of A. W. Engle of Gill township.
Like many a youth of his times, Simpson Edwards had but a limited opportunity for gaining an education. He attended the common schools of Lawrence county, and one term at the high school of Mitchell. At the age of seventeen years, he commenced working for others, continuing four years. He then purchased a farm in Lawrence county, which he owned two years, but to which he never moved. After he sold this he continued to reside with his father, and managed his place for him. He next bought land in Sullivan county. This was an eighty acre tract, which was purchased in 1885. Subsequently, he added another "eighty," which with an acre piece more recently bought makes him the present owner of one hundred and sixty-one acres of land, where he carries on general farming and makes a specialty of stock-raising. Besides raising many hogs and cattle, he also deals in this variety of stock to quite an extent. His farm has been well improved by his systematic methods and today is one of much beauty and great value, as compared to the date which he purchased the several tracts composing the whole.
Mr. Edwards, being of a progressive turn of mind, has identified himself with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to both blue lodge and Eastern Star degrees. In his church relations, he is a communicant of the Baptist church. Politically, Mr. Edwards believes in the general principles advocated by the Republican party. He has never sought public favor in way of local office, but has served as supervisor and held minor township offices.
He was married in October, 1894, to Mary E. Price, born near Terre Haute, the daughter of John W. Price, a prominent farmer of Vigo county. Mrs. Edwards' parents are now both deceased.