Santa Clara County Biographies


This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm



HENRY W. EDWARDS. 
 
        Born in Chicago,  Illinois, March 1, 1842. In 1850 he crossed the plains 
with his father, Henry Edwards, who, after remaining at Placerville for a short 
time, embarked in mining on the American River, in 1851. In the following year 
he commenced a butchering business in Marysville and Sacramento, which he 
continued until 1853, in the winter of which year he came to Santa Clara County. 
In the city of San Jose his fathered entered into the management of the Farmers' 
Home, a hotel he conducted until 1855, when he commenced farming, and continued 
until his death, in 1872. In 1863 the subject of our sketch went to Virginia 
City, Nevada, opened the Eureka Hotel, and became interested in mining, but 
meeting with reverses, returned to the Santa Clara Valley in 1864. He labored 
for monthly wages for a time and then rented the property he now owns. In 1870 
he purchased a portion of the ranch, and the remainder in 1871. Married, 
December 11, 1867, Alice Hall, a native of Missouri, who was reared in 
California, and by whom he has two children: Cora M., born August 15, 1869; 
William J., born November 6, 1873.
        The home of Mr. Edwards, about half a mile west of the Monterey road and 
eight miles from San Jose, is one of the finest properties in Santa Clara 
County. It fronts on Downer Avenue and also on the Cottle road, both roads being 
bordered the full length and breadth of the farm by stately rows of eucalyptus 
trees, planted in 1858. The fine residence was erected in 1881, with regard only 
to comfort and convenience, at a cost of $9,000. The place, as seen from the 
Monterey road, presents a view of surpassing beauty. The home farm contains 160 
acres, probably not surpassed in quality of soil, care, and skill in management 
by any in Santa Clara County. Mr. Edwards also owns a 205-acre tract of equally 
good land one-half mile south of his residence.
 
Pen Pictures From The Garden of the World or Santa Clara County, California, 
Illustrated. - Edited by H. S. Foote.- Chicago:  The Lewis Publishing Company, 
1888.
Pg. 507-508