The Life of Dr. Edwards
Rosalie Yoakam, history columnist for the Dayton Daily News presented a biographical sketch of J. Darwin Edwards at the Beavercreek Historical Society’s October 2011 quarterly meeting.
In addition to being a medical doctor, at various times in his life he was a teacher, a miner, ran a drug store, was a bank president and a sculptor. To say he was multitalented would truly be an understatement!
Edwards was born in Clermont County in 1820. His parents came to Ohio in 1806 and were able to clear their land for farming. He left the farm at 15 to become a tailor but changed his mind to become a teacher. In 1850 he left Ohio to seek his fortune in the gold fields of California but returned to Ohio in 1859 to set up his Xenia medical practice in 1860.
During his time in Xenia Edwards helped organize the Citizen’s National Bank in 1881 and later served as its president. His obituary in 1896 stated he was an upright and honorable gentleman who enjoyed telling a good story. With the life he led, story telling must have come easy for him!
