History of Southern Illinois ~ Biography of Francis Main Edwards

Biography of
Francis Main Edwards, M. D.

p. 1104

     FRANCIS MAIN EDWARDS, M. D. Distinguished not only as a prominent physician and surgeon of Clinton county, but as a leading citizen of New Baden, Francis Main Edwards, M. D., is eminently worthy of representation in a work of this character. He was born May 14, 1876, in Sandoval, Illinois, a son of Dr. S. G. H. Edwards.

     S. G. H. Edwards, a native of Mount Vernon, Illinois, where his birth occurred December 23, 1850, spent his earlier years in Jefferson county, and during a large part of the Civil war traveled with his parents, during the later years of the conflict accompanying his maternal grandfather, Col. S. G. Hicks, on his trips. In 1872 he was graduated from McKendree College, in Lebanon, Illinois, with the degree of A. M., and in 1875 received the degree of M. D. at Cincinnati Medical College, in Ohio. Immediately locating in Sandoval, Illinois, he was there successfully engaged in the practice of medicine until his death, in 1887, while yet in manhood's prime. He was a Democrat in his political affiliations, and held various town offices.

     Fraternally he was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He married, in 1875, Tilda Main, who is still living in Sandoval, Illinois, and to them four children were born, as follows: Francis Main, the special subject of this brief biographical sketch; Lydia, wife of P. E. Lewis; Ralph; and Elizabeth, wife of Charles Hall.

     Having completed the course of study in the public schools of Sandoval, Francis Main Edwards spent a year in Valparaiso College, in Valparaiso, Indiana, and in 1898 was graduated from the Saint Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons with the degree of M. D. Coming then to New Baden, Clinton county, Dr. Edwards met with such encouraging success from the start that he has continued here since, having now a large and lucrative patronage in this vicinity, his professional skill and ability being widely recognized and appreciated. He is a member of the American Medical Association; of the Clinton County Medical Society; and of the Southern Railway Surgeons Association.

     Politically the Doctor is a stanch adherent of the Republican party, and has served two terms as president of the Village Board. During the Spanish-American war he was a member of Pittinger's Provisional Regiment, being mustered in as first lieutenant of his company, but subsequently resigning the position to enter the medical department. Fraternally Dr. Edwards is a member of the Knights of Pythias; and is prominent in the Modern Woodmen of America, having been instrumental in organizing the New Baden camp of that order.

     In 1899 Dr. Edwards was united in marriage with Mary Griesbaum, of New Baden, and they are the parents of four children, namely: Estelle, Elizabeth, Irene and Francis, Jr.

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