William Edwards, 1874 - 1875

Edwards' father came from Bilston and had established a modest edge tool business in Wolverhampton. The firm expanded and when his father died Edwards inherited the business and increased the workforce. The company, William Edwards & Son, was very successful. Edwards was elected as a Conservative member for Wolverhampton Council in 1874, the same year he became mayor. He was an original member of the School Board and became manager of St James' Schools as well as sitting on various education committees. He took a close interest in the welfare of the poor, was associated with the local hospital and orphanage, and held the position of secretary at the Female Refuge. As a successful businessman with connections in the coal and iron trades, Edwards was a shareholder in most of the banking establishments in Wolverhampton. He became chairman of the Council Committee for the Artisans Dwelling Scheme from 1876 until 1877, and was also chairman of Wolverhampton School Board. He served as a magistrate for the Borough at Willenhall, a position that helped him establish connections with both the police and a firm of solicitors, Rowland and Josiah Tildesley. In addition he became an alderman from 1875. During his term of office as mayor he supported the pioneering of a local park and public baths. Following twenty years of service he retired from the council in 1890. He died in the same year at his home, Waterdale, in Wolverhampton, after suffering a short but severe illness.

J Jones The Mayors of Wolverhampton Vol 1 (EJ Rowland, Wolverhampton)
Death Wolverhampton Chronicle 20th August 1890.
Photograph Index - Y1/EDW, Y1/MAY/1 and OV/54, 55