Biography of 	Edwards, James D. Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by 	Mike Miller September 2000

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James D. Edwards.  In the annals of industry there is no more interesting field of inquiry than
that offered by the investigation into the development of the great iron manufacturing
enterprises of New Orleans, and the cause and events which have contributed to their magnitude
and grandeur.  The great growth of the city has been due, more than to any other cause, to the
great and steadily-increasing activity shown in the introduction and maintenance of
manufactures; so that at the present time New Orleans takes high rank among the leading cities
of the Union in the volume of its production, and in many lines leads all the other cities.  No
manufactory heretofore established in the city has failed to prosper except in occasional
instances of incompetent management.  The largest manufacturers are those who began with little
means and have amassed fortune..  For every dollar lost by New Orleans manufacturer. who have
failed through misfortune or mismanagement thousands of dollars have been made.  A striking
feature of excellent business management in the city is the manufacturing establishment of
Edward & Cucullu, manufacturer, of all kinds of engines, boilers, steamboat and general
machinery.  However, they make a specialty of marine work.  James D. Edward., who is the
youngest man engaged in this business in New Orleans, is a native-born resident of the city,
born April 11, 1872, and is the son of James D. Edwards, who was born in the Old Dominion.  Our
subject's paternal grandfather, Daniel Edwards, was a native of England, and learned the
machinist's trade in his native county.  At an early date he braved Neptune's tender mercies
and came to the United State, locating in New Orleans, where he established extensive copper
and sheet-iron works.  This was about the year 1849, and he also established machine shops,
becoming one of the most extensive manufacturers in the South.  James D. Edwards Sr. succeeded
him in business, and, perhaps, inherited all his mechanical genius.  This concern has furnished
more sugar-houses in Louisiana, Florida and Cuba than any other establishment in existence, and
is one of ample resources, as well as the most complete facilities.  After many years the firm
became Edwards & Haubtman, the individual members being James D. Edwards and L. F. Haubtman.
Mr. Edwards died on April 2, 1887, when about forty-seven years of age.  He was a prominent man
in New Orleans, held many positions of trust and honor, and was highly respected.  He was
superintendent of public instruction for a number of years, and was connected with the New
Orleans water works.  He served two terms as president of the Commercial club and was also a
member of the Pickwick, Boston and Louisiana club.  For many years he was president of the
Mechanics', Lumbermen's & Dealers' Exchange.  Always active in politics, he was a strong
supporter of democratic principles.  To his marriage with Miss Mary Elizabeth Hayner, of New
Orleans, twelve children were born,  James D. Edwards Jr. being fourth in order of birth.  The
latter learned every branch of the machine business under the direction of his father, and is
thoroughly familiar with its every detail.  He is a member of the Commercial club and also the
Young Men's Gymnastic club.  As a business man, he displays unusual acumen and is thoroughgoing
and progressive.  Of course, this great establishment has not been sustained in its high
position for so many years without men of tact, judgment and business sagacity to guide its
affairs, and the present prominence and success of the house form the most convincing testimony
of the fact that its management has always been efficient and that the gentlemen who now
control its destiny are capable and experienced.

Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, (vol. 2), pp. 479-480.  Published by the
Goodspeed Publishing Company, Chicago, 1892.