EDWARDS, Clarence J. (MD);  Springfield, AR; now Vermilion Parish
                    Submitted by Mike Miller



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Edwards, Dr. Clarence J., M. D., successful and well-known physician,
ex-state senator, long a member of the state leper board residence
Abbeville, Vermilion parish, La., was born at Springfield, Ark., Oct. 3,
1858; son of Judge Wakeman W. and Martha (Hollingsworth) Edwards, the
former of whom was a native of Charlton, Saratoga county, N. Y., and the
latter of Sulphur Springs, Madison county, Miss.  A detailed sketch of the
parents appears elsewhere in this work, for which the reader should refer
to article: "Edwards, Judge Wakeman W." Clarence J. Edwards, the subject of
this sketch, came to New Orleans with his parents in the year 1865, just
after the close of the Civil war, and the son attended the public schools
of New Orleans, including the boys' high school.  In 1875 the family
removed to Abbeville, Vermilion parish, and there Clarence J. became a
teacher in the public schools of Vermilion parish, and so continued until
1881, when he entered the medical department of the University of
Louisville (Ky.), from which he graduated with the degree of M. D. in the
class of 1883.  Following the completion of his professional education, Dr.
Edwards began medical practice in Chicot county, Ark.  After 1 year in this
location he removed to New Iberia, and again, after 1 year in practice
there, in 1885, returned to Abbeville, where he has since been continuously
engaged in practice.  In 1887 Dr Edwards was married to Miss Kate Young,
and 6 children have been born to their union, namely:  Harold C., a
practicing physician of Abbeville;  Mark H.,  Mathilde,  Floyd,  Wakeman W.
and  Henry.  Dr. Edwards has affiliated with the Democratic party since
beginning the exercise of the elective franchise, and has served the people
of the locality in which the activities of his life have been cast in
various official capacities.  His first official position was that of a
member of the city council of Abbeville, following which he was elected
parish coroner, and has at various times since filled that office.  In 1894
he was elected a member of the Louisiana state senate from the 11th
senatorial district, and served the following 4-year term in the state
senate.  In 1898 he was again elected coroner, and has been repeatedly
reelected to that office until 1912.  During nearly 20 years past the
Doctor has filled the position of chairman of the parish Democratic
executive committee.  While in the state senate he was instrumental in
having a measure enacted providing that the state should assume charge of
the lepers within its borders and establish a home for them.  The bill
became a law, and the home was established at its present location, near
White Castle, La.  Upon its organization Dr. Edwards was appointed a member
of the board of control of the leper home, and has served continuously on
this board during nearly 18 years past, until 1912.  The Doctor also has
served as president of the parish school board during 1 year.  Dr. Edwards
yet maintains his active interest and part in political and public affairs
and wields a distinct influence among the people who have cooperated with
him throughout so many useful and gratifyingly fruitful years. He is a
member of the Free and Accepted Masons Independent Order Odd Fellows,
Knights of Pythias, Knights of Honor, Knights of the Maccabees, and Woodmen
of the World.  Also, he is a member of the Vermilion Parish Medical and
Louisiana State Medical society, and the American Medical association.  He
served as chairman of the house of delegates in the state society during 2
years, and also has served as president of the Parish Medical society.  In
1883 he became identified with the Meridianal, one of the oldest newspapers
published in southwest Louisiana, and since that time has remained
connected with the paper, being sole owner of it since 1900.  This
publication has never been otherwise than strictly Democratic in politics.
Dr. Edwards is at this time the oldest physician, and has been longer
engaged in the practice of medicine than any other doctor within Vermilion
parish.  He is also an enthusiastic amateur horticulturist and enjoys the
distinction of owning the largest grove of giant bamboos east of the Rocky
mountains, besides other rare trees and fruits.

Source:  Louisiana:  Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events,
Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), pp.
146-147.  Edited by Alc e Fortier, Lit.D.  Published in 1914, by Century
Historical Association.