Hugh Richard Edwards

Hugh Richard Edwards, usually known as Richard, was my 2nd great-grandfather. He was born in Williamson County, Illinois 11 May 1856 and lived his entire life in Williamson County. Richard's parents were Hugh H. Edwards and Mary Hilton. Richard was born the first child born to the family after they made their move from Simpson County Kentucky, to Illinois sometime around 1855.

Richard lived the quiet life of a southern Illinois farmer. He appears to have worked hard, raised a family and didn't make waves during his lifetime. Typically people like Richard don't leave a lot of records behind and Richard is an example of that.

In 1860 Hugh R. is listed as aged 5 and in school. His grandparents, Richard and Mary Hilton live next door. None of the Edwards family can be found in the 1870 census and his grandparents would have been dead by this time. A number of other folks who should be in the 1870 census are missing too so I believe they were either skipped in the enumeration or there is a section missing. I've checked through various web sites and have had no luck finding them even doing a page by page search in case they were mis-indexed.

Richard marries on 6 June 1875 to Martha Rains, daughter of John Rains and Elizabeth Arms. It appears as though Richard lied about his age on the marriage license. He lists himself as being 21 which would have made him born in 1854. However most other records list his age as 1856 including the 1860 census which was taken close to his birth date. For men under 21 at this time, parental approval was required. It is possible their first child Laura was born in December of 1875 so perhaps Martha was pregnant and the family disapproved? (Martha's birth year has been given variously as 1875 and 1876.) It would be interesting to know why he appears to have lied about his age.

One other possible thing happened during this decade. There is a record of Richard Edwards and Pleasant Finny being brought up on charges of Petit Larceny. This was noted in the Marion Monitor in April 1877. The case was continued and no further information was easily found. This is an intriguing tidbit in the otherwise apparently staid life of Richard Edwards. (NOTE: Petit larceny is defined as stealing another person's personal property - usually valued under $50.)

In the 1880 census, Richard and Martha are living in the Northern Township and have two children including George Elmus, my great grandfather. Richard is a farmer. In 1900 they are living in Northern Township and still farming. This census lists his birth date as May 1851. It is unclear why it lists this at such an early date. Richard and Martha have 6 living children, having lost two early on. Richard is still farming, along with his two sons George Elmus and Lee.

The 1910 census shows that Richard owns his farm, free of mortgage. It says he can read and write, however, he clearly made his mark on his marriage license so I don't believe this to be true unless he has picked up some reading and writing through the years.

In 1920, Richard is still living on his owned farm listed with no occupation so at this point he appears to have retired. This census does state he can't read or write so the 1900 census was probably an error. His sons George Elmus and John Marshall live nearby as does his brother Scott and various Arms family members.

Richard Edwards died 24 June 1928. His death certificate lists his birth date as May 11, 1856. He died of Pulmonary Tuberculosis. His son George Elmus had died in 1923 of Tuberculosis. Although there are sanatoriums where TB patients are sent, it appears in the case of both Richard and his son, that they remained at home during their illness.

It is unclear as to whether a will was left - more research would need to be done but I believe the land in that area stayed in the family for some time. Richard left behind few records living a quiet farming life.