Port Edwards in Wood County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
John Edwards Jr.
1831 – 1891
John Edwards Jr., to whom this statue is dedicated, managed the lumber business until his election to the Wisconsin Legislature as an assemblyman in 1890. Mr. Edwards died in office at Madison on March 11, 1891. The mill was turned over to Mr. Edwards son-in-law, L.M. Alexander, who converted the business from lumbering to paper manufacturing in 1896.
John Edwards was a founder and director of two local railroads serving this area. Appointed by President Lincoln, he served as postmaster until his death. Civic activities included a term of several years as town chairman and a similar term as Wood County Board Chairman. A promoter of better schools, he served as district school treasurer for thirty years and personally financed the building of the first school in Port Edwards.
Pioneer, industrialist, statesman, and civic leader—we commemorate Honorable John Edwards Jr. (Marker Number 13.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1788.
Location. 44° 20.372′ N, 89° 51.529′ W. Marker is in Port Edwards, Wisconsin, in Wood County. Marker is on Wisconsin River Drive, 0.3 miles south of Wisconsin Highway 54 & 73, on the left when traveling south. Marker is between Edwards Avenue and Morrill Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Wisconsin River Drive, Port Edwards WI 54469, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. John Jones 2nd Burial Site (approx. ¾ mile away); John Edwards Jr. Office Building (approx. one mile away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.8 miles away); Point Basse (approx. 1.8 miles away); Ed “Strangler” Lewis (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Edwards.
More about this marker. This is a Wisconsin Registered Landmark – Number 13.
Additional keywords. Nepco
Credits. This page was last revised on December 30, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,654 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 21, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 22, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.