Edwards, James D.

Submitted by Mike Miller September 2000

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.