by Jordan E. Thomas
David Henry Edwards was born on 29th July 1892 in Norfolk, Virginia, U.SA. He was a son of E. G. Edwards and Jennette Rodgers, both citizens of the U.S.A by birth. He had one older brother, Joseph, who was ten years his senior. Edwards was a staunch Christian and a strong member of the Baptist church. They lived at 732 Edwards attended Booker T. Washington High School for four years before he was enrolled in military service.
David Henry Edwards has a good war record. He was first inducted into service on 18th January 1917 at Norfolk, Va. He was ranked at Mess Att. 3rd Class in the Navy section when he was first listed. Edwards received a series of promotions in his ranking in the service. On 8th November 1917, barely 10 months after his enlistment into the service, he was promoted from Mess Att. 3rd. O1. to Mess Att. 1st. 01. He was later promoted to 2nd, 01. Petty officer in ships cooks branch or S.C. 2nd Class.
The veteran recorded positive effects of his camp experience in the United States, both mentally and physically. The experience in the Camp improved his health and intellect. His religious beliefs were not affected in any way. The experience Edwards obtained from the war made him a more determined citizen for the good of the U.SA.
After the war, David Henry Edwards became a student of law and economics at Howard University. He completed his law degree in 1923, after passing the bar in the middle of the school year. He married Theresa Irene Rodgers, in 1919 in Norfolk, Va. They had one son, David H. Jr. who was born while Edwards was in law school. He was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He opened a law office in Norfolk after graduation and defended local men in several high-profile cases. He moved to Washington, DC around 1930, and was arrested for embezzlement from one of his clients 1933. He was paroled and made to repay the funds. Afterwards, he moved to Philadelphia. Edwards died on September 10, 1969 and is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Norfolk, VA
Sources:
“United States Census, 1900”, database with images, FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MMNK-7R4 : 11 March 2022), David H Edwards in entry for Green Edwards, 1900.
“United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918”, database with images, FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:7HHK-X4N2 : 25 December 2021), David Henry Edwards, 1917-1918.
“David Henry Edwards” FindAGrave.com Available Online: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/102587003/david-henry-edwards
“Norfolk Boy, Howard Student, Sets Record: Passes Va. Bar Examination in Middle of Senior Year at Law School” New Journal and Guide (1916-) Norfolk, Va. 23 Dec. 1922: 1.
“David Edwards Held for U.S. Grant Jury: Former Norfolk Att’y Arrested in Washington Recently.” New Journal and Guide (1916-) Norfolk, Va. 18 March 1933: 1.
David Edwards is Indicted for Embezzlement: Paroled; Given 5 Years to Make Restitution of Funds.” New Journal and Guide (1916-) Norfolk, Va. 06 May 1933: A1.