EDWARDS families at Gwynedd Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Pennsylvania)

by James A. Quinn, Historian, Gwynedd Friends Meeting. Page created September, 2009.

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Edwards in the records of Gwynedd MM of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers):

[Alexander Edwards Sr. - Comments have already been made about Alexander Edward under Catherine Griffith, his second wife. Alexander Edward, born Montgomeryshire, Wales, was probably the first settler of Montgomery township, buying 1100 acres of Thomas Fairman in March of 1699. This was a remarkable rise to prosperity for in 1684, when he arrived on the Vine, three of his children, Edward, Jane and Bridget, were indentured servants, likely to pay the passage over to America. He lived in Radnor township before settling in Montgomery. Alexander Edward Sr. had a number of children with his first wife Margaret, many of whom became Baptists after the Keith schism: (1) Bridget (Baptized, 1709, Pennypeck Baptist) m. Griffith Miles (son of James, Griffith Miles is buried at Pennypack Baptist Church, Philadelphia, and wrote a will in Bristol twp., Philadelphia Co. on March 8, 1719. He left to his wife Bridget his house and plantation to manage until his son Griffith reached the age of 21. She was then to have 1/2 the plantation and a home there for as long as she lived. She and eldest son Griffith were appointed executors.); (2) Thomas m. Mary Price (see below); (3) Alexander m. Gwen Foulke; (4) Edward Edwards; (5) Jane (or Jeane) married (9 mo., 7, 1692 at the home of David Price - Radnor MM records) James James; (6) Martha married Joseph Todd (who was a Baptist after the Keith schism); (7) Margaret married Cadwalader Ellis (according to Tom Doyle on Worldconnect, they were married by a justice of the peace and were disowned by Goshen MM, and later removed to Caernarvon twp., Lancaster Co., PA)

will abstract: ALEXANDER EDWARDS, SR. Montgomery, Philadelphia. County. Yeoman. March 9, 1712. December 17, 1712. C. 298.
Sons Edward, Alexander, and their children whose names are not given, and Thomas. Daughters Margaret, Martha and Bridget and the daughters (names not given) of the last two. Grandsons James James, Griffith Miles, Joseph Todd and Alexander son of son Alexander Edwards. "One-half of my pewter," to be equally divided between his daughter Martha and the children of his daughter Margaret. "I give my biggest Iron pot to my daughter Martha's eldest daughter, and I give my least Iron pot to my daughter Bridget's eldest daughter."
Executors: Wife Katherine and son-in-law Griffith Miles.
Overseers: Cadwalader ap Evans, William John, Owen ap Evan and John William, all of Gwynedd, yeomen.
Witnesses: Thomas Jones, Robert Jones and Edward George.]

1703 - Alexander Edwards Jr. marriage certificate from the Radnor MM records:

"Wheras Alexander Edwards Junior of or near the township of Gwinedd in the county of Philadelphia and Gwen Edward of the said township and county having declared their Intentions of taking each other in marriage before severall publick meetings of the people called Quakers in the Welch tract, according to the good order used amongst them whose proceedings therin after a deliberate consideration thereof and consent of parties & Relations concerned being clear of all others were addmitted by the said meetings; NOW these are to certifie all whom it may concern that for the full accomplishing of their said intention this 6th day of the 10th month in the year 1703/ they the said Elexander Edward and Gwen Edward appeared in a solemn & publick assembly of the aforesaid people & others, mett together for that end purpose in their publick meeting place at Gwynedd aforesaid and in a solemn maner he the said Alexander Edward taking the said Gwen Edward by the hand did openly declare as followeth viz. friends in the fear of God & before I take my friend Gwen Edward to be my wedded promising with the assistance of God to love & esteem her & to behave my self as it behoofes an honest husband to his wife untill death separate us and then and there in the said Assembly the said Gwen Edward did in like manner declare as followeth viz: In the fear of God & before you I take my frind Alexander Edward to be my husband & do promise with the Assistance of God to obey Esteem & behave my self towards him as it behoofs an honest towards her husband till death separate us &c.

And the said Alexander Edward & Gwen Edward as a furhter confirmation thereof did then & there to these presents sett their hands; and we whose names are hereunto subscribed being present amongst others at the Sooleminzing of their said marriage and subscription in manner aforesaid as wittnesses thereunto have allsoe to these presents Subscribed our names the day and year above written.

Alexand Edward

Gwen Edward

Column 1: Alex: Edward, Edward foulk, Eddward Eddwards, Thomas Eddward, Hugh Eddward, Cadd: Eddward, William Jones, John William, Robert Jones, Hugh Robert, David Jones, Richard Jones, Cadd Jones.

Column 2: Hugh Griffith, Thomas Evan, Hum: Eddward, Evan Owen, Evan Robert, Reece Price, Ellis Davies, Hugh Evan, John Evan, LINE, Catherin Evan, Ellin Robert, Sarah Evan, Lowry Robert.

Column 3: Ellin foulk, Jane Jones, Margeret Eddward, Catherin Eddward, Grace foulk, Jane Eddward, Gwen Jones, Margaret William, Gainor Jones, Jane Evan, Elizbeth Jones, Jane Jones."

[On 16 May 1707, for natural affection, Alexander Edward Jr. was given 200 acres in Montgomery township by his father. The next day (17 May) he sold 100 acres of it to David Hugh Griffith (the nephew of Alexander's step mother Catherine). For descendants go HERE.]

1755-10-23 Ann Edwards signs left column of marriage certificate of Benjamin Dickinson s/o Joshua of Whitpain m. Isabel Wright d/o John of Hatfield at Gwynedd meeting house.

1773-6-29 Ann Edwards granted certificate to Exeter MM

1790-9-21 Ann and Joseph Kinderdine reported married. [Joseph Kenderdine b. January 2, 1768, son of Jacob and Hannah (Baker) Kenderdine]

1842-7-28 Ann disowned for disunity by the Orthodox Meeting (probably joined the Hicksites)

1842-7-28 Amos disowned for disunity by the Orthodox Meeting (probably joined the Hicksites)

1692 - Bridget Edwards in Radnor MM records:  Griffith Miles m. Bridget Edwards d/o Alexander at the home of David Price at Radnor, 20, 8th mo., 1692. Col. 1: Jame Milles, Alexand Edward, Samuel Milles, Richard Milles, John Jarman, John Hastings, John Morgan, David Meredith, David Price, Jame Pugh, Hugh Robt, Rees Thomas, Ellis Pugh. Col 2: Margaret Edwards, Jane Edwards, Martha Edwards, Ann Davis, Marget Mille, Ellizebeth Evans, Phebe Stephen, Mary Merdith, Katherin Griffith, Sinai Pugh, Margaret Edwards; Col. 3: William David, Ellis Pugh, Tho: Jones, Hugh Robt, Rees Thomas, Howell James, Jon Evans, David Evans, Owen Morgan.

1829-10-29 Caleb disowned for joining the Hicksites

1714 - Catherine Edwards (nee Griffith, widow of Alexander) in Radnor MM records - John William, Montgomery, widower m. Catharine Edwards, of same, widow, at Gwynedd mh, 3rd mo 12, 1714. This is Catherine Griffith's third marriage. Her brother Hugh Griffith lives in Gwynedd. Column 4 - Signing below bride and groom: Hugh Griffith, Lewis William, Wm Williams, Cadr Morris (her son by her first marriage), Theo Williams, Hugh ffoulke, Griff: Edwards, Dad. Griffith, Evan Evans, Rowland Hugh, Owen Owens, Robt Evan, Owen Evan, Robt Jones. Col 3: Ellin Morgan, Ellin Hugh, Anne ffoulke, Jane Evan, Sarah Pugh, Lettice William, Anne Roberts, Eliza Thomas, Martha Todd, Cath: William, Eliza: Davies Gaenor Humphrey, Ellin ffoulke, Ellin Parry, Bridget Griffith, Lowry Jones, Ellin Hugh. Col 2: Anne Owens, Gwen ffoulke, Margret Humphrey, Eliza Evans, Col 1 (most left): Rowland Ellis, Ellis Pugh, Tho: Evan, Rees Thomas, Row: Powell, James Streater, Edd Rees, Edd ffoulke, Cadr Evans, Jno Hugh, Jno Humphrey, Evan Griffith, Edd Griffith, Tho: ffoulke, Griff: Miles, Jos: Todd. Catherine Griffith had married second Alexander Edward of Montgomery who had died in 1712.Theophilus Williams s/o John, of Montgomery m. Catharine Foulke, d/o Edward of Gwynedd, at Gwynedd mh, 4th

1793-3-26 David disowned for Marriage Contrary to the Discipline

Edward, son of Alexander and Gwen b. 7-15-1704

1741-5-7 Edward Edwards, s/o John of Phila. Co., m. Elizabeth Robeson d/o James of same at Gwynedd mh, 5th mo 7, 1741. Wit. John Edwards, James Robeson, Mary Edwards, Elizabeth Robeson, Rowland Edwards, Robert Edward, Evan Edwards, Robert Ellis, Griffith Ellis, Rowland Ellis.

1757-5-31 Edward, wife Elizabeth and children granted certificate to Philadelphia MM

1783-5-27 Edward offered an account for marriage contrary to the discipline

1784-2-24 Edward granted certificate to Horsham MM

1718-8-24 Ellinor received on certificate from Abington MM

1791-7-26 Elinor, children: Mary, Amos, Alice, Elinor, Elizabeth granted certificate to Philadelphia MM, Northern District

1745 - Elizabeth Edward - An unnamed daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Edward 8th of 6th month buried at Gwynedd MH during the epidemic.

1759-10-30 Elizabeth returns unused a certificate granted herself, her husband now deceased, and children to Philadelphia MM

1762-12-28 Elizabeth, Jr. granted certificate to Phila MM

1764-1-27. Elizabeth Edwards was disowned by Philadelphia MM (same as had a certificate from Gwynedd MM).

1760-11-25 Evan and Jane reported married

1762 - Evan Edwards signs in middle of column 2 on marriage certificate of Evan Evans s/o Cadwalader of Whitpain m. Catharine Morris d/o Edward of the City of Philadelphia. at Gwynedd mh, 11th mo 23, 1762 (Jane Edwards signs at bottom of column 1)

1762 - Evan Edwards signs in middle column on marriage certificate of William Luken s/o Abraham of Towamencin m. Catharine Evans d/o Edward of same dec'd at Gwynedd mh, 10th mo 20, 1762. (Jane Edwards signs right after him)

23-1 Evan Edwards d. 1-15-1778 married Jane d. 7-25-1807, children: Robert b. 10-18-1767, John b. 7-7-1770, Elizabeth b. 6-30-1772

1741-10-29. Hannah and Thomas Cristy rerported married [see John Edwards (m. Mary) of Milford twp., Bucks, below]

[for Jane Edward, wife of John Jones, carpenter of Montgomery twp. go HERE.]

1730-10-27 Jane granted certificate to Haverford MM

1746-2-29 Jane Married Out of Unity and was disowned

1760-11-25 Jane and Evan Edwards reported married

1762 - Jane Edwards signs at bottom of column 1 on marriage certificate of Evan Evans s/o Cadwalader of Whitpain m. Catharine Morris d/o Edward of the City of Philadelphia. at Gwynedd mh, 11th mo 23, 1762 (Evan Edwards signs in middle of column 2)

1762 - Jane Edwards signs in middle column on marriage certificate of William Luken s/o Abraham of Towamencin m. Catharine Evans d/o Edward of same dec'd at Gwynedd mh, 10th mo 20, 1762. (Evan Edwards signs right before her)

1757-5-31 Jesse Edwards disowned for enlisting in the King's Service

1718-8-28 John and wife received on certificate from Abington MM [this is John Edwards of Milford twp., Bucks Co., PA]

22-1 John Edwards, wife Mary [Howell], Children: William b. 12-16-1711; Alice b. 11-30-1714; Hannah b. 1-24-1717; Thomas b. 1-2-1719; Mary b. 10-1-1721. [This is John Edwards of Lower Milford twp., Bucks Co. who later belonged to Richland MM. His family is the subject of Chapter XIV in Early Friends Families of Upper Bucks (pps 107-119) by Clarence V. Roberts and Warren S. Ely (1925). Besides the children listed there is also a son John (m. 1. Mary Newman, 2. Jane Jamison). Son William married Martha Foulke and their marriage certificate is reproduced in Clarence Roberts' book. Daughter Alice m. John Jamison and daughter Hannah m. Thomas Christy. Son Thomas and daughter Mary are supposed to have died young according to Roberts and Ely.]

[father in law's will abstract:

WILLIAM HOWELL, Cheltenham Township, Philadelphia. Co. Yeoman. December 20, 1709. April 21, 1710. C. 202.
Daughters Margaret, Eales, Deborah, Hannah and Mary wife of John Edwards.
Executrix: Wife Mary.
Overseers: Samuel Cart, John Edwards, Daniel Thomas and Thomas Canby.
Witnesses: David Potts, Thomas Potts, Thomas Edwards, William Hugh and Daniel Thomas.]

[There is a second John Edwards of this time period, or a little later, also associated with Gwynedd MM:

will abstract of John Edwards of Towamencin:

JOHN EDWARDS, Phila. Co. Yeoman. February 11, 1761. March 7, 1767.
Children: Edward, Ann, Mary, John Evan, Rowland, Robert and Catherine.
Execs.: Rowland Evan and son John Edwards.
Trustees: John Jones (carpenter) and John Evans.
Wit: Jacob Kolb and Lanoerd Sink. O.100.

Children: (1) Edward m. Elizabeth Robeson; (2) Rowland m. Mary Robeson; (3) Mary m. John Robeson or Robinson; (4) Ann; (5) Robert; (6) Catherine; (7) John]

1720 - John Edwards signs marriage certificate in the right column with male relatives of Thomas Williams, Montgomery, widower m. Jane Morris d/o Morris Richard of Merionethshire, Wales dec'd at Gwynedd mh, 8th mo 14, 1720. (Mary Edwards signs with female relatives)

[1727 - John Edward of Towamencin signs petition to build a road (now Valley Forge Rd.) from where North Penn High School is now to the vicinity of New Providence Meeting House.]

1750 - John Edwards signs in column 2 of marriage certificate of Edward Foulke of Gwynedd m. Margaret Griffith of same at Gwynedd mh, 8th mo 25, 1750. (William Edwards signs in same column)

1760-5-27 John, son of Thomas Edwards deceased, disowned for enlisting as a soldier.

1780-3-28, John granted certificate to Abington MM to marry

1780-8-29 John granted certificate to Abington MM to marry

1781-5-29, John granted certificate to Abington MM

1783-7-29, John, wife Sarah and child Mary granted certificate to Goshen MM

1787-5-29, John, wife Elinor and 3 children, Mary, Amos and Alice received on certificate from Abington MM dated 4-30-1787

1788-4-29 John received on certificate from Haverford MM dated 12-13-1787

1789-4-28 John disowned

1793-7-30 John, wife Sarah and 3 minor children, Mary, James and John granted certificate to Uwchland MM

John Edwards d. 3-20-1808

1739-10-25 Joseph granted certificate to Goshen MM

1829-10-29 Lydia (wife of Nathan) disowned for joining the Hicksites [Nathan Edwards, b. Milford twp., Bucks, m. Lydia Foulke]

1829-10-29 Lydia (wife of William) disowned for joining the Hicksites [William Edwards, b. April 18, 1774, Milford twp., Bucks, m. Lydia Roberts, daughter of Israel Roberts and Ann Foulke]

Margaret Edwards, daughter of William and Ann b. 8-8-1709

1842-7-28 Margaret disowned for disunity by the Orthodox Friends

1829-12-3 Martha Edwards disowned for joining the Hicksites

1720 - Mary Edwards signs marriage certificate in the center column with female relatives of Thomas Williams, Montgomery, widower m. Jane Morris d/o Morris Richard of Merionethshire, Wales dec'd at Gwynedd mh, 8th mo 14, 1720. (John Edwards signs with male relatives)

1733 - Mary Edward signs marriage certificate of Moses Peters s/o Garrett of Montgomery m. Martha Thomas of same at Gwynedd mh, 3rd mo 17, 1733. (Thomas Edwards and William Edward in adjacent column)

1740-10-30 Mary Edwards received in membership on request

1744-9-27 Mary Edwards and Peter Evans reported married

1761-11-17 Mary Edwards - John Robeson, son of James of Franconia twp and Mary Edwards, d/o John of Towamencin, 17, 11mo., 1761 at Gwynedd MH. Col 1. John Edwards, Rowland Edwards, James Robinson, Mary Robinson, Mary Edwards, Robert Edwards, Evan Edwards, Jane Edwards, John Edwards, Ann Edwards, Alce Edwards, John Thomson, David Norman, Rachel Lukens, John Lukens, Elizabeth Edwards. Col 2. Ellin Evans, Elisabeth Morgan, Sarah Griffith, Mary Davis, Sarah Williams, Margaret Evans, Jane Jones, Mary Ellis, Sarah Davies, Mary Ellis, Elisabeth Wright, Mary Luken, Mary Edwards, Hannah Nailor, Cathrine Heidrick, Ruth Jones, Priscilla Davies, Elizabeth Lukens. Col 3. John Jones, Samuel Evans, Joseph Ambler, William Foulke, Thomas Evans, Amos Griffith, Evan Jones, Daniel Williams, Robert Ellis, John Davies, Isaac Ellis, Jacob Godshalk, Joseph Nailer, Jonathan Clayton, Job Luken.

1794-7-29 Mary granted certificate to Exeter MM

1829-10-29 Nathan disowned for joining the Hicksites

1744-9-27 Obadiah granted certificate to Haveford MM

1746/7-11-27 Obadiah received on certificate from Haverford MM dated 10-11-1746

1752-7-28 Obadiah disowned

1741 - Robert Edwards signs in column 2 of marriage certificate of David Morris s/o Cadwalader of Phila. Co., m. Jane Roberts of same at Gwynedd mh, __mo 20, 1741.

1784-3-23 Robert granted certificate to Horsham MM

1788-2-26 Robert Jr. received on certificate from Horsham MM dated 1-30-1788

1830-10-28 Robert disowned for joining the Hicksites

1746-10-11 Rowland Edwards s/o John of Towamencin twp., m. Mary Robeson d/o James of same at Towamencin meeting place, 10th mo 11, 1746. Wit: John, Mary, Edward, Elizabeth, Robert and Evan Edwards; James Robeson, Daniel Morgan, Daniel Williams, John and Rowland Evans.

1780-12-26 Sarah Edwards, wife of John, received on certificate from Abington MM dated 11-27-1780

1829-10-29 Sarah Edwards disowned for joining the Hicksites

1829-12-3 Sarah Edwards disowned for joniing the Hicksites

1770-1-30 Sidney Edwards granted certificate to Phila MM

1782-9-17 Tacy Edwards disowned

1829-12-3 Tacy Edwards disowned for joning the Hicksites

[1703 - a Thomas Edward was a witness on the will of Evan ap Hugh of Gwynedd.]

1703 - Thomas Edward signs the marriage certificate as a relative of either the groom or bride:  Hugh Roberts, of Gwynedd m. Ann Thomas, of Upper Merion, at Merion m.h., 7th mo. 30, 1703. Witnesses, Column 1 (male relatives?). Thomas David, Thomas Edward, Owen Evan, David Jones, Griffith John, David Evan, David Gethin, John Griffith, Owen Gethun, Evan Griffith, Robert Evan, Edward Griffith, Peter Jones, Robert Robert, Cadd. Jones, Edd. Cadwalader. Col 2 (Quaker overseers, elders and neighbors). John Bevan, Ellis Pugh, Rowland Ellis, Cadd. Morgan, Hugh Griffith, Robert Jones, Thomas Evan, Robert David, John Cadd. John Robert, Thomas Jones, Rowland Richard, Richard Jones, Evan Owen, Robert Ellis, John Owen, Richard Wallter. Col 3 (female relatives ?). Ellin Jones, Ann Lewis, Ann Jones, Margeret William, Catherin Jones, Jane Evan, Jane Thomas, Sidney Rees, Mary Evan, Gainor Robert, Margeret Ellis, Sarah Evan, Catherin Pugh, Hannah Jones.

1715 - Thomas - At our Monthly Meeting held at Gwynedd the 30th 6th month 1715: "3rd ly Thomas Edward and Mary Price declared their Intentions of Marriage with each other the second time and by Account received, things being found Clear they are left to their liberty to Consumate their sd Intentions – Robert Jones and John Williams are Appointed to Attend their Marriage and to See the Same Orderly Accomplished." [This Jane is likely the daughter of either Robert or Richard Pugh who were probably brothers.]

1715 - Thomas Edward son of Alexander of Montgomery, dec'd m. Mary Price, Gwynedd, spinster, at Gwynedd meeting house 7th mo 23, 1715; Signing under the bride and groom: Alexander Edward, Evan Price, Griffith Miles, Joseph Todd, Garrett Petterson, John William, Edward Morgan, John William, Edward Morgan, John Robert, Griffith Miles, Nicholas Roberts, Robt Jones; women signed in the middle column: Bridgett Mills, Martha Todd, Margarett Petterson, Gwen Edward, Catherine William, Elinor Robert, Anne Roberts, Gainor Jones, Dority Hugh, Morris Robert, William Morgan.

1715 - Thomas - At Our Monthly Meeting held at Gwynedd the 27th 7th 1715, "1st The Friends Appointed last meeting to Attend the Marriage of Thomas Edward report that the same was orderly accomplished"

[Thomas Edwards - son of Alexander Edward of Montgomery township: The current Knapp farm house stands on the site of his home. He had a home built before his father died and conveyed him 170 Acres in 1712. He sold 80 Acres of this farm to Griffith Miles 30 Dec 1718 - Miles sold this 80 Acres to John Roberts in 1721. Thomas Edwards removed to Lancaster county as detailed by M. Knight on Genforum., where he is said to have died 8 May 1764.]

[1728 - Thomas Edwards signs a petition, with other residents of Montgomery township, to form a new road (now Meeting House Rd.)]

1729-7-30 - "Thomas Edward and Jane Pugh declared their intention of marriage with each other the first time. Jane Lewis and Ann Roberts are appointed to make inspection into her conversation and clearness from all others and bring report to the next meeting." and on 8th mo.: "Thomas Edward and Jane Pugh declared their intention of marriage with each other the second time nothing appearing to obstruct are left to their Liberty to proceed in their said intention. Grace Thomas and Jane Nailor are appointed to attend their Marriage and bring report to the Next Meeting."

1733 - Thomas Edwards signs marriage certificate of Moses Peters s/o Garrett of Montgomery m. Martha Thomas of same at Gwynedd mh, 3rd mo 17, 1733. (William Edward in same column, but not next to him, Mary Edward in adjacent column)

1745 - Thomas - Daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Edward, 8th of 6th month, buried at Gwynedd MH during the epidemic.

1733 - William Edward signs marriage certificate of Moses Peters s/o Garrett of Montgomery m. Martha Thomas of same at Gwynedd mh, 3rd mo 17, 1733. (Thomas Edwards in same column, Mary Edward in adjacent column)

1738-8-24 William Edwards son of John, Milford, Bucks Co., PA married Martha Foulke, d/o Hugh of Richland, at Richland meeting house 8th mo 24, 1738.

1750 - William Edwards signs in column 2 of marriage certificate of Edward Foulke of Gwynedd m. Margaret Griffith of same at Gwynedd mh, 8th mo 25, 1750. (John Edwards signs in same column)

1829-10-29 William Edwards disowned for joining the Hicksites