Clark Swett Edwards was born on March 26, 1823, in Otisfield, Maine, to Enoch and Abigail Edwards. He married Maria Mason, and they had at least seven children: Charles, born around 1851; Ellen, born around 1853; Waldo, born around 1855; Agnes, born around 1857; Herbert, born around 1860; Fred, born around 1866; and Delmer, born around 1868. He worked as a trader in Bethel, Maine, and by 1850, he owned $500 of real estate.

 

In June 1861, he received a commission as a captain in Company I of the 5^th Maine Infantry. He was promoted to major in July 1862, to lieutenant colonel in November 1862, and to colonel in January 1863. The regiment took part in the First Battle of Manassas, the Peninsula campaign, the Battle of Antietam, the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Battle of Gettysburg, and the Overland Campaign. He expressed devotion to the Union, writing that “I could not be contented at home long at a time while this war is rageing. I feel I owe my life if it need be to my country. I can never give up till this cursed rebellion is played out.” He mustered out on July 27, 1864.

 

He returned to Bethel after leaving the army, and he worked as a farmer. By 1870, he owned $3,000 of real estate and $960 of personal property. His wife died in 1885. He supported the Democratic Party, and he ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1886. He died of influenza in Bethel on May 3, 1903.

 

Image: Clark S. Edwards (Sun-Journal, 4 May 1903)

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