Biography:
Mr. Nelson Edwards is buried in Ellsworth Cemetery, near Westminster, Maryland. Recent research has shown that he was involved in the founding of the cemetery.
The son of Mr. John and Ellen (Smith) Edwards, he was born on January 18, 1841. Mr. Edwards married Ms. Frances Johnson during the Christmas season of 1865. At about this time, he joined with other African Americans in the community to establish the Ellsworth Cemetery Corporation.
Mr. Edwards and his wife had at least seven children, as he worked as laborer in the Carroll County farms.
He died at home on Charles Street. Mr. Edwards suffered from Bright’s disease, which was a diagnosis for kidney problems.
Mr. Nelson Edwards’ headstone was recently cleaned as part of the restoration of Ellsworth Cemetery, near Westminster, Maryland.
Maryland State Archives
Headstone