John T. Edwards, merchant of Beardstown, Tenn., and member of the firm of Shepard & Edwards, was born July 7, 1857. At the age of twenty years he began teaching the "young idea" in Hickman County, and at the end of two years accepted a position as salesman in a general merchandise store in Beardstown, continuing six months, when he embarked in merchandislng in Dixon, Dixon Co., Tenn., and remained one year. He then continued the same business in Hickman County, and in February, 1882, began business in his present location in partnership with E. H. Shepard. They keep a general stock of goods amounting to about $5,000. September 18, 1879, Mr. Edwards united his fortunes with those of Sallie Shepard, a native of Perry County. To them were born the following family of children: Lorenzo E., Flora Mabel and Edith Lois. Mr.. Edward's parents are William H. and Nancy (Wilburn) Edwards, who were natives and farmers of Tennessee. Of their ten children eight are living.