James J. Edwards, the highly efficient president of the Edwards-Hindle Company, conducting one of the leading department stores in southeastern Washington, is recognized as a foremost factor in the commercial development of Dayton. His rapid advancement to his present position is indicative of what can be accomplished in the inland empire when a man is energetic, sound of judgment and determined to succeed, for he began his business career as cash boy and has at all times depended solely upon his own resources.
His birth occurred in Tennessee, October 22, 1873, and his educational opportunities were in no way better than those afforded the average boy. In fact many a man who consoles himself with the thought that if he had had a chance he might have accomplished something had, in his youth, more favorable opportunities than did James J. Edwards. He was early compelled to make his own living and his first position was that of cash boy, with a salary of two dollars per week. He was faithful in the discharge of his duties in that connection, and being keen of observation even in that position, gained much information concerning the conduct of a store. His ability and fidelity were rewarded by advancement, and as the years passed he became increasingly familiar with merchandising. In 1899 he came to Dayton and took charge of the clothing department of the store owned by T. M. Hanger & Company. Subsequently he was promoted to the head of the dry goods department of that business and he retained that position until the company retired from business in Dayton and removed to Walla Walla. Mr. Edwards then organized the Edwards-Hindle Company, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars and took over the store formerly conducted by T. M. Hanger & Company, the new management taking charge of the place October 29, 1906. In the intervening eleven years the trade has shown a steady and rapid growth, the floor space has been increased, the store now occupying all the original Weinhard block at the corner of Main and Second streets. The location is one of the best in the city and in itself is an indication of the success that has attended the activities of Mr. Edwards and his associates. The store is well organized and carries a full line of dry goods, clothing and all kinds of groceries. Its policy has always been to carry, as far as possible, trade marked goods of national reputation, and its large patronage is further increased by the fact that the stock is so complete as to offer a large range for selection in every department. It is known as "The House of Quality," which slogan expresses the policy rigorously carried out in the management of the business.
Mr. Edwards was married in Oakesdale, Washington, to Miss Laura Graham in 1893 and they have one child living, Lloyd G. Edwards. Mrs. Edwards died in 1899. Mr. Edwards was married to Miss Celeste Price in 1908. He is devoted to the interests of his family and takes a great deal of pleasure in his beautiful home on South First street, which is one of the finest residences in Dayton. A great deal of thought and care has been given to its interior decoration, and all of the modern conveniences have been installed. Although at no time indifferent to political questions Mr. Edwards has not taken a very active part in civic affairs, preferring to give his entire attention to the management of his extensive business interests. He has found in the development of the Edwards-Hindle department store full scope for his executive ability and energy, and has derived great satisfaction from his effective work in building up its trade. His ability as a merchant is universally recognized, and during the years of his residence in Dayton he has also gained a place in the warm regard of many because of his admirable qualities as a man.
LEWIS McMORRIS.
Among the honored early settlers of Washington was Lewis McMorris, who in 1852 came to the Pacific coast and throughout the remainder of his life was identified with the interests of this section of the country. He was here before the city of Walla Walla was founded and he saw its development and assisted in its making. With his brother Joseph and his sisters, Mrs. Sarah Funk and Mrs. Emma Craig, he lived for years in the evening of his days on First street in Walla Walla. He was born in Coshocton, Ohio, August 12, 1831, and came of Scotch ancestry, the family having been founded in America in 1774 by a representative of the name who served in the Revolutionary war and who settled near Winchester, Virginia. After the establishment of American independence the family was founded in Ohio and in later generations representatives of the name went to Shelby county, Illinois, and there engaged in farming.
LEWIS McMORRIS