Edwards was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of local merchant William Edwards, and Lucia Ransom. He graduated from the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York, in 1883, and, due to his deficiency in math and science, was ranked last in his class (52nd of 52).
Edwards was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of local merchant William Edwards, and Lucia Ransom. He graduated from West Point, New York, in 1883 after completing his education at the United States Military Academy. Due to his lack of proficiency in mathematics and science, he finished last in his class (52nd out of 52).