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Ballard Trent Edwards
Member From: 1869 - 1871
- Birth Date: October 10, 1828 Birth Place:Manchester, Virginia
- Death Date: March 27, 1881
- Gender: Male Race: African American, Native American
- Spouse: Sarah Ann Coy (m. August 23, 1850)
- Children: 12
- Religion:
- Education:
- Military Service:
- Occupation/Profession: Brick Mason and Plasterer
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Additional Info Links:
Bio from Encyclopedia Virginia
Bio from Virginia's Martin Luther King Jr. Commission
- Bio: Ballard T. Edwards represented Chesterfield and Powhatan counties for one term in the House of Delegates (1869–1871). Born free in Manchester (later annexed by Richmond), he became a skilled laborer, owned property, and played a key role in his church. By 1867 Edwards had become involved with Republican Party politics. Two years later he won a seat in the House of Delegates in racially polarized voting. Edwards actively looked out for the rights of freedpeople, though the Conservative Party quashed measures that included safeguarding payment for workers, integrating transportation, and outlawing the Vagrancy Act of 1866. Defeated in his reelection attempt, Edwards remained an active civic figure in his final years. He also worked as a brick mason and plasterer. He died at his Manchester home in 1881.
- Other Notable Service and/or Elected Offices: Magistrate - City of Manchester
| Session | District | District Number | Party | Leadership | Committees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1869-1871 | Chesterfield and Powhatan | Radical Republican | Manufactures and Mechanic Arts |
*The information within this interactive and searchable application has been researched extensively by the House Clerk’s Office. As with any historical records of this age and breadth, there may be discrepancies and/or inconsistencies within records obtained from a variety of credible sources. Any feedback is encouraged at history@house.virginia.gov.