Edwards was born in Randolph County, Alabama, USA, on 6 December 1863, to parents George Washington Edwards (1824–1863) and Martha A. Cole (1830–1873). While his mother was pregnant with him, his father went to the Civil War as a part of the 31st Alabama Infantry Regiment and never returned. He had at least four older siblings: Malissa Ann Butler (1853–1909), Elbert Greenberry Edwards, George Washington Edwards (1861–1955), and Gillie Bradley (1862–1942).

In the early 1880s, he married Sally Hurley (1861–1898). The couple had seven children: Fannie Lola Fuller (1884–1961), Roxie Fuller (1886–1942), Shelly, Nancy Edwards (1890–1891), Charles “Chink” Edwards (1891–1952), James Greenberry Edwards (1894–1918). Willie Lee Garrett (1896–1993). His wife passed away in 1898, at the age of 36. Later, he remarried Claudia Vesta Birdashaw (1881–1949), with whom he had six more children. In 1907, the family moved to Oklahoma.

Edwards was active in the Missionary Baptist Church until age prevented attendance. At the age of 100, he had eight living children. During that time, he lived with a son and two daughters on the 90-acre farm near Maud. He had been living there for the past 10 years, having previously resided in the Konawa area. His health was good at that point, although he had previously suffered from various ailments, including paralytic strokes. It was reported that his eyesight had deteriorated, leading him to give up reading due to his inability to obtain glasses. On the other hand, his hearing remained very acute. According to calculations made by relatives who attended his birthday party, he had a total of 216 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren living at the time of his 100th birthday.

Edwards passed away in Maud, Oklahoma, USA, on 18 October 1974, at the age of 110 years, 316 days.