Jesse Edwards (businessman)

Jesse Edwards (February 18, 1849 – December 16, 1924)[1]) was an American businessman. He is referred to as "the founder of Newberg, Oregon".

Edwards arrived to the area to be later known as Newberg in 1881, and purchased a farm on the Rogers Donation Land Claim, on which he would plat the city of Newberg.[2]

He also founded the First U.S. National Bank of Newberg, Newberg's first university-preparatory school, was one of the founders of George Fox University, acted as the first mayor of Newberg, and was a member of the local school board. He also owned a brick-making company, a sawmill, a drain-tile factory, a mercantile store, and a warehouse for handling wheat.[3][4]

Newberg was incorporated in 1889.[5] The same year, Edwards built a house for his family. Today it is the second-oldest residence still standing in the city. Later, he was a founder of Friends Pacific Academy (now George Fox University). He died in 1924. In 1998, his family gave his house to George Fox University.[6]

Edwards and his wife Mary had three sons: Oren, Walter and Clarence.[2] Clarence went into the brick-making business with Jesse and later established the first electric company in the area.[4][2] Clarence would become the city major on several occasions in the 1900s.[7]