Born on April 8, 1750, in Northampton, Province of Massachusetts Bay, British America,[1] Edwards graduated from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) in 1768.

[1] He was a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1777, from 1784 to 1785, and from 1787 to 1790,[1] serving as Speaker during his last two years.

[1] He was a member of the Connecticut convention to ratify the United States Constitution in 1788.

[1] He was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 24, 1806, and received his commission the same day.

His nephew, who was only five years younger than himself, was Vice President Aaron Burr.