Edwards, Don, 1915-

Don Edwards was born and raised in San Jose, California. Edwards graduated from San Jose High School, and in 1936 he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University, an L. L. B from Stanford University Law School in 1938, and in 1940 he was admitted to the California State Bar. Between 1940-1941, Edwards worked for the FBI and during World War II he served as a Naval Intelligence officer and gunnery officer at sea. After the war, he founded the Valley Title Company of Santa Clara County, where he served as president from 1951 to 1975.

Edwards became politically active first as a Republican, serving as the chairman of the California Young Republicans. Influenced by the events following World War II, particularly the impact of the atomic bomb in Japan and fear of the nuclear arms race, he joined the United World Federalist, a peace organization committed to the United Nations and the World Court. He eventually severed ties with the Republicans over the issue of world peace.In 1962 he was elected to the House of Representatives, as a Democrat representing San Jose, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, parts of Milpitas and other unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. During his thirty-two year career, he represented voters from the 9th District (1963-1975), the 10th District (1975-1993), and the 16th District (1993-1995).

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