Edwards, Ann, 1773-1820

Ann Edwards was a Quaker minister active in Chester Monthly Meeting in southeastern New Jersey. Edwards was born into a non-Quaker family and later became a "convinced Friend," i.e., a convert to Quakerism. The date of her conversion is unknown, though it must have preceded her recognition as a minister in 1808. Edwards's family did not follow her into membership in the Society, with the exception of her sister Elizabeth, who became a member in 1815.

Edwards was particularly active as a minister between 1810 and 1818; during these years she visited Virginia, New York, and Baltimore Yearly Meetings as well as many smaller meetings under their jurisdiction. She was also active in Moorestown, NJ, and the surrounding area.

Edwards never married. She died on February 5th, 1820, while trying to cross the frozen Delaware River in a carriage or wagon in the company of Henry Warrington Jr., Nancy Stokes, and Esther Hunt Collins. The ice gave out under the vehicle, and Edwards and Collins were lost beneath the water. Her body was found 70 days later and buried in Moorestown.