Clarence Ransom Edwards

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Clarence Ransom Edwards (1860-1931) was an American soldier, born in Cleveland, Ohio. He was graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1883 and entered the United States army as a second lieutenant in the 23d Infantry. By successive promotions, he attained the rank of major-general and was retired in that grade in December 1922, after 40 years of service.

Edwards participated in campaigns in the Philippines, serving as adjutant-general on General H. W. Lawton's staff in 1899. In 1902, he was named chief of the Bureau of Insular Affairs, on account of his intimate acquaintance with conditions in the Philippines, which were administered by that Bureau. He retained this office until 1912, when he was returned to the line and from 1915 to 1917 was in command of the United States troops in the Panama Canal Zone.

During World War I, Edwards had charge of the Department of the Northeast, where he organized the 26th Division in 1917. He served on front-line duty in France during 1917-18 but left his command after disagreements with other senior officers.

On Edwards' return to the United States he was assigned to the command of the First Corps area with headquarters in Boston. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre with palm and made an officer of the Legion of Honor.

Edwards received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Syracuse University in 1920. He died in 1931 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. A collection of Edwards' papers is archived at the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston and open for research.

A middle school in Charlestown, Massachusetts, is named in his honor.

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