Born in 1907 in Panaca, Nevada to pioneer Mormon settlers, Elbert Edwards attended the University of Nevada, Reno before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada to accept a teaching position at the newly opened Las Vegas High School in 1929. Edwards taught seventh-grade social studies and also served as Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction and later was promoted to Superintendent of the Las Vegas School District. During his 37-year tenure, he also authored numerous publications on Nevada history, especially concerning Mormonism.