Ninian Wirt Edwards | |
|---|---|
| 1st Illinois Superintendent of Public Instruction | |
| In office 1854–1857 | |
| Preceded by | office established |
| Succeeded by | William H. Powell |
| 7th Attorney General of Illinois | |
| In office 1834–1835 | |
| Preceded by | James Semple |
| Succeeded by | Jesse B. Thomas Jr. |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives | |
| In office 1849–1853 | |
| In office 1837–1841 | |
| Member of the Illinois State Senate | |
| In office 1845–1849 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 15, 1809 |
| Died | September 2, 1899 (aged 90) |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Todd |
| Parent |
|
Ninian Wirt Edwards (April 15, 1809 – September 2, 1899) was an American politician.
Born in Sangamon County, Illinois, Edwards was the son of Ninian Edwards (who served as territorial and state governor of Illinois). He was married to Elizabeth Todd, sister of Mary Todd Lincoln who was married to President Abraham Lincoln.[1] In 1834–1835, Edwards served as Illinois attorney general. Then during 1837–1841 and 1849–1853 he served in the Illinois House of Representatives. Edwards also served in the Illinois State Senate 1845–1849. He then served in the Illinois Constitutional Convention of 1847 and was Illinois superintendent of public instruction in 1854–1857.[2]