Ninian Wirt Edwards (April 15, 1809 – September 2, 1899) was an American politician.

Ninian Wirt Edwards
1st Illinois Superintendent of Public Instruction
In office
1854–1857
Preceded byoffice established
Succeeded byWilliam H. Powell
7th Attorney General of Illinois
In office
1834–1835
Preceded byJames Semple
Succeeded byJesse 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(1809-04-15)April 15, 1809
DiedSeptember 2, 1899(1899-09-02) (aged 90)
SpouseElizabeth Todd
Parent

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]

Notes

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Legal offices
Preceded by Attorney General of Illinois
1834–1835
Succeeded by