Ninian Wirt Edwards

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 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	(1809-04-15)April 15, 1809
Died	September 2, 1899(1899-09-02) (aged 90)
Spouse	Elizabeth Todd
Parent	Ninian Edwards (father)

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]