Ninian Edwards

About

Governor of the Illinois territory from 1826 to 1830. He was also one of its first two state senators, and the territory's third governor from 1809 to 1818.

Before Fame

He studied law in Pennsylvania, but moved to Kentucky to work on his family's land, and finished studying law in Tennessee.

Trivia

The territory he presided over included not only the modern state of Illinois but also also parts of Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Family Life

Both his parents came from prominent families, and among his private tutors was the future U.S. Attorney General William Wirt.

Associated With

President James Madison appointed him the governor of the newly formed territory.