Ninian Edwards (1775-1833)

Edwards, land speculator, statesman and Governor, became an authority on frontier government. From 1809 to 1818, he served as the only Territorial Governor of Illinois. As Territorial Governor from 1809 to 1818, he was in charge of the salines of Southern Illinois - a source of revenue for the Federal Government. In 1819, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, and in 1826, he became the third Governor of the State of Illinois. Edwards is well known locally as the man who promoted Belleville as a town site after he had purchased all available town lots in 1828. He advertised the desirability of Belleville in America and abroad. He died at Belleville in 1833 while ministering to cholera victims.

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