Edwards

This chapter analyzes Ninian Edwards' long political career: as chief justice of Kentucky, as territorial governor for nine years, as U.S. senator, as U.S. minister to Mexico, and as third governor of the State of Illinois. Despite those distinguished titles, however, his record in office rarely rose above the uninspiring and occasionally descended into the ridiculous. Edwards sometimes acted foolishly, and some of the political difficulties in which he later found himself resulted from his own bad judgment. Moreover, his frequent displays of vanity, pomposity, and cynicism can make it hard to feel much warmth for him as a man. But despite all the obstacles placed in his path, Edwards strove to do his full duty toward the territory that had been entrusted to his care. For that, Ninian Edwards will always deserve the gratitude of the people of Illinois.