Background
Born in Sangamon County, Illinois, Edwards was the son of Ninian Edwards the Illinois territorial and state Governor of Illinois.
Born in Sangamon County, Illinois, Edwards was the son of Ninian Edwards the Illinois territorial and state Governor of Illinois.
In 1834-1835, Edwards served as Illinois Attorney General. Then in 1837-1841, 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.