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Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott
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Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott
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OAK RIDGE CEMETERY
Its History and Improvements
H. W. Rokker, Printer & Binder
Springfield, ILL. - 1879

                             The Edwards Monument
                             
              Erected to the memory of Governor Ninian Edwards,
           the first and only Territorial Governor of Illinois,
           from 1809 to 1818, at which time it was admitted into
           the Union as a State, this Monument is one of those
           which serve to distinguish Oak Ridge, as the burial
           place of eminent and illustrious citizens. A native
           of Maryland, he emigrated in early life to Kentucky,
           where by his great natural abilities and liberal edu-
           cation, he soon distinguished himself as one of the
           most eminent jurists of his day. Resigning his posi-
           tion as Chief Justice of Kentucky, he entered upon
           the duties of the governorship of the new territory,
           to which he was appointed by President Madison, and
           at once identified himself with its people, in the
           promotion of its rapid development to the dignity of
           a sovereign State of the Union. It was truly said of
           him by his distinguished contemporary, Rev. John M.
           Peck, in his funeral discourse that "Governor Edwards
           was justly entitled to the appellation of Father of
           Illinois."
              The Indians, who under his firm administration
           were soon brought under control, gave him the name
           of, The Kaskaskia Chief. As Senator in Congress, to
           which position he was chosen upon the admission of
           Illinois into the Union, he took rank among the fore-
           most, and afterwards as Governor of the State, he
           added to his previous distinguished services the re-
           cord of an administration which forms one of the most
           important chapters of its history.
              Dying in Belleville, the place of his residence in
           the later years of his life, his remains were at first
           interred there, and subsequently removed to Hutchinson's
           Cemetery. On the 30th of October, 1866, they were removed
           to Oak Ridge, where his Monument now stands. It is lo-
           cated upon Block 10, in one of the most beautiful quar-
           ters of the grounds, near the western boundary. As
           shown in the engraving, it consists of a plain obelisk
           and plinth of Indian marble, supported by a limestone
           base, four feet square. The height of the structure is
           fourteen feet.
              The following is the inscription upon the Monument:
              
                        NINIAN EDWARDS
                   Chief Justice of Kentucky
                  Governor Illinois Territory
                        1809 - 1818
                        
                   U.S. Senator 1818 to 1824
                    Governor State Illinois
                        1826 to 1830
                        
                            Died.
                       July 20, 1833,
                    In the 59th year of
                          His age.
                          
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