13 Facts About Edward Hempstead

Edward Hempstead was an American lawyer, pioneer, and one of the early settlers in the new Louisiana Purchase in 1805.

Edward Hempstead served as territorial attorney general in Upper Louisiana and in the Missouri Territorial Legislature.

Edward Hempstead was raised in Hebron, Connecticut, where he studied under Rev Amos Basset.

Edward Hempstead studied law under Sylvester Gilbert when he was eighteen and was licensed in 1801.

Edward Hempstead practiced for a year in Middlesex County, Connecticut, then two years in Newport, Rhode Island, then was admitted to the bar.

When Harrison was replaced with James Wilkinson, Edward Hempstead resigned and moved to St Louis.

Edward Hempstead later served with other Governors of the Louisiana and Missouri Territory, including attorney general.

Edward Hempstead was elected and served a two-year term, declining re-election.

Edward Hempstead alter served in the Missouri Territory General Assembly, rising to Speaker of the House.

Edward Hempstead died at his home outside of St Louis, Missouri on August 10,1817, six days after an accident in which he was thrown from his horse.

Edward Hempstead was buried on his farm, on a plot which later became part of Bellefontaine Cemetery.

Edward Hempstead's grave is thus among the oldest in the entire cemetery.

Benton later said that he thought Edward Hempstead would have become Missouri's first senator, had he lived long enough.