Edward A. Stevenson

Edward Augustus Stevenson (June 15, 1831 – July 6, 1895) was an American politician who was Governor of the Idaho Territory from 1885 to 1889. Stevenson was the first resident of Idaho Territory appointed to the position and the only Democrat to hold the office.

Stevenson's political career began in California where he held a variety of political positions including Speaker pro Tempore of the California State Legislature. After moving to Idaho Territory he remained active in politics until his appointment as governor. As governor, Stevenson exerted most of his efforts lobbying for the territory to be granted statehood.

Early life Stevenson was born June 15, 1831, in Lowville, New York. His family included several future politician, including his brother Charles, who became the fifth governor of Nevada, his half brother John, who became the first Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, and his cousin Adlai, who became Vice President of the United States. He soon became involved in politics, being elected Justice of the Peace for El Dorado County and to the California State Legislature in 1853 and 1854.

Stevenson married Harriet Marcy on June 10, 1855. The marriage would produce three children: Frank, Harriet, and Wilmot. The year after the wedding, the couple moved to a farm in Tehama County. Stevenson worked as an Indian agent for two years before his wife and children were killed by the Indians while he was away on official business.

Following this loss, Stevenson was again elected for terms in the California State Legislature in 1859 and 1860. Other positions of influence include his election as Speaker pro Tempore during his time as a legislator and his selection as deputy sheriff and Mayor of Coloma, California. The strains of the campaign proved deleterious to Stevenson's health, and he moved to Paraiso Springs in Monterey County, California, in an effort to recover. The former governor died there on July 6, 1895, from a laudanum overdose and was buried at the in Boise Pioneer Cemetery.

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