Cornelius Hedges
1831 – 1907

Inducted May 9, 1965

Cornelius Hedges, described by a 19th century historian as “one of the ripest scholars and newspapermen” in Montana Territory, was born Oct. 28, 1831, and arrived in Virginia City July 10, 1864.

He brought to the newly organized territory three college degrees – two from Yale and a law degree from Harvard – a talent for writing and a deep desire to become part of the unfolding history of the northwestern frontier.

Hedges served as an editorial writer on the Helena Daily Herald for nearly 20 years. He had contributed articles to the newspaper since August 1869, and he was hired as an editorial writer in 1872 at $30 a week.

In 1885 Hedges helped organize the Montana Territorial Press Association, and he subsequently was elected first vice president.

His concern over the problems and future of Montana was mirrored daily in his editorials. He was credited with suggesting a national park in the Yellowstone area, and he was instrumental in spurring legislation to provide funds for the University of Montana.

A foe of racially segregated schools, Hedges served four two-year terms as Territorial Superintendent of Public Instruction.

 In 1871 President Grant appointed him U.S. District Attorney for Montana, and in 1875 he was elected probate judge for Lewis and Clark County. He is said to have earned an enviable reputation in the territorial courts.

An alert scholar, Hedges saved three documents later given to the State Historical Society: his diary, which describes in detail the activities and hopes of the Montana pioneers; the original town plot of Helena; and a map showing routes that led to Virginia City in the 1860s.

He helped organize the State Historical Society and the Helena Library Association.

When the first state legislature convened in 1889, Hedges, a Republican, took his seat at the first senator from Lewis and Clark County.

He died April 29, 1907

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