Samuel Cook Edsall

Who was Samuel Cook Edsall?

Samuel Cook Edsall was a bishop of North Dakota and Minnesota in the Episcopal Church.

The son of James K. Edsall, Illinois Attorney General, Edsall graduated from Racine College, and after admission to the bar, initially followed his father's career, practicing law in Chicago.

However, Edsall became increasingly drawn to spiritual matters. He attended Western Theological Seminary, was ordained deacon in 1888, and priest in 1889. He served as rector of St. Peter's church in Chicago for a decade.

On January 25, 1899, Edsall was consecrated Missionary Bishop of North Dakota. In 1901, he became bishop of Minnesota upon the death of bishop Henry Whipple. He served 16 years, dying in office and succeeded by his suffragan, Frank McElwain.

Edsall wrote Prayer Book Preparation for Confirmation.