Edward Hempstead (June 3, 1780 – August 10, 1817) was an American lawyer, pioneer, and one of the early settlers in the new Louisiana Purchase in 1805.

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

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

[1] After Edward's election, his younger brother Charles S. Hempstead was forced to move to Illinois.

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.