Edward Herman Ninestein was born in Archdale, North Carolina. He was the son of Albert Horace and Florence Jarrett Ninestein. Educated in Barnwell County schools, he graduated from the University of South Carolina with an A.B. degree in 1930 and in 1932 earned an LL.B. degree.
He began practice in Walhalla in 1933 and later was joined by his brother in 1938, practicing as Ninestein and Ninestein, and then as Ninestein and Pettit with Howard Pettit from 1958 until 1968.
He served as Judge of the Family Court of Oconee County from 1964 until 1971, Judge of the Oconee County Civil and Criminal Court from 1971 through 1974. He was the Attorney for Oconee County for many years, as well as for each incorporated town in the County; also the Recorder for the Town of Walhalla from 1934 through 1938; served three terms as Mayor of Walhalla and was a member of the County Board of Education, the Advisory Board of Tamassee DAR School, the Board of Trustees of Walhalla schools, and the local Board of Southern Bank and Trust Company. He was Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Oconee County Democratic Party for many years and the Vice-Chairman of the Oconee County Hospital Board. He was also an active member of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Walhalla, a Mason, a member of the American Legion, having served in the United States Navy during World War II, and a Rotarian, serving as President.
A wise, able and dedicated servant and citizen of his County and State.