Edward
Coles was the second governor of Illinois. A former slaveowner from
Virginia, Coles became an abolitionist and won the 1822 gubernatorial
election as the candidate of the anti-slavery forces. He helped
defeat a call for a constitutional convention to consider the legalization
of slavery in Illinois. The memorial, which stands at Valley View
Cemetery, was erected in 1928 and 1929 and contains a square bas-relief
bronze portrait of Coles, sculpted by Leon Hermant. Coles is buried
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Amy Martin, Director
Board
of Trustees
Sunny Fischer, Chair
Daniel J. Arnold
Julia Sniderman Bachrach
D. Jeanie Cooke
Melinda Spitzer Johnston
Anthony J. Leone, Jr.
Dr. Shirley J. Portwood
Edward
Coles was the second governor of Illinois. A former slaveowner from
Virginia, Coles became an abolitionist and won the 1822 gubernatorial
election as the candidate of the anti-slavery forces. He helped
defeat a call for a constitutional convention to consider the legalization
of slavery in Illinois. The memorial, which stands at Valley View
Cemetery, was erected in 1928 and 1929 and contains a square bas-relief
bronze portrait of Coles, sculpted by Leon Hermant. Coles is buried
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
