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.
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