Edward COLES, IL, 1786-1819 - Emancipation

I posted this info last year and thought I would re-post in light of the newly posted will of Edward COLES. This Edward COLES is most likely related to Gov. Edward COLES who moved from VA to Edwardsville, IL and emancipated his slaves. He was taken to court by the State for doing so.

Info taken from: Centennial History of Madison county Illinois and Its People 1812-1912

About Edward Coles: " Edward Coles was born to the purple and reared in luxury. His father was John Coles, a soldier of the Revolution and a VA slave owner whose wealth was so great that when divided among several heirs, the portion falling to son Edward was 25 slaves and 1000 acres of land.

Edward Coles was born December 15, 1786 on the family estate 'Enniscorthy' in Albermarle Co., VA. During college he obtained the belief that no man had a legal right to property in his fellow men and no such right existed morally.

He wanted to legally free his slaves which he could not do in VA and he refused to sell them. In Spring of 1819, Coles made a trip to IL and Edwardsville to (re)locate with his slaves. The slaves knew nothing of his intentions, only that they were moving. (Somewhere along the trip Coles informed them of his intentions) He had a certificate of Emancipation drawn up for each individual and had it recorded. He also deeded 160 acres of land to each Head of family or adult age 24 and older. The certificates were issued July 4, 1819."

 In a statement given by Gov. COLES he writes: 
	'Whereas, my father, the late John Coles, of Albermarle, in the state of Virginia, did in his last will and testament give and bequeath to me certain negro slaves, among others ROBERT CRAWFORD AND HIS SISTER POLLY CRAWFORD, the said Robert being a mulatto man, about 5 feet 7 inches high, and now about twenty-seven years of age; and the said Polly being a mulatto woman about five feet one inch high, and now about sixteen or seventeen years of age. And whereas I do not believe that man can have a right of property in his fellow-man, but on the contrary, that all mankind are endowed by nature with equal rights, I do, therefore by these presents, restore to said Robert and his sister Polly, that inalienable liberty of which they have been deprived; and I do hereby renounce for myself and my heirs forever, all claim of every description whatever to them and their services, and I do hereby emancipate and make free the said Robert CRAWFORD and his sister Polly CRAWFORD. In testimony whereof, the said Coles set his hand and seal, on the 10th day of July, 1819.'

From: The People of the State of IL versus Governor COLES these are the slaves owned by Gov Edward COLES:

Robert CRAWFORD, Polly CRAWFORD, Ralph CRAWFORD and wife Kate and their children Betsey, Thomas, Mary and William; Thomas COBB and Nancy GAINES.
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IF you'd like more info on the court case brought by the state of IL against Gov COLES for emancipating his slaves I'll be glad to send it to anyone who contacts me directly (or if there are many inquiries I'll post to the list).

Hope this helps someone!  Lisa

Contributed by: Babytrek59@aol.com