"The champions of every generation have had the courage to express their unpopular but enlightened views and do not excuse or retreat, but constantly fight to be heard for what they believe is right" -- Glenn Doman

Edward Coles was an early governor of Illinois. He moved there from Virginia where he was born in 1786. He inherited slaves from his father. The following quotation about his courageous dcision to free his slaves.

"Unlawful possession of the wealth I enjoyed could not satisfy my own mind; and after a severe conflict between my love of ease, and my sense of right -- between my tastes and my principles, I determined to act honestly and honorably, and to relinquish what I could no longer maintain without committing injustice and feeling remorse. The moment I made this virtuous decision was the happiest I had at the time ever felt -- my mind seemed suddenly relieved from an oppressive weight; my whole frame glowed with new life, and the consciousness of courageous integrity elevated me so much in my own opinion that titles of rank and fortune appear as nothing in my estimation. --Edward Coles, 1827