PEORIA â If the world were just, the name of Nance Legins-Costley would resonate amid the likes of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass and other abolitionist rebels.
But her story is hardly known. Not in Illinois, where â despite anti-slavery laws â she was born into bondage. Not in Pekin, where â despite anti-Black attitudes â she became a beloved community figure. And certainly not in Peoria, where â despite her impressive life â she is buried in ignominy.
Perhaps her story is more subtle than those of high-profile abolitionist leaders, yet her fortitude was astounding. Barely a teen, she first stood up for her civil rights in a court of law that was stacked against Black people. Even amid legal defeats, she kept seeking the most basic of rights: freedom.
First slave freed by Lincoln buried under Peoria pavement Tire tracks in the snow arc around a paved lot around 3915 SW Adams, Jan. 28, 2021, in Peora, Iall. The area is believed to be the final resting place of 48 Civil War veterans among others, including Nance Legins-Costley of Illinois, the first slave legally freed by Abraham Lincoln. The area was once known as Moffatt Cemetery. (Matt Dayhoff/Journal Star via AP) Associated Press A large sign with the name of 48 Civil War veterans hangs on a fence in the area around 3915 SW Adams, Jan. 28, 2021, in Peora, Iall. The area is believed to be the final resting place of 48 Civil War veterans among others, including Nance Legins-Costley of Illinois, the first slave legally freed by Abraham Lincoln. The area was once known as Moffatt Cemetery. (Matt Dayhoff/Journal Star via AP)
If the world were just, the name of Nance Legins-Costley would resonate amid the likes of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass and other abolitionist rebels.
If the world were just, the name of Nance Legins-Costley would resonate amid the likes of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass and other abolitionist rebels.
She was the first Black person freed by Lincoln, long before his presidency. Her grave was paved over and her story hardly known.
Phil Luciano, Journal Star
February 8, 2021, 6:32 AM·14 min read
PEORIA, Ill. – The name of Nance Legins-Costley could resonate amid the likes of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass and other abolitionist figures.
But her story is hardly known. Not in Illinois, where – despite anti-slavery laws – she was born into bondage. Not in the city of Pekin, where – despite anti-Black attitudes – she became a beloved community figure. And certainly not in Peoria, where – despite her impressive life – she is buried in ignominy.