Edward Coles

Edward Coles (December 15, 1786 – July 7, 1868) was the second Governor of Illinois, serving from 1822 to 1826.

From 1810 to 1815, Coles was secretary to James Madison. He was a neighbor and anti-slavery associate of Thomas Jefferson. He freed his slaves in 1819.

Coles was born on December 15, 1786 in Albemarle County, Virginia. He studied at The College of William & Mary. Coles was married to Sally Logan Roberts from 1809 until his death in 1868. They had no children. Coles died on July 7, 1868 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from natural causes, aged 81.

Other websites
 The Coles Family papers, containing correspondence, various papers and materials belonging to Edward Coles, are available for research use at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
  Edward Coles, Patrician Emancipator 
 Governor Edward Coles Fellowship – Illinois Human Rights Commission


Category:1786 births
Category:1868 deaths
Category:Governors of Illinois
Category:Politicians from Virginia
Category:Independent politicians in the United States
Category:19th-century American politicians