PEKIN, Ill. – A familiar park in Pekin has a new name.
Pocket Park, as part of a Juneteenth celebration, was officially dedicated yesterday as Legins-Costley Park.
Nance Legins Costley is the first person believed to have been emancipated by President Abraham Lincoln.
Costley’s son William also was honored, having fought in the Civil War.
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White was on hand for the ceremony Saturday, and 25 News reports White recited the Supreme Court ruling that allowed Nance Legins-Costley to be free.
“In controlling her own motions could not be the subject of a sale and no right to her services would pass by such sale. The sale of a free person is illegal and that being the consideration of the note that is illegal also,” White read.
HIstorical markers have officially been installed on the site.
”This provides a lasting marker a lasting tribute,” said John Ackerman, Tazewell County Clerk, to 25 News. “She did live within our community. She was cherished within our community and appreciated. This is our way of showing she was a Pekinite, a citizen of Tazewell County, and someone we should be recognizing and remembering.”
Pekin Saturday also honored local volunteers and people who give of their time to help make the city better.
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