Nance: Trials of the First Slave Freed by Abraham Lincoln: A True Story of Nance Legins-Costley (PB) (2014)

Based on sworn and witnessed court records, it's the true story of the three Supreme Court trials of the first slave freed by a young lawyer, Abraham Lincoln in Illinois in 1841. Revised edition from 2014 version. There are over 10,000 works on Abraham Lincoln, but this is the only book about the slave who started Lincoln on the path that changed American History and the Constitution. This is the only known historical biography to be recognised by both a predominately white historical society and a predominately black historical society. The pre-published genealogy was awarded "Humanitarian Award" from the African American Museum in Peoria, Illinois, for Nance's family in 2003 and "Award of Merit" by the Illinois State Historical Society in April 2015. In 2009 the Editor of the Illinois History Journal claimed that it is the only story of Lincoln that is really new. The story was suppressed during the early decades of the 20th century by white supremacist attitudes. Nance actively tried to free herself, but needed Lincoln to make it legal. Her struggles began as a teenager and it took 15 years to win her freedom. The book includes a piece of history to own. A copy of Nance's original signature from her historic testimony in 1827. The story is endorsed by a past president of the Abraham Lincoln Association. Includes 30 color pictures, a time line, Bibliography, Index, Footnotes and a note to parents and teachers. Because it is a true story, the names of Nance Legins-Costley, A.Lincoln and now the author will live on the internet for a very long time. Search and you shall find.