Be it enacted by the People of the state of Illinois represented in the General Assembly; That William Lock of the County of Morgan in the state of Illinois, shall hereafter be called and known by the name of William W Hobbs. And by that name of 1 William W. Hobbs shall sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded[,] defend and be defended in all courts of law and equity, and in all other places. And by the name of William W Hobbs make all contracts, do and perform all legal acts of whatever character, name[,] or description; Provided that nothing herein contained shall effect any contracts heretofore entered into, or any other legal acts done and performed by the said William Lock.