James Coin
Newspaper Article

Mercer Gray vs. Jackson Pryor


A short while back Mercer Gray, a slave owned by Jackson Pryor, had escaped due to the help of William Still and Passamore Williamson. Mercer Gray, originally known as Ginnie Pryor, had been on the run with two of her three children, Etta and Mattie. They were not alone though. They had a lot of help from the quick family, who helped them escape and kept them safe. Ginnie Pryor changed her name to Mercer Gray to represent her new life. Though she changed her name the past caught up to her andas was feared Jackson Pryor pressed charges. William Still was arrested for assault and battery, while Passamore Williamson was imprisoned for contempt of court because he refused to give up Mercer when he was ordered to. After Jackson Pryor pressed charges the family decided it would be smart to split up Mercer and her children. Mercer moved to West Chester with Aunt Zilpha, a member of the Quick family, while Etta and Mattie stayed in Philadelphia. Mercer visits Passamore Williamsons cousin Eliza who
convinces her to sign and affidavit stating that Mercer left Jackson Pryor on her own free will. Even though she signed the affidavit she still had to come in to the courthouse and testify under her slave name, Virginia Pryor. After hearing all of the testimonies the judge finally reaches a decision. Mercer is reunited with her kids and is a free women and all the charges are dropped against the men involved in the escape of Mercer Gray. As a result of this desicion a young man Nig-Nag, who helped Mercer escape, was beaten and killed by a slave catcher hired by Pryor named Keller. This event opens Mercers eyes to the horrors that occur to slaves every day. As of now Mercer is traveling and telling her story to others hoping to inspire them and open their eyes to these horrors as well.