Journal C of Station No. 2, William Still, 1855

Home Journal C of Station No. 2, William Still, 1855

Journal C of Station No. 2, William Still, 1855

                             Jan. 1st 1855
(1)Arrived_  Verena Mercer[1] arrived from Richmond per (S. Pa.[2])  She is about 41 years of age.  well made, dark chesnut color, intelligent &c.  She had been a slave all her life.  For the last 8 yrs of her life She had been owned by Henry W. Quase_ from whom she had not rec’d very severe treatment.
       After her first marriage her husband was sold away from her_ after remaining single 9 yr’s she married again, (. James Mercer) who fled last Feb.  Altogether She has the appearence of a woman of superior mind_ genteel_ reads & writes &c.

                             Jan. 1st 1854*
(1) Arrived_ Peter Derrickson[3] arrived from Berlin, Worcester Co. Md.  Peter is this day 26 yrs of age_ dark_ medium size & intelligent_ Fled from John Derrickson_ Farmer who owned 20 Slaves_ was regarded as a milld master,  Peter left because he got tired of working for nothing_ wanted the benefit of his own labour.  Left his mother 3 Bros. & 4 Sisters, all slaves_ they knew nothing of the fact of Peter’s Scheme to escape.
(1)_____ Chas. Purnell[4], came in Company with Peter_ had been raised near where he was brought up. Age 24_ dark chesnut color, medium size & smart.  Left because he wanted his time & money for himself.  Left Parents 3 Bros. & 5 Sisters, all Slaves, but the mother & eldest Sister_ all the children __ are intitled to their Freedom at the age of 28_
(1)_____ John Robinson arrived from Black Bird, New Castle Co. Md.  had been owned by Wm Wilson, Farmer,  John declares that his master was a very hard man_ would beat & slash severely.  John was induced to leave that he might shun the abuse of his master, and at the same time take care of his wife whom he brought with him_
(1)____ Mary Ann is the name of the wife_ she is dark, medium size &c_ age about 19.  Free

* typographical error by Still; entries are for Jan. 1, 1855


[1] Verena Mercer fled Virginia to be reunited with her husband, James, who had departed Richmond nine months earlier.  The Vigilance Committee forwarded her to Canada, where she settled with James in Toronto.  Still, Underground Rail Road, 309.

[2] The steamship, Pennsylvania.

[3] Peter Derrickson recruited Charles Purnell to run away with him.  They hoped to reach Canada.  See Still, Underground Rail Road, 309-10.

[4] When asked what made him flee slavery, Charles Purnell asserted that “I left because I wanted my time and money for myself.”  Still, Underground Rail Road, 310.

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