Emily Grey: A Remarkable Woman

Emily O. Goodridge-Grey was an African American activist in Minneapolis during the 19th century. She was highly regarded because of her involvement in the promotion of women and other social issues within the Minneapolis African-American community. She was a leader in the Territorial Pioneers and the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Mission and led a group to support a women's exhibit hosted at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. She is also considered to be the first African-American pioneer to write and have published a memoir.

It is clear that Emily Goodridge-Grey, who was the descendent of former slaves, believed in her ability to contribute and make a positive difference in the Minneapolis community. She was nurtured under progressive middle-class values that shaped her understanding of herself and the associations she established with others. Emily Goodridge-Grey in every aspect of her life, was prepared personally, psychologically and spiritually to embrace struggles and at time serious deficits to create a very special meaning for her life.

We believe Emily Goodridge-Grey is a testament to what secure and progressive rearing and home life, and an education and continuous support, can provide. Armed with these advantages, no matter how rigorous the times, a person can persevere and reach their full potential.

*********************************

Ms. Goodridge-Grey came to Minnesota at the age of 23 from York, Pennsylvania in the spring of 1857. At that time Minnesota was still a territory (statehood was gained in 1858). Emily traveled here with other African American families from various points in the south. In 1857, Minnesota hosted approximately 200 freed African Americans.

She was the daughter of William C. and Emily Wallace Goodridge. Emily's father, a former slave, was an active participant in the operation of the "Underground Railroad." William worked to provide what is considered today a middle-to upper-middle class livelihood for his family. He was also devoted to the pursuit of delivering slaves from captivity and housed runaway slaves at his residences and business locations.

In the 1850's, Emily's father William was being sought by the Confederate Army for his role in the Underground Railroad. It is not known to what extent William was suffered for his participation; however persecution by the Confederates is the likely reason for the family's move west. His children relocated to California and Michigan, and one (Emily) to Minnesota.

Emily's husband, Ralph Toyer Grey, was an educated man and was a personal friend of Fredrick Douglass, the noted abolitionist. Ralph Toyer Grey entertained Douglass when he visited Minnesota in 1873. Ralph Toyer Grey seems to have been highly regarded in Minnesota's new African-American community.

Emily Goodridge met and married Ralph Toyer Grey in Philadelphia. He moved to the Minnesota Territory in 1855. A couple of years later, Emily followed with their son, William T. Grey. What is remarkable about this time, according to 1857 census information, is that 94% of blacks living in the territory were literate. During her travels to Minnesota by boat via the Mississippi River, Emily wrote to her parents about her experiences. She is considered to be the first African American pioneer to write and have published a memoir.

Like her husband Ralph Toyer Grey, Emily was very involved in social issues within the African-American community and in the promotion of women. Emily was a leader in the Territorial Pioneers and the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Mission. She lead a group to support a women's exhibit hosted at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and lead a reception committee that honored a Baltimore clergyman attending a national Presbyterian conference in Minneapolis. Emily Goodridge-Grey is regarded as a premiere local personality who was highly regarded as an important entity in the progression of our Minneapolis community.

*********************************

(Cannon to Hurley, September 13, 1983; Appeal, July 22, 1892, January 22, 1916, Afro-American Advance (Minneapolis), June 3, 1917, August 12, 1899).

Emily Goodridge Grey, "The Black Community in Territorial St. Anthony: A Memoir", Minnesota History 49 (Summer 1984): 47-48.

David Vassar Taylor, "The Blacks", They Chose Minnesota: A Survey of the State's Ethnic Groups, ed. June

D. Holmquist (St. Paul: Minnesota Historical Society Press 1981)