Emily Goodridge Grey arrived in St. Anthony, Minnesota in 1857 with her young son William. They joined Emily's husband, Ralph, who had moved to Minnesota a few years earlier to establish himself in the territory. The Greys were part of a small population of African Americans living in Minnesota at the time. They became active in the abolitionist movement, and in 1860, played an important role in Eliza Winston's case for freedom.

This article is a edited version of Emily's 1893 memoir, in which she talks about early Minnesota and the growing community of African Americans. Most Minnesota History articles are written at a higher reading level, and are most suited for adults.