October 1 - The Jerry Level

Labor History in 2:00 · Oct 1, 2026 · 1m

On this day in Labor History the year was 1851.

That was the day that William Henry, a black cooper, or barrel maker who went by the name of Jerry was arrested in Syracuse, New York.

First he was told that he was being arrested for theft.

But then he learned that federal marshals had arrested him for violating the Fugitive Slave Law, passed the year before.

Jerry had escaped slavery in Missouri.

The anti-slavery Liberty Party was holding its convention in nearby church.

When word came about Jerry’s arrest, a crowd rushed to release him.

Once released he was quickly recaptured and returned to…