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Lucy Terry Prince

A Literary and Legal Pioneer

Lucy Terry Prince, born around 1725 and passing in 1821, holds a significant place in American history as the African-born author of “Bars Fight,” the earliest known literary work in English produced in the New World by a person of African descent. Her life, marked by resilience, creativity, and legal acumen, is a testament to the enduring impact of individuals who have historically been marginalized. This article aims to explore the remarkable life and legacy of Lucy Terry Prince. Lucy Terry Prince’s journey began with the harrowing experience of being captured and enslaved at the tender age of five. Surviving the treacherous Middle Passage, she arrived in British North America during the late 1720s. Her resilience in the face of such adversity is a testament to her strength of character. Sold to Samuel Terry of Enfield, Connecticut in 1729, she was thereafter known as “Lucy Terry.” Subsequently, she was sold to Ebenezer and Abigail Wells of Deerfield, Massachusetts, where she would spend over three decades of her life.

The enduring literary legacy of Lucy Terry Prince is encapsulated in her poem “Bars Fight.” Composed in her early twenties, this thirty-line ballad vividly recounts the 1746 attack on Deerfield settlers by a group of Native American warriors. The poem stands as a testament to her storytelling prowess and serves as a valuable historical record of the events she witnessed. Through “Bars Fight,” Terry Prince not only showcased her literary talent but also provided insight into a significant historical event from a unique perspective. Terry Prince’s path to freedom was intertwined with the life of Abijah Prince, a free African man who had himself experienced enslavement in the region. In 1756, Abijah purchased Lucy’s freedom, marking the beginning of their courtship and eventual marriage. The couple went on to raise six children, leaving a lasting legacy that extended beyond their lifetimes. Their story is a testament to love, perseverance, and the enduring human spirit.

The challenges faced by Lucy Terry Prince and her family did not end with their attainment of freedom. In their efforts to establish a homestead in what would become Vermont, they encountered resistance from town residents. The Prince family endured a series of adversities including lawsuits, assaults, and arson directed at their farm and its residents. Undeterred, Lucy Terry Prince took a stand and argued before the Governor’s Council of Vermont in 1785, seeking protection for her family’s rights and property. Her eloquence and determination were instrumental in securing an order instructing the town’s selectmen to safeguard their interests. While much of Lucy Terry Prince’s life is documented through historical records and legal proceedings, her legacy also encompasses a realm of oral tradition and folklore. The “Lucy Terry legend” portrays her as a formidable orator who allegedly argued cases at the US Supreme Court and engaged in discussions with the trustees of Williams College. While these specific events lack documented evidence, they form part of the rich tapestry of stories that have contributed to her enduring legend.

In her later years, Lucy Terry Prince continued to navigate legal battles, ultimately prevailing in her pursuit of justice for her family. Her impact on the region was profound, as evidenced by the obituaries published in the Franklin Herald and Vermont Gazette following her passing on 21 August 1821. These tributes stand as a testament to the indelible mark she left on the communities in which she lived. Lucy Terry Prince’s life embodies resilience, creativity, and advocacy in the face of adversity. As the author of “Bars Fight,” she carved out a place for herself in literary history, providing a unique perspective on a significant historical event. Her legal battles and advocacy further underscore her determination to secure justice for herself and her family. While some aspects of her legend remain shrouded in folklore, her impact on American history is undeniable. Lucy Terry Prince stands as a pioneering figure whose legacy continues to inspire and resonate to this day.

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