“J” is for Jeremiah, Thomas (d. 1775). Free black harbor pilot, alleged insurrectionary. Thomas Jeremiah, or “Jerry,” was a free person of color who earned a living by navigating ships through the treacherous waters of Charleston harbor. In addition, he worked as a firefighter and ran the fish market in Charleston’s wharf district. As he prospered, he became the owner of enslaved persons. In June 1775 Jeremiah became the foremost suspect in an alleged plot by the British to use the majority of the Carolina populace (enslaved persons) against the patriot rebels. Embroiled in a cause célèbre between the last royal governor and patriot officials, Jeremiah was adjudged guilty by patriot authorities and sentenced to die under the Negro Act of 1740. At noon on August 18, 1775, Thomas Jeremiah was hanged in Charleston.
“J” is for Jeremiah, Thomas (d. 1775)
