A great escape story involves a slave named Perry Sanford. Sanford was with a group of escaped slaves in Cass County when a group of about 40 slave owners came looking for them. The owners captured 25 fugitives and packed them into wagons to bring them back south - but there was a problem. During the raid, damage had been done to the cabins where the slaves had hidden - broken windows and doors - and the cabin owners pressed charges.
The slave owners were put into jail to await trial, and the slaves were placed in the custody of the sheriff. During the wait for the trial, the slaves mysteriously disappeared one or two a night. Not only that, one wagon wheel went missing each night, until all the wheels were gone (somehow ending up at the bottom of the lake). By the time the slave owners were released from jail, they had neither slaves nor wagons! These slaves were brought to Battle Creek and some of the bravest decided to go no further and to settle here, including Perry Sanford, who lived in Battle Creek for the rest of his life.
There are several places where you can learn more about the Underground Railroad, but the Kimball House is a good place to start. They also have a whole room dedicated to Sojourner Truth, along with many other interesting exhibits showcasing the rich history of Battle Creek. The museum is open the first and third Sundays of the month.
A great website about the Underground Railroad that plays an interactive learning experience can be found at http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/bhistory/underground_railroad/plantation.htm.