Battle Creek in Calhoun County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Erastus Hussey: Stationmaster
⎯⎯⎯
"Working for Humanity"

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

1. Erastus Hussey: Stationmaster / "Working for Humanity" Marker

Side 1

Inscription. Erastus Hussey
Stationmaster Erastus Hussey came to Michigan from New York State in 1824 and purchased land in Wayne County. Hussey returned to New York for a time, but in 1839 he and his wife, Sarah, purchased a building located about 125 feet east of this site to house their dry goods store and residence. As Quakers, the Husseys had strong antislavery sentiments, and in 1840, Erastus became stationmaster of the Underground Railroad’s Battle Creek station, located in his home. He was assisted by fugitives like Samuel Strother who settled in Battle Creek after escaping slavery. As a Free-Soiler, Hussey served in both houses of the state legislature in the 1850s. On July 6, 1854, he attended the “Under the Oaks” convention in Jackson, where the Republican party was founded.

"Working for Humanity" A May 1885 edition of the Battle Creek Sunday Morning Call featured an interview with “the Abolition patriarch,” Erastus Hussey. The eighty-five-year-old former editor of the antislavery Michigan Liberty Press recalled Battle Creek’s role with the Underground Railroad, beginning in 1840. The Central Michigan route began in

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Cass County and had stations every twelve to fifteen miles in communities like Climax, Battle Creek, Marshall, Albion, Grass Lake, Ann Arbor, Plymouth, and on to Detroit. Hussey stated, “I have fed and given protection to over 1,000 fugitives, and assisted them on to Canada.” After 1855 the Michigan underground was less traveled—the runaways took shorter routes through Ohio. When asked if any stationmasters received pay, Hussey replied, “No. . . . We were working for humanity.”

Erected 1992 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number S0637.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.

Location. 42° 19.096′ N, 85° 10.875′ W. Marker is in Battle Creek, Michigan, in Calhoun County. It is on Michigan Avenue 0.1 miles east of Capital Avenue Southwest, on the right when traveling north. Located at the grounds of the Kellogg Foundation Headquarters. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

2. Erastus Hussey: Stationmaster / "Working for Humanity" Marker

Side 2

One Michigan Ave, Battle Creek MI 49017, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Michigan.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Log Schoolhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle Creek Post Office (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Baptist Church (about 500 feet away); Cereal Bowl of America (about 600 feet away); Ward Mill Site / Ward Building Site (about 600 feet away); Del Shannon / Runaway (about 800 feet away); LaSalle Hotel (about 800 feet away); Methodism in Battle Creek (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Battle Creek.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Battle Creek House (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

3. Erastus Hussey: Stationmaster / "Working for Humanity" Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 1,838 times since then and 134 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 14, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.

Erastus Hussey: Stationmaster⎯⎯⎯"Working for Humanity"

Erastus Hussey: Stationmaster
⎯⎯⎯
"Working for Humanity"