Erastus Hussey facts for kids

Erastus Hussey (1800–1889) was an important person in American history. He was a strong opponent of slavery, known as an abolitionist. He also helped many enslaved people find freedom as a "station master" on the Underground Railroad. Plus, he was one of the people who helped start the Republican Party.

Erastus Hussey worked in many different jobs. He was a farmer, a teacher, a businessman, and even a politician. He also worked as an editor for a newspaper.

The Early Life of Erastus Hussey

Erastus Hussey was born on December 5, 1800, in a place called Scipio, in Cayuga County, New York. He grew up on a farm near Cayuga Lake. He loved to learn and read many books from a large library. This helped him become a schoolteacher.

He saved the money he earned from teaching. When he was ready, he traveled west. He walked about 140 miles (225 km) to Buffalo, New York. From there, he took a boat to Detroit. He arrived in Michigan on September 25, 1824. Soon after, he bought land in Plymouth, Michigan. This made him the first person to buy land there.

Family Life

On February 21, 1827, Erastus Hussey married Sarah E. Bowen. They had one daughter named Susan. Susan later married Henry B. Denman, who worked with Erastus in his business.

Erastus Hussey lived a long life. He passed away on January 21, 1889, at his home in Battle Creek. His wife, Sarah, died a few years later, on March 22, 1899, also in Battle Creek.

Erastus Hussey's Career and Public Service

Erastus Hussey first settled in Plymouth, Michigan, where he had a 160-acre farm. He was a wheat farmer from 1827 to 1836. In September 1838, he moved to Battle Creek, Michigan. There, he opened a general store in 1839. His son-in-law, Henry B. Denman, became his business partner in 1843. Their store was called Hussey & Denman.

Supporting Education

Erastus Hussey strongly believed that everyone should have access to free education. He thought that schools should be paid for by taxes. He served on the school board for three years. His wife, Sarah, also helped the community. She started the Ladies' Library Association.

Fighting Against Slavery

In 1847, Erastus Hussey became the editor of an anti-slavery newspaper called Michigan Liberty Press. Sadly, a fire destroyed the newspaper building in 1849.

Hussey was first a member of the Whig Party. But he later joined the Liberty Party. This party had a stronger stance against slavery. He was also a member of Michigan's Anti-Slavery Society.

Political Roles

Erastus Hussey was elected to several local government jobs in Battle Creek. In 1850, he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. This meant he helped make laws for the state.

On July 6, 1854, Hussey attended an important meeting in Jackson, Michigan. This meeting, known as "Under the Oaks," was one of the earliest gatherings where the Republican Party was formed. He became an important part of this new party.

As a Republican, he served in the Michigan Senate in 1855 and 1856. He helped create Michigan's Personal Freedom Act of 1855. This law was very important. It was designed to stop formerly enslaved people from being kidnapped and forced back into slavery. It was also called the Personal Liberty Bill.

Battle Creek became a city in 1859. Erastus Hussey was one of the first aldermen, which is like a city council member. In 1860, he was a delegate at the Republican National Convention. This is where Abraham Lincoln was chosen to run for president. In 1867, Erastus Hussey was elected mayor of Battle Creek.

The Underground Railroad Station Master

Erastus Hussey became involved with the Underground Railroad when a man named John Cross asked him for help. John Cross wanted Hussey to run a station in Battle Creek. The Husseys were Quakers, and they strongly opposed slavery. By 1840, they began hiding enslaved people who were escaping to freedom in their home.

Soon, the Hussey home became one of the main stops on the Underground Railroad. Their station was part of the Central Michigan Route. This route had stops about every 15 miles between Cass County and Detroit, Michigan. From Detroit, people would cross into Canada to find true freedom.

Erastus Hussey was a "station master" on the Underground Railroad. He helped between 1,000 and 2,000 people escape slavery. The Husseys even helped a man named Samuel Strother, who later settled in Battle Creek.

Hussey often shared stories about the people who passed through his home. He once told a story about a mother and daughter who were reunited at his house after 10 years apart. He also told a story about a woman who found her former fiancé at his house, after thinking he was gone forever.

He once heard that slave owners were traveling through Michigan. He quickly printed warnings on newspaper posters. These warnings told the slave owners not to enter Battle Creek. He traveled west to Niles to meet them and gave them the warnings. Because of his actions, they did not come to Battle Creek.

Legacy and Recognition

• A special historical marker now stands where the Husseys' house once was. This marker remembers their work as an Underground Railroad station.
• There is a large bronze statue in Battle Creek's Linear Park. It was designed by Ed Dwight. This statue shows Erastus Hussey, his wife Sarah, and Harriet Tubman. It is 14 feet (4.3 m) high and 28 feet (8.5 m) wide. It is the largest tribute to the Underground Railroad. It honors all the brave people who helped enslaved individuals become free, even though it was very dangerous.
• A historical plaque at the Kellogg Foundation Headquarters in Battle Creek has a quote from Erastus Hussey. He said, "I have fed and given protection to over 1,000 fugitives, and assisted them on to Canada." When asked if any stationmaster was paid, he answered, "No.... We were working for humanity."