Sojourner Truth (1797-1883); buried Oak Hill Cemetery
Portrait photograph of Sojourner Truth, taken about 1860. Originally born into slavery in Swartekill, New York, in 1797 and named "Isabella Baumfree," she was freed in 1826 and later adopted the name "Sojourner Truth." Truth moved to Battle Creek in the late 1850's and spent the rest of her life working for the abolition of slavery and women's rights. Selling cabinet photos such as this one provided a means of financial support for Truth and her children.