Ken,

My focus has been upon the activities of the UGRR along the Missouri border... more specifically, the activities of the Kansans involved in the UGRR who later became officers in the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers.

In my research I do not recall coming across any specific reference to the UGRR and the Cherokee Nation... undoubtedly it did exist, but I just have not run across references.

I do however recall a Slave Narrative the described the journey of an individual through the Cherokee Nation. However, this individual emancipated himself and there is no reference to the UGRR in the account... I do believe it is available online... I would try keywords "slave narrative" "cherokee" "kansas".

Makes sense that fugitive slaves from the far south would swing clear of southwest Missouri on their route to freedom.

best of luck.

-chris tabor
butler, mo