The Underground Railroad (1872) is a book by African-American abolitionist and Father of the Underground Railroad, William Still. The book is a collection of testimonies from nearly 650 slaves who escaped to freedom via the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad (1872) is a book by African-American abolitionist and Father of the Underground Railroad, William Still. The book is a collection of testimonies from nearly 650 slaves who escaped to freedom via the Underground Railroad.