John Brown (abolitionist)

John Brown (May 9, 1800 – December 2, 1859) was an American abolitionist who played a major part in the history of slavery in the United States leading up to the American Civil War. Brown took part in the violence during the Bleeding Kansas crisis, but his most famous action was his leadership of the raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia (in modern-day West Virginia). The killings that followed, Brown's subsequent capture by Robert E. Lee, his trial, and execution by hanging are generally considered an important part of the origins of the Civil War.

Actions in Kansas

Brown was particularly affected by the Sacking of Lawrence, in which a sheriff-led posse destroyed newspaper offices, a hotel, and killed two men. In the evening of May 24, 1856, Brown, his four sons, a son-in-law, and two other men, killed with broadswords five settlers who were presumed to be proslavery on Pottawatomie Creek. Brown later said that he had not participated in the killings during the Pottawatomie Massacre, but that he did approve of them. He went into hiding after the killings, and two of his sons, John Jr. and Jason, were arrested. During their confinement, they were mistreated, which left John Jr. mentally scarred.

Related Topics:
Sacking of Lawrence - May 24 - 1856 - Broadsword - Pottawatomie Creek - Pottawatomie Massacre

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On June 2, Brown led a successful attack on a band of Missourians led by Captain Henry Pate. Pate and his men had entered Kansas to capture Brown and others.

Related Topics:
June 2 - Missouri - Henry Pate

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John Brown's struggle with proslavery forces in Kansas brought him national attention, and he became a hero to many Northern abolitionists. With only two dozen men he successfully defended the free-soil town of Osawatomie (on August 30) against an attack of about 400 men. The success earned him the nickname "Osawatomie Brown." A play titled Osawatomie Brown soon appeared on Broadway telling his story.

Related Topics:
Osawatomie - August 30 - Osawatomie Brown - Broadway

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That autumn, Brown went into hiding and engaged in guerrilla activities.

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