John Brown Abolitionist

A freedom fighter or a terrorist? A question that seemed so difficult to answer but I believe was not at all.

It had started in the year 1800, May 9th an American radical abolitionist was born John Brown. Infamous for his advocacy for the abolishment of slavery. Brown born and raised a calvinist from a low-class family in Torrington, Connecticut. He lived in Springfield, Massachusetts from 1846 to 1849. In 1849 he moved to North Elba and then later passed in 1859.

His early life:

His passion was believed to be sparked in the year 1812 when witnessing the injustice of a young african american suffering of physical abuse. Failed to complete education as the family had of insufficient funds.In his lifetime had two spouses, the first wife

Dianne Lusk and second wife Mary Ann collectively bared multiple children. He had declared bankruptcy due to failed due to 20 business ventures in six northern states, ultimately causing his family to be poverty-stricken. Had multiple occupations including the family business of tanning fur off animals leading him to fulfil the profession as a Conductor at the underground railroad and being a prominent activist.

During the 1800s-60s The underground railroad was an underground resistance that assist slaves access freedom escaping to through various routes in Northern parts of the US such as Buffalo New York on foot (approx.

16-32km) or to Canada. The use of railroad terms was enforced to as an alternative way to communicate.. Conductors travelled with independent groups utilising safe houses, black church had hid during the day and travel throughout the night to reach their final destination. Stockholders were benefactors who supplied money commonly white abolitionists. But when reaching to Northern parts does not guarantee freedom, places in the North that was highly unlikely Illinois, Ohio and Indiana.Laws and acts had made it difficult for slaves to escape, such as the fugitive slave act in 1793 and 1850, northern parts of the US such Illinois had oppressed blacks by establishing series of restrictive state laws that denied them fundamental freedoms as well as

Ohio.

Brown had also participated in Bleeding Kansas.

The populous term used in the 1850s was used to describe the outbreak of violence that was emerged from the Kansas-nabraska act during mid decade. The act was declared by the U.S. Congress on May 30th 1854. Permitting persons in territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide for themselves whether or not to allow slavery within their borders. The Act served to repeal the Missouri Compromise of 1820 which prohibited slavery north of latitude 36°30´. This had caused pro-slavery and free settlers to transport to Kansas to influence decisions in attempt to affect the outcome. Anti-slave forces were led by John Brown. Brown along with thirteen other members had joined battle in which was recognised as ‘Kansas Border War’ which had ended 1861, with a wagon laden with guns and ammunition, Brown settled in Osawatomie and soon became the leader of antislavery guerrillas in the area.
. Congress did not recognise the constitution adopted by the pro-slavery settlers and Kansas was not allowed to become a state. However, anti-slavery settlers outnumbered pro-slavery settlers and a new constitution was drawn up. On January 29, 1861, just before the start of the Civil War, Kansas was admitted to the Union as a free

state.

Brown had lived in North Elba within a black community further assisting in ways possible, which was purchased land from a stockholder Gerrit Smith. It was not until the year 1855, Brown was more recognised for contribution to events in regards to kansas. Then he had become a guerilla leader. He and his men had come to action after the death of Charles Sumner. This had led to the Pottawatomie Creek Massacre, the land acknowledged as the residence for slaveholders and pro-slavery persons. They dragged several men from their houses, in front of their wives, and hacked them to death — five men to be exact — hacked them to death with these huge broad swords, and deposited their bodies on the front steps of their cabins. The pottawatomie Creek massacre lasted only 24 May 1856 – 25 May 1856.

Known for his attempt to seize the US Arsenal on October 1859. Greatly believed his intention was to create an insurrection, although he had denied it, he was sentenced treason and recognised as an anti-slavery icon and a martyr upon those who are seeking the ending of slavery. In the eve of the event Brown and his five sons willing to die to be equipped with weaponry to create an armed rebellion.