John Brown was a very diligent man. Growing up, he was raised by his very relegious father. His father did not believe in slavery. When he got older, he had many jobs including a farmer, wool merchant, tanner, and land speculator. He moved about the country in states such as Ohio, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New York.
John Brown believed in no slavery. His goal was to abolish it. In the 1850s John Brown led many attacks against pro-slavery towns. Although, he did not become a figure of significance until 1855, when he became the leader of anti-slavery guerillas.
The Holy War!
John Brown had a plan that was pretty simple. He and his men would establish a base in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There, they would help runaway slaves and attack slave holders. Later on, his plan changed. He was ready to launch the "war" in 1858, until one of his men threatened to tell everyone the plan. Brown decided to go into hiding instead.
On October 16, Brown and his men went to raid Harper's Ferry. (5 of his men were black.) Brown did succeed with ruining telegraph wires and taking citizens hostage, but the local militia pinned Brown and his men. Most of his men died including 2 of his sons.
After the militia got him, Brown was seriously wounded and taken to Charleston, Virginia. There, he was hanged.
By: Micah Warthling
