Brown, JOHN

(OF OSSAWATOMIE), 1800-1859. Abolitionist. He went to Kansas 1855 and took part in the struggle between the free-state and pro-slavery men; conceived the idea of free ing slaves by inciting them to insurrection; seized the arsenal at Harper's Ferry, Va., Oct. 16, 1859. It was retaken the following day, and he was tried and executed Dec. 2.