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Brown, John

Cultural  
  1. An abolitionist of the nineteenth century who sought to free the slaves by military force. After leading several attacks in Kansas, he planned to start an uprising among the slaves. In 1859, he and a small band of followers took over a federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, in Virginia. A detachment of marines reclaimed the arsenal and captured Brown, who was tried for treason, convicted, and hanged.


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Robert E. Lee, soon to be commanding general of the main Confederate army, led the marines who captured Brown.

In death, Brown became a martyr for abolitionists. “John Brown's Body,” a popular song in the North during the Civil War, had this refrain: “John Brown's body lies a-mold'ring in the grave; His soul goes marching on.”

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Since then, Jongbloed has helped publish more than 1,000 titles — including works by Dan Brown, John le Carré and Agatha Christie — in Flipback format in several European countries.

From Washington Post Aug. 2, 2018

The shot triggered a 15-5 run that involved 3s from Brown, John Davis III and Sibley.

From Washington Times Dec. 17, 2017

It has subsequently been called the "Baggy Woodstock" and was the second-to-last gig to feature the band's classic line-up of Ian Brown, John Squire, Gary "Mani" Mounfield and Alan "Reni" Wren.

From BBC Oct. 12, 2012

Commissioner Roger Goodell, executive vice president Jeff Pash and team owners Mike Brown, John Mara, Jerry Richardson and Art Rooney arrived at the federal courthouse in Minneapolis on Monday morning along with legal counsel.

From Seattle Times May 16, 2011

Brown, John, reverence for in the North, 21.

From Baltimore and The Nineteenth of April, 1861 A Study of the War by Brown, George William

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