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.”

Example Sentences

The slaves were accompanied by an associate of Brown, John Kagi, whose sister, Barbara Mayhew, lived in the cabin with her husband, Allen.

From Washington Times • Oct. 3, 2020

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

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

Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, John Mayer, Miley Cyrus and many others have done likewise — with Mr. Mayer indicating that he came back “by popular demand.”

From New York Times • Jul. 18, 2012

Brown, John, I, 151, 177, 179, 187, 381; II, 234.

From Julia Ward Howe 1819-1910 by Elliott, Maud Howe