John Brown

Brown, John (1800–59), U.S. abolitionist. After supporters of slavery burned down the town of Lawrence, Kansas, Brown retaliated by murdering five proslavery men at Pottawatamie Creek. In October 1859 Brown seized the government arsenal at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, attempting to ignite a massive slave insurrection. Troops under Robert E. Lee stormed the arsenal and captured Brown. He was tried for treason and hanged on Dec. 2, 1859.

See also: Abolitionism.