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'''John Brown''' (May 9, 1800-December 2, 1859) was an abolitionist whose devotion to the cause of ending slavery cost made him a key figure in the years leading up to the [[Civil War]]. Unlike some other abolitionists, Brown believed that the use of violence was morally justifiable in the fight against slavery. He was born into a Christian family, and was taught from a young age that slavery was incompatible with the message of the [[Bible]]. <ref>http://www.civilwarhome.com/johnbrownbio.htm</ref>

'''John Brown''' (May 9, 1800-December 2, 1859) was an abolitionist whose devotion to the cause of ending slavery cost made him a key figure in the years leading up to the [[Civil War]]. Unlike some other abolitionists, Brown believed that the use of violence was morally justifiable in the fight against slavery. He was born into a Christian family, and was taught from a young age that slavery was incompatible with the message of the [[Bible]]. <ref>http://www.civilwarhome.com/johnbrownbio.htm</ref>

Brown became a part of the [[Underground Railroad]], then went to the newly formed territory of [[Kansas]] in 1855 to participate in the fight between the "free staters" and the pro-slavery "Bushwhackers". In 1859, Brown led 21 men in an attack on a federal arsenal in Harper's Ferry, Virginia (note: Harper's Ferry is now part of West Virginia), intending to arm slaves in slave revolts. He was caught, and hanged on December 2.

Brown became a part of the [[Underground Railroad]], then went to the newly formed territory of [[Kansas]] in 1855 to participate in the fight between the "free staters" and the pro-slavery "Bushwhackers". In 1859, Brown led 21 men in an attack on a federal arsenal in Harper's Ferry, Virginia (note: Harper's Ferry is now part of West Virginia), intending to arm slaves in slave revolts. The raid failed, and Brown was hanged on December 2.

[[Henry David Thoreau]] said of Brown: "No man in America has ever stood up so persistently and effectively for the dignity of human nature." <ref>http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p1550.html</ref>

[[Henry David Thoreau]] said of Brown: "No man in America has ever stood up so persistently and effectively for the dignity of human nature." <ref>http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p1550.html</ref>