John Brown and Juneteenth

It is my belief that had he lived, John Brown would have been happy to participate in the first Juneteenth Celebration and support the cause he dedicated most of his later years in life. His fight against slavery was a cause that would eventually have him labeled a domestic terrorist by the slaveholders and slave merchants. A cause that would in the end take his life, along with the lives of more than one of his sons. 

John Brown's ancestors include Peter Brown, a passenger on the Mayflower, and Captain John Brown, before him, who fought in the Revolutionary War. John Brown would follow in the footsteps of his father, Owen Brown an abolitionist, civil servant, and trustee at Oberlin College. John, himself would become a fervent anti-slavery supporter. However, while his father Owen would choose the non-violent means to support the anti-slavery cause his son John would choose the more confrontative route. One that would strike terror into the hearts of those who believed in, and supported slavery.

Juneteenth Games & Decor
by GK Designs

John Brown was viewed by the slaveholders and slave merchants as the man (a white man) who not only wanted to arm the slaves against their masters, but who also planned to fight alongside them in a battle against the institution of slavery. Few things evoked fear in a southern household more than the idea of armed slaves coming for them.

"I have only a short time to live, one death to die, and I will die fighting for this anti-slavery cause."     

John Brown

John Brown's plan to raid the armory at Harper's Ferry to arm the slaves and activate his plan was put down by U.S. Marines led by Colonel Robert E. Lee, and his lieutenant J.E.B. Stuart. Men who would later become key parts of the Confederate army, who at the time of John Brown's raid were still serving in the union arm. John Brown himself was called crazy at the time for his confrontative stance against the institution of slavery that had stood for hundreds of years. Several of his sons, as well as black and white supporters would fight and die alongside John Brown in his battle against the institution of slavery.

Quotes, Juneteenth
by GK Designs

His own home was a station on the Underground Railroad. That is why I believe that even though he didn't live long enough to witness the June 19th, 1865, and the celebration that would signal the end of slavery. Nor would John Brown experience the extra added amendments to the United States Constitution (the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments) that brought an end to slavery all over this nation I get the feeling that the Juneteenth Day Celebration would surely have been worth remembering and celebrating to John Brown.

  

"I pity the poor in bondage that have none to help them. That is why I am here, not to gratify any animosity, revenge, or vindictive spirit. It is my sympathy with the oppressed and the wronged, that are as good as you, and as precious in the sight of God. You may dispose of me easily, but this question is still to be settled. The Negro question, the end is not yet."

 

John Brown