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Owen Brown

Abolitionist. Born: November 4, 1824 Died: January 8, 1889 

Owen Brown was born on November 4, 1824, in Hudson, Summit County, Ohio, to John Brown and Dianthe (Lusk) Brown.

He suffered a childhood accident that left one arm and hand partially disabled. 

Brown moved to Kansas Territory with several of his brothers in 1855. He was directly involved in the killings that took place during the Pottawatomie Massacre in Franklin County, on May 24, 1856. 

By talking with the local railroad workers and others near Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia), Brown gained information about slavery. His was an important role in the attack on the federal arsenal. Unlike his famous father, Brown was able to escape arrest after the raid.

Many years later Brown moved to Pasadena, California, along with his sister Ruth, her husband Henry Thompson, and his brother Jason. He disliked cities, but loved  the outdoors.

Brown died in Pasadena, California, on January 8, 1889.

Entry: Brown, Owen

Author: Kansas Historical Society

Author information: The Kansas Historical Society is a state agency charged with actively safeguarding and sharing the state's history.

Date Created: July 2016

Date Modified: July 2016

The author of this article is solely responsible for its content.