One of the few civilians to witness the hanging was journalist David Strother, better known by his pen name, Porte Crayon. He had covered "John Brown’s war" from the first shots at Harpers Ferry.

John Brown’s final moments as he headed to his hanging. (Library of Congress) Brown left a final “prophecy,” his last written words before he was hanged. I, John Brown, am now quite certain ...

On Dec. 2, 1859, a well-known abolitionist was hung. John Brown was known for his raid on Harpers Ferry. His advance on the town started on the evening of Oct. 16, 1859, when he captured two slave ...

“My son John whose life I begged of (you) is grown up and is very desirous to be at Charlestown on the day of your execution, ...

Recently, while walking the trail around the John Brown birthsite in Torrington ... for abolitionists immediately following Brown’s death by hanging for treason on Dec. 2, 1859.