John Brown Sesquicentennial Events Kick Off in April

Home , John Brown (biography)

Published for the Members and Friends IN THIS ISSUE: of the Harpers Ferry John Brown Historical Association Sesquicentennial Spring 2009 Schedule of Events Captain John Cook Harpers Ferry Native to Sign John Brown Sesquicentennial New Novel Events Kick Off in April

n October 16, 2009, one hundred and to History: The Wedding of Virginia Kennedy. fifty years will have passed since the A full day of programs and activities will orainy night a thin, grizzled man named John focus on the arrival of raider John Cook to Brown led twenty-one men down a Mary- Harpers Ferry and his marriage to local girl, land country road, across the Potomac Riv- Mary Virginia Kennedy. Highlights of the er, and into American History. His actions day will include family and youth activities over the next thirty-seven hours made him focusing on Harpers Ferry in 1859, and the a traitor and a hero, a murderer and a mar- dramatic presentation My Conspirator by 1859 Raid tyr. Regardless of what title one attached Cynthia Goetz. on Harpers Ferry to his name in 1859, it is certain that his Goetz is the current resident of the raid of the federal armory and arsenal in the house where John Edwin Cook, Jr., was born little town of Harpers Ferry, VA, heated the in Haddam, Connecticut. Hours of dedi- slavery debate and put the United States on cated research on Cook and his family— the unavoidable track to civil war. especially his sister, Katie—inspired Goetz’s The Harpers Ferry National Historical presentation. Told from Katie’s viewpoint, Park will begin its commemoration of the the story explores her “beloved if misguided/ anniversary of John Brown’s Raid on April foolish/foolhardy” younger brother’s life and 18, 2009, with the opening event: A Prelude his prominent role in Brown’s raid.

Captain John Cook: A Spy Among Us

In the early summer of 1858, a young man Born in Haddam, Connecticut in 1830, arrived in the bustling little town of Harpers John Edwin Cook grew up in a family of sev- Ferry, Virginia. He was short, but handsome: en. His father, Nathaniel, was a cobbler and deep blue eyes, and blonde hair that “curled a quarryman in pre-industrial Connecticut. about his neck.” He had a poetic nature, The Cook children were well-educated, suc- and spoke like a well-educated, well-raised cessful, or married well—one sister married New Englander. He took a job as a lock Governor A.P. Williard of Indiana. John tender on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. attended Yale and studied law in New York He also sold books and taught school in City. He also listened intently to famous The picture which appears the basement of the Presbyterian Church abolitionist Henry Ward Beecher. Whether on our newsletter’s nameplate, dating from 1803, is one of the on Shenandoah Street. The residents of it was due to his adventurous spirit, his oldest prints of Harpers Ferry. Harpers Ferry knew of this man, but they anti-slavery upbringing, or his somewhat Twenty years earlier, in 1783, didn’t know him. They didn’t know his true disgraceful dismissal from Yale, in 1855 John Thomas Jefferson had declared motive for settling in their town. And they Cook left New England and headed west to that this view was “worth a had no idea that in just over a year this Kansas—ground zero of the slavery debate. voyage across the Atlantic.” charming, well-respected man would be a Fighting against pro-slavery settlers in fugitive, wanted for treason, insurrection, Bleeding Kansas, Cook built a reputation and murder. continued on page 2  1 Armory Captain John Cook eral months later, under less Superintendent Continued from Page 1 friendlier circumstances. Members of being an incessant talker, Not every aspect of Jo (Kuhn) Curtis quick-tempered, reckless, Cook’s assignment in Harpers Brandywine, MD an expert with firearms and Ferry went according to plan. In memory of her son, women, and “not overly Specifically: Mary Virginia Jim Kuhn stocked with morality.” He “Jennie” Kennedy, the teen- Dr. Robert Johnson met John Brown in 1856, age daughter of his landlady. Harpers Ferry, WV and a year later Brown Just back from a strict board- Ronald Jones recruited Cook to his ing school, Jennie must Our Lady of Sorrows “Provisional Army of the have been smitten by the School, Farmington, MI United States,” organized dashing young boarder to resist pro-slavery ag- who wrote poetry and Paymaster Members gressions. Brown’s master told spellbinding stories. Jim & Suzanne Siliva plan was to take his army Cook’s letters suggest Taunton, MA & Harpers to Virginia where a raid on the that he truly loved Jennie, Ferry, WV federal armory in Harpers Ferry although when they married on Maureen Weber would certainly inspire thousands of slaves April 18, 1859, she was several months Falling Waters, WV to rise up and join him. And he entrusted pregnant. Their wedding license was issued John Cook to gather the intelligence re- at the Jefferson County Courthouse, and Master Armorer quired for the attack. it is believed they were married in a civil Members Arriving in Virginia, Cook rented a service at Jefferson Rock—not in a church. Allison Alsdorf room at the boarding house of Mrs. Anne Their son, John Cook, Jr., was born just a Harpers Ferry, WV Kennedy on Union Street in Bolivar. Af- few months after the wedding. Kirk Bradley ter finding employment on Lock 33 of the John Cook was now a husband and a Sanford, NC C&O Canal, Cook concentrated on his true father. And John Brown was preparing his Donald and Patricia Burgess mission. He studied the layout of the town, men for their attack. Harpers Ferry, WV especially the federal armory and arsenal. At the end of September, Brown sent Hon. and Mrs. Thomas He drew maps, recorded train schedules and a wagon for Cook and his wife with a note: Curtis and Family shift changes, and learned the strength of “Be careful not to say or do anything which Baltimore, MD the county’s militia units. Cook also gath- will awaken any suspicion. You can say Peter Dessauer ered information about the local slaves. your wife is going to make a visit to some Harpers Ferry, WV How many were there? How many were friends of hers in the country. Be very care- Clark Dixon, Jr. willing to join Brown’s army and possibly ful that you do not let any of our plans leak Ranson, WV Kim and Frank Edwards give their life to end slavery? out.” For her safety, Jennie was being sent Edgewood, MD As the months passed, Cook main- to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Cook Wayne Hammond tained a mostly superficial relationship bid farewell to his wife and infant son, not Saxton, PA with the townspeople. He did, however, knowing if he would see them again. Bruce Kramer purposely introduce himself to Colonel Brown then tasked Cook with finding Baltimore, MD Lewis W. Washington, a local militia leader, out the number of male slaves on or near Anne A. Long and the 46-year old great-grandnephew of the roads to Harpers Ferry. On September Myersville, MD George Washington. After stepping in front 30, Cook reported from Charles Town: Cynthia K. Mason of him on the street, he elicited an invita- “The slaves are discontented and ready to Baltimore, MD tion to Washington’s home “Beall-Air” in swarm like bees.” Linda Parks Halltown, Virginia, about five miles west of Finally, at 8:00 p.m. on October 16, Washington, DC Harpers Ferry. Washington showed Cook John Brown and twenty-one followers set George Rutherford two relics kept in a locked cabinet: a pistol off from a Maryland farmhouse towards Ranson, WV presented to General Washington by the the Ferry. After marching silently for two Karen, Terry, and Josh Willis Marquis de Lafayette, and a sword from the hours in a cold drizzle they reached town. Chestertown, MD Prussian King Frederick the Great. Telegraph wires were cut. Night watchmen Cook claimed to be from a Kansas became hostages. The raiders met little buffalo hunting party and engaged Washing- resistance and quickly took control of the ton in stories of his skilled marksmanship. armory. Brown then sent Cook and several Washington agreed to a friendly shoot- others down the road towards Halltown, 2 ing contest, and, much to Cook’s surprise, to a house Cook knew well. After batter-  won. Cook would return to Beall-Air sev- continued on page 4 Please visit www.john- Schedule of Upcoming Events brownraid.org for further details. New events and Four states are planning events to com- nial. A full day of programs and activities press releases are being memorate the 150th Anniversary of John focusing on the arrival of Captain John added frequently. Brown’s Raid. Please visit www.johnbrown- Cook to Harpers Ferry and his subsequent raid.org for further details. New events and marriage to Virginia Kennedy. Highlights press releases are being added frequently. include family and youth activities focusing on Harpers Ferry 1859 and a dramatic April 1 - October 31, 2009 presentation entitled. “My Conspirator”, Exhibition, “From the First Shot to the the life of Captain John Cook as told by his Gallows: Winchester’s Involvement with sister, Kate. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Harpers the John Brown Raid” Ferry National Historical Park, (telephone: Sponsored by the Winchester-Frederick 304-535-6029; website: www.nps.gov/hafe). County Historical Society, this exhibit focuses on rare artifacts that tell the story May 1, 2009 of Winchester’s involvement with the John Preview of the documentary based on Brown Raid. Free admission. Monday - Sat- Charles Latimer’s book “Love and Valor: urday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 the intmate Civil War letters between noon - 4:00 p.m. The Hollingsworth Mill, Jacob and Emeline Ritner” 1360 S. Pleasant Valley Road, Winchester, 7:00 p.m. Capitol Theatre, Chambersburg, VA. Contact Cissy Shull (phone: 540-662- PA (website: www.thecapitoltheatre.org). 6550; website: www.winchesterhistory.org). May 2, 2009 April 3-5, 2009 Re-dedication of John Brown House “John Brown Seminar” The re-dedication and grand opening “In the Footsteps of John Brown Seminar & of the John Brown House will include Tour” will be the first of three seminars of- house tours, a public reception and a fered by Chambersburg Civil War Seminars walking tour of John Brown sites in in 2009. This seminar will include a tour Chambersburg. 1:00 p.m. 225 East of Brown’s raid sites, in Chambersburg and King Street, Chambersburg, PA. Con- elsewhere, led by historians Dennis Frye and tact Ann Hull (phone: 717-264-1667; Ted Alexander. Author and historian Brian website: pafch.tripod.com). Steel Wills also will give a presentation on John Brown and his depiction in cinema. May 9, 2009 There will be presentations on Brown’s Music of “Sword of the Spirit” activities in Chambersburg and his mental In observance of John Brown’s 209th birth- state, too. An optional tour will include day, the concert will feature songs based on Underground Railroad sites in the greater the story of John Brown, his friends and his John Brown, May 1859. Chambersburg area, and a visit to a historic supporters. All material written and per- The portrait is a copy of an African-American cemetery. Four Points formed by Greg Artzner and Terry Leonini. original photograph by J.W. Sheraton in Chambersburg, PA. For prices 2:00 p.m. Harpers Ferry National Historical Black of Boston, Mass. Brown and itinerary, contact Chambersburg Civil Park, (phone: 304-535-6029, website: www. appears standing with a long War Seminars & Tours (100 Lincoln Way nps.gov/hafe). beard, long-tail coat, vest, East, Chambersburg, PA 17201; phone: 717- and trousers. (Harpers Ferry 264-7101; e-mail: [email protected]; May 30, 2009 NHP). website: www.chambersburgcivilwarseminars. “Remembering John Brown” org). The 128th Anniversary of Frederick Douglass’ Storer College Address on John April 18, 2009 Brown will feature Fred Morsell’s dramatic “A Prelude to History: The Wedding of presentation of this address. 1:00 p.m. Harp- Virginia Kennedy” ers Ferry National Historical Park, (phone: Opening event for the Harpers Ferry Na- 304-535-6029; website: www.nps.gov/hafe). tional Historical Park Raid Sesquicenten-  3 Recent Donations Captain John Cook to draw their fire. Several shots were ex- The Arcland Group Continued from Page 2 changed. The last shot hit the limb he was Noah Mehrkam ing down the door at Beall-Air, Col. Lewis holding on to and he fell about fifteen feet Washington, DC Washington and his slaves were taken pris- down an embankment. Bruised and lacer- Paula Degen oner. Washington upbraided Cook for his ated, Cook descended the mountain. Arnold, MD cowardice in the affair. Before leaving, Cook Retreating to the lock house, Cook Eastern Middle School made sure they took possession of George found resident William McGreg, who told Silver Spring, MD Washington’s sword and pistol. him that the bridge was occupied by troops John Frye On the way back to Harpers Ferry, the and that all but seven raiders were dead— Hagerstown, MD men stopped at the house of farmer and two shot while trying to cross the river. Georgetown Law Library militia leader John Allstadt, adding more McGreg begged him to leave immediately. Washington, DC prisoners and slaves to their wagon. The Cook then stopped at the house of an Irish Gettysburg College men were taken to the fire engine house. At family who gave him coffee and food. Their Gettysburg, PA dawn, Brown sent Cook back to Maryland. information was the most distressing: Brown Dave Gilbert Winchester, VA After capturing farmer Terrance Burns, was dead. Continuing towards the farm- John P. Lewis he was to guard a tiny schoolhouse where house, Cook came upon four raiders who Millwood, VA weapons were being stored. Several anxious had been detailed to Maryland. He relayed Joy & Eric Lewis hours passed as Cook helplessly listened to the information he had received and all of Shepherdstown, WV the gunshots across the river. the men, realizing the hopelessness of the Max & Nancy Weaver After finally being relieved from the situation, decided it would be futile to re- Riverside, CT schoolhouse, Cook set back for the Ferry. turn to the Ferry. Much like the slaves they West Virginia Division of Despite the realization that Cook was part wanted to free, the raiders headed north Tourism of the raiding party, many locals that he into the mountains, following the path of Charleston, WV encountered offered information. An Afri- the Underground Railroad. can-American woman warned: “they were John Cook was now a fugitive. He spent fighting hard at the Ferry.” At the canal the next week hiking the mountains in lock a mile above town, the lock tender’s Maryland on his way to his wife and child in Pennsylvania. Exhausted, hungry, and separated from the other raiders, he made it as far as the Mont Alto Furnace, about eight miles from Chambersburg. Claiming to be a hunter looking for provisions, he approached two men. Here, Cook’s luck ended. The two men were experienced slave catchers and knew of the $1,000 reward for his capture. Cook surrendered easily. After his identity was confirmed he was trans- ferred to the Charles Town, Virginia, jail. Cook was the only member of Brown’s group to confess. His printed confession was sold as a fundraiser for a local man wounded during the raid. This angered Brown and the other raiders. It is said on the day of Brown’s execution he bade an affectionate Marines storm the Armory wife, Mrs. Hardy and another woman, Mrs. farewell to his raiders—except John Cook. Fire-Enginehouse, which Elizabeth Read, told him that his men were Brown said that Cook misled him regarding subsequently became known hemmed in and that several of them had the support he would receive from the local as John Brown’s Fort, on been shot. Mrs. Read begged him not to go slaves. Cook denied the charge. October 18, 1859. (Harpers back to the Ferry. Despite the defense mounted by his Ferry NHP) Finally reaching Maryland Heights, brother-in-law, Governor Williard of Indi- Cook climbed the craggy rock to get a better ana, and Indiana Attorney General Daniel view of the town. Through a spyglass he saw Voorhees—blame “bad old Brown” and his that his party was completely surrounded. A influence on Cook’s young mind—John body of men was firing down on the engine Cook was found guilty and sentenced to 4  house from High Street. Cook attempted hang on December 16, 1859. Cook remained reckless up until the New York. Jennie Cook met his northern night before his scheduled execution. Using relatives at his grave. She remarried, and a screw from the bed and a knife borrowed her son later became a prominent lawyer in from one of the guards to cut a lemon, Cook New York City. and another raider attempted to escape. Was John Cook more adventurer or They opened a passage through their cell, abolitionist, hero or scoundrel? In one of his but were discovered before they could make last letters to his family, it is clear that he it over the jail wall. felt no remorse for his part in John Brown’s The next morning, witnesses say when raid: the white cap was placed on Cook’s face and “I know that you do not believe that the sheriff was adjusting the noose he shook any stain of murder rests upon my soul. his friend’s hand heartily and said “Good- Though doomed to die for such a crime, I bye, God bless you.” He then waved his feel a conscious innocence from such deep hand to the crowd around the gallows and stains of blood. Whatever may be my fate, said, “Goodbye all.” I shall meet it calmly. If we are thus early Cook’s family took his body north for parted here, I hope that we again may meet burial to Cypress Hills Cemetery in the where partings are no more.” Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, – by Cathy Baldau

Harpers Ferry Historical Association Membership Application

❏ I wish to join the Harpers Ferry Historical Association (new member) ❏ I am not interested in receiving member ben- ❏ I wish to renew my membership (renewal) efits, but I would like to make a contribution in the amount of ______to aid the mission Please enroll me in the following member category (check one): of the Harpers Ferry Historical Association. ❏ $25 Armory Worker – Basic membership for a family household. Benefits include a newsletter subscription, a 15% discount on all ❏ I am a Charter Member and would like to bookshop purchases, a vinyl decal, and invitations to annual meeting make a donation of ______. and events. ❏ Check if this is a new address for you ❏ $25 Sarah Jane Foster – An alternative basic membership for edu- cators. Benefits include the above plus open house for teachers and discounts on programs for teachers. ______❏ $45 Millwright – For those members who are frequent visitors to Name the park. Benefits are the same as Armory Worker category plus a 12-month Harpers Ferry Park entrance pass. ______❏ $100 Master Armorer – A supporting membership category. In- Address cludes all benefits of the Millwright category plus a “My Home ______Towne” replica of the Harpers Ferry Train Station, member recogni- City State Zip tion in our newsletter and at our annual meeting, and a special tour. ❏ $250 Paymaster – For businesses, vendors or family donors who ______wish to contribute to the Association’s mission. Benefits include Telephone 15% discount on all bookshop purchases; a newsletter subscription; ______vinyl decal; invitations to annual meetings, events, and association- E-mail sponsored education programs; a 12-month park pass; “My Home Towne” replica; recognition in newsletter and at annual meeting; Please clip and mail to: special tour; and additional membership card. Harpers Ferry Historical Association P.O. Box 197 ❏ $500 Armory Superintendent – For supporters (individual and Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 corporate) who wish to perpetuate Association and Park education

programs. Benefits include 15% discount on all bookshop purchases, Toll-free: 1-800-821-5206 a newsletter subscription, vinyl decals, invitations to annual meet- Phone: (304) 535-6881 ing, events, and education programs, “My Home Towne” replica, Fax: (304) 535-6749 recognition in the newsletter and at annual meeting, special tour, an Email: [email protected] Amercia the Beautiful pass (for use in all parks) for individuals, and a display plaque for businesses.

 5 The Harpers Ferry Historical Harpers Ferry Historical Association Non-Profit Organization Association operates the Na- Post Office Box 197 U.S. Postage tional Park Bookshop in Lower Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 PAID Town Harpers Ferry. Profits Harpers Ferry, WV from sales are returned to the 25425 park to support interpretive and Permit No. 12 educational programs to enhance your visit. You are invited to join this unique organization and be a part of Harpers Ferry’s special family. For more information call (304) 535-6881 or send e-mail to: [email protected]

ARPERS FERRY istorical Association

Ex e c u t i v e Di r e c t o r Deborah K. Piscitelli Harpers Ferry Native to Sign

Ed i t o r First Novel at Bookshop David T. Gilbert Growing up in a historic town shadowed with Josh’s new neighbors, the Richmonds, Bo a r d o f Di r e c t o r s by two mountains and surrounded by two who have just moved into the historic, James Silvia, President rivers—“one green and fast, the other stately home next door. Luke Richmond is Wayne Welty, Treasurer brown and slow”— provided John Michael Josh’s age, and the two boys become instant Anne Long Cummings a colorful, unique setting for his friends. Niles Richmond is a park historian Suzanne Silvia Midge Flinn Yost young adult novel, The Night I Freed John and the polar opposite of Bill Connors: Brown (Philomel Books, 2008). educated, well-spoken, a Shakespearean The angst of 13-year-old Josh Con- actor, and not “mean.” Luke also has two nors unfolds on the historic streets of older brothers, but they are respectable and Harpers Ferry. His father, simply put, well-behaved, increasing Josh’s envy of the is “mean.” The angry, anti-social Bill Richmonds and bitterness toward his own Connors hides the family’s rusting, family. When Josh participates in a John run-down house from the tourists, Brown play against his father’s implicit or- belittles and threatens his three sons, ders, Bill Connors erupts. His reaction trig- and refuses to divulge the source of his gers a series of events, climaxing in a night fury. Josh’s beleaguered mother is little in which Josh’s emotions finally explode on help, trying to quiet her husband’s the streets of Harpers Ferry. rants while pining for a better home From the poetic, ghostly opening to the and lifestyle. When Josh’s two older last page, young adults (and their parents) brothers aren’t torturing him, they’re will be captivated by the vivid prose, engag- finding their own trouble “like scared ing characters, and psychological mysteries horses running right into the fire.” that unravel between the confluence of the And across the street, the wax figure Potomac and the Shenandoah. of John Brown perpetually glares at Josh, reflecting not only his father’s John Michael Cummings will appear at the anger, but the rage and rebellion Park Bookshop on Sunday, April 19 at 1:00 building inside of him. p.m. to talk with visitors and sign copies of his 6  Reprieve from his unhappy life is found new book.