To order images and/or obtain permission to use them commercially, please contact the KSHS Reference Desk at KSHS.reference@ks.gov or 785-272-8681, ext. 117.
For more information see the Copyright and Permission FAQ.
John Brown reportedly brought this saber to Kansas from Akron, Ohio, in 1855. According to the donor, Brown's sons were in possession of the sword when proslavery men burned their cabin in Franklin County in 1856. The sons fled and camped near the farm of Otis Potter west of Lawrence. One of them gave the sword to Potter, and Potter gave it to his son, George, who lived in Ohio. After his marriage to the donor's sister, George himself headed west, leaving the sword with the donor for safekeeping. His wife died not long after his departure, and no one heard from George again.
Date: 1855
Item Number: 209885
Call Number: 1886.23.1
KSHS Identifier: 1886.23.1
Collections - Museum
Date - 1854-1860 - 1856
Military - Wars - Bleeding Kansas
Objects and Artifacts - Tools & Equipment for Science & Technology - Armament - Armament, Edged - Saber
People - Notable People - Brown, John, 1800-1859
Places - Cities and towns - Lawrence
Places - Counties - Douglas
Places - Counties - Franklin
Places - Other States - Ohio
Thematic Time Period - Bleeding Kansas, 1854 - 1861
Type of Material - Objects and Artifacts
https://www.kansasmemory.gov/item/209885
