Battle of Osawatomie

The Battle of Osawatomie happened in August 30, 1856 when 250-300 Border Ruffians led by John W. Reid and Rev. Marvin White attacked the city of Osawatomie. John W. Reid was intent on destroying free state settlements and then moving on to Topeka and Lawrence to do more of the same. John Brown first got word that the group was coming when they shot his son Frederick. Brown with forty or so men tried to defend the town against the pro-slavery agitators, but failed and the town of Osawatomie was looted and burned. This is one event in series of skirmishes between abolitionists and pro-slavery Missourians in what has been known as Bleeding Kansas.

oldiers Monument

The Soldiers Monument which was dedicated August 30, 1877 was paid for by friends and relatives to commemorate those who died in the battle of Osawatomie. The names of the deceased are listed on it, who are Fredrick Brown, George W. Partridge, David Garrison, Theron Parker Powers, and Charles Kaiser. All of these men (except Charles Kaiser) are buried underneath the monument. John Brown's name also appears on the monument, but is buried in North Elba, New York.

External links

* [http://osawatomieks.org/attractions.html City Of Osawatomie Website]
* [http://www.territorialkansasonline.org/cgiwrap/imlskto/index.php?SCREEN=border&topic_id=75&search=Osawatomie,%20Battle%20of Territoral Kansas Online] - A source of primary documents for Bleeding Kansas.