Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1878-08-27
OWEN BROWN AGAIN.

UALLTowN, w. VA Aug. "a, 1878.
Mr.. Editor A few weeks ago you pub
lished an article in reference to Owen Brown,
now called the Hermit of the Put-in>bay isle.
In recent number of the Philndelphia
Times | find letter written from Putin bay
Island, giving a description of the island and
its only inhabtants-Oweu Brown aud his
dog. The two correspondents, Judging from
their letters, did not look upon Owen in tho
same light. I, therefore, inclose that por-
ton of the Times article referring to Owen
for you to publish, should you see fit. After
giving description Of the island. its build,
inCs, monument erected there TO the mcn-
ory of the brave fellow who fell in the great
naval battle fought on Lake Erie, and the
defacng of the monument by visitors TO the
isle. the writer says:
When was there few days ago noticed
a slip of paper tackled on the monument
Upon reading it l found it was the following:
Think that them who developed as TO
write their names on tins monument. there must
OWES BRowN.
This reproyer of desecraton is the son Of
John Brown, of Harper's Ferry fame. He
and his dog are the hermits of the island
His lonely life must have clouded his intel
lect or why should he use the word developed!
I1e passes uuCn ul MS tune
gladly talks about the part he took in his
fathers raid. When talking with him on
this subject the wonder deepeued how any
set of men in any part of our country could
entertain any other opinion than that John
Brown and his followers were traitors aud
deserved TO be punished with death and their
memory held up to execration. Kansas,
which bred such traitors, talks of erecting q
monument 20 this fanatic. The government
should say: "Kansas is joined to her idols
and app!auds treason, provided it is COM
mittcd according to her notions" Owen
Brown is now a harmless fellow and does not
seem moro than half witted. He and his
dog live in what was once kitchen, but is
now a den. Nothing is ever put in order or
cleaned. When the man and dog get hun
cry they come over to Put. in Bay with tin
bucket and procure food. Owen Browns
beard and hair grow uumoiested. He simply
wears n striped shirt and blue cotton trousers.
His face has a kind expression aud his blue
eyes are handsome. He is always glad to re-
ceive ladies, and upon their approach will ask
them to excuse him until he washes his face
and puts on shoes. The presence Of ladies
always has the effect of reminding him Of the
vagabond existence he leads, aud the contrast
between their daintiness and his squalOr
causes him TO comment on the fact. he 10
very gallant, aud makes complimentary
speeches, often regretting his mistake in life
in not providing himself with n wife and
home. This perhaps would have added TO
his happiness, but how would it have Jared
with his wife? Would marriage have so
changed the nature Of the man that he would
have been tidy, industrious and companions
able The life he lives now is the result Of
his carly training. With the death of me-
gropbobia there was no longer mission for
the sons and adherents OF John Brown
They took no part in the civil war they had
helped precipitate, but lazily and without
purpose drag out slow, aimless existence.