The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-06

1HE John Brown cabin Is situated
one and one-haf miles west of
Osawatomie, Kan. At present IL
1[rTlM is occupied by Mr.. and Mrs. c. S.
- Adair direct descendants OF the
Rev. Mr.. Adam Adair, a Congregational
minister who. with his wife, settled in 1t
August, 1854, before il was completed. They
are still in possession Of the land grant ac-
corded. those pioneers by President Buchan-
an In 1855 The Rev. Mr.. Adair and wife
were both graduates of Oberlin College;
Mrs. Adair was the sister of John Brown,
and IL was with them that he made his
home during his stay in Kansas.
The present Mrs Adair has a fund of per-
sonal and family incidents which she i'm
parts In highly interesting way. We drove
out to the cabin one beautiful October after
noon. and every tree and shrub had donned
their most gorgeous garment Of the year.
in which every hue OF flower and forest or
the summer time had been reproduced TO
give splendor to their attire Over all hung
the shimmering misty veil OF an Indian
summer, and as we drove up the little lane
leading TO the house we were enthralled
with the beauties of nature. The cabin
looked most picturesque with its draperies
OF the scarlet woodbine over windows and
door Two great pines brought from the
East, when small. by Mr.. Adair, stretched
their arms protectingly over 1t.
Our rap at the door was answered by Mrs
Adair herself. and. after introducing our
selves we were invited in, and the lady
was most gracious In giving US information
OF those troubled times when the destruc-
tion OF the little cabin seemed inevitable.
She has lived in the cabin thirty years,
where her husband brought her as a bride
He was born there and was fourteen years
OF age when the battle of Osawatomie was
fought He was placed n horse and sent
out TO warn the countryside OF the APP
proach OF the border ruffians. They are
building a commodious house near their old
home. and the cabin will then be vacant
for the first time since its erection. 1t Is In
a good state of preservation. and the kitch-
en- has the puncheon floor of hickory logs
that John Brown and sons helped to hew
and place. They are worn smooth as glass
and TO a rich creamy color. 1t was in this
room that the body Of Frederick Brown was
laid he being the first one killed on the
morning OF the battle of Osawatomie. He
was crossing a road near the cabin when the
guard OF the enemy stepped out OF some
bushes and he. recognizing a neighbor,
stepped forward with the salutation, Why.
boys, i know you The leader answered,
Yes. and know you" raised his gun and
shot him, he dying Instantly. The murderer
boosted Of IL afterward. The body was found
soon after by his friends. who knew that he
had been surprised as his arms were found
buttoned inside his coat.
We Were shown pictures of the Brown
family of five generations. There was
photograph OF John Browns father. 1t was
made from an oil painting. 1t gave him in
Puritan garb. and showed a face of fine
character. The pictures of John Brown and
his sisters have the same firm mouth Of the
father, and those OF a superior looking
people The youngest sister Is still living.
In the front room the stick chimney has
been replaced by a stone one; otherwise. its
original construction is intact. Many fugi-
tive negroes sheltered in this house
in direct opposition to the law.
On Christmas night. in 1857. twelve ne
groes were sent there, and Mr.. Adair said
70 his wife: IF discovered, II means con-
fiscaticn OF property and death. What shall
we do?" She answered. Bring them in"