Original version of the John Brown song
By: the author of the original John Brown song is H.H. Brownell, of Hartford, a nephew of Bishop Brownell
Contributors: Supervisory Committee for Recruiting Colored Regiments (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Publisher: Supervisory Committee for Recruiting Colored Regiments
Published: 1863
Place of publication: Philadelphia]
Language: eng
Subjects: African American troops; Recruiting, enlistment; Songs and music; History; Poetry; United States. Army; United States
Other titles: John Brown song; Old John Brown lies a-mouldering in the grave; John Brown's body.
Notes: Poetry.

At head of text: Words that can be sung to the "Hallelujah Chorus."

"Brownell was not, nor did he claim to be, the originator of this Civil War song. He claimed only this version which begins: Old John Brown lies a-mouldering in the grave. Other versions had prior publication."--BAL.

" ... 'John Brown's body' was not composed originally about the fiery abolitionist at all ... the namesake for the song ... was Sergeant John Brown, a Scotsman ..."--Silber, Irwin, Songs of the Civil War (New York, 1960), p. 11.

BAL 1574