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THE INDIANAPOLIS JOCJENALj MONDAT, SEPTEMBER HiHIS BODY’S A’ MOULDERING.One of Old John Brown’s Sons Identifies a Brother’s Body.A Complete History of tlio Body Now in the Possession of a Martinsville Physician.Mr. Brown Makes a Statement Con-the Harper’s FerryInsurrection.cernmgTThy the Fortifications Were Helil So Bong by the Aboliiionists—An InterestingBit of History.been made known to the public, or communicated to the relatives of the deceased uutil now, is one of the mysterious features of the story which will be most likely to suggest itself aud arouse skepticism. In view of the evidence which accumulated in the investigation yesterday, however, the question is how, instead! of why, the public have never learned It before. \As early as 1873 an article appeared in the Martinsville Republican giving an account of the matter and telling how the body came into the possession of Dr. Johnson, but it attracted no particular attention; and the people of Martinsville having long been familiar with the story, became indifferent, and theknowledge of the treasure’s existence was nursed in that locality until it has appeared to make another bid for publlo attention, with more fortunate results.lit'SUir=sckonesie-utinip-heHideG.ireuf-3S8‘Cdip-ith:ch[ialin,sea11.:re-theN.in-John Brown, jr., whoso presence in the city was duly mentioned in the Journal of Saturday, together with a detailed accouut of the discovery of the remains of his brother, who was killed with his father at Harper’s Ferry in October, 1850, left Saturday rooming for Martinsville to identify aud claim the remains. The arrival of the namesake son created something of a sensation in the town. His coming was unannounced, but the article iu the morning Journal heralded it all along the line, aud the tidings soou spread, arousing a curiosity which was, x^erhaps. pardonable. Mr. Brown was accompanied on the trip down from Indianapolis by the Journal representative. Althoughthere was nothing to indicate, by word or action, his personality, the train had not gone far before the passengers be-gau to whisper that John Brown’s son was ou board, and curious glances were turned in the direction where be was sitting. Unconscious that he was an object of interest, he sat reading the morning paper, now and then looking over the landscape and asking some question regarding the country, in which he manifested considerable interest. The con versation turned on geology, and his remarks evinced a familiarity with that science. Upon Ids own theory that a geologist should be proficient in every science, hia knowledge was evidently general, but he made no pretensions.His modesty is remarkable. In his manner he is as timid as a girl, but his words are stamped with a sincerity and honesty of expression which impresses the hearer with their full weight, and gives them a value immeasureably beyond the common mellifluous emptiness. In his disposition lie seems the embodiment of kindness and patience. In brief, his character combines all the strength aud courage of man with the softening nature of woman. Knowing the antipathy of the elder Brown to tobacco, the correspondent resorted to the proffer of a cigar for the purpose of learning the feelings of his son. Itwas graciously declined, with the remark that he smoked once, when a boy, and the experience had been sufficient for a lifetime. In the passing conversation be inquired about- the political issues between the two parties iu this 8tato, ami, when explained to him, he asked if the temperance sentiment whs growing among the people.An affirmative reply being given, he tapped the 1 correspondent on the shoulder and said, with much enthusiasm, ‘T am glad of it!”MR. BROWN AT MARTINSVILLE.Upon arrival at Martinsville, it was found that Dr. Johnson, the physician who had in his possession the remains, was out of town, and could not return until Monday. Although it wassomething of a disappointment, nothing could be done but await his return. Mr. Brown was taken to the Republican office, which is located in the rear of the postoffice, and had not been there many minutes until people began to come in flocks to see the “son of old John Brown.” aud shake his hand. Saturday is a day of business and bustle in every court-house town, and the usual number had come in from the county to do their week’s trading. John Brown’s presence in the place was doubtless known to every one, and there were few who returned to their homes without, taking a peep at him. The local celebrities, the merchant and the laborer, ail did homage to him in their peculiar way. Old soldiers would grasp him heartily by the hand, and, with a face beaming with delight, would say: “It does me good to shake the hand of ‘old John BrowuV son.” Mr. Brown received all with the same indiscriminate kindness and bad a pleasant word for each. The object of his visit, however, was uppermost in his muuf, and he did not for a moment lose sight of it. Nearly all his visitors had some remembrance of having seen the remains of bis brother, or heard of them being in the possession of Dr. Johnson. These men he questioned closely, and took down their names. The stories of all were substantially the same, but they seemed of equal interest and importance to him,THE HISTORY OF THE BODY.The remains in the possession of Dr. Johnson, according to his statement, which is substantiated by the 168111110115' of numerous citizens in and around Martinsville, were cbtained during the spring of 18G2,in the hospital at Winchester, Va, immediately after the evacuation of theplace by the Confederates. At that time he was surgeon of the Twenty-seventh Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, which waB iu the advance of the Union troops entering the town, and ho wastherefore the first surgeon to enter the hospital, which hart been used up to that time as a medi-.ml college. In the museum of the college was an admirably-prepared body, and he obtained permission from General Banks, iu command of the brigade, to ship it homo. When found, the body was in a standing posture, leaning against the wall of the building, with both arms exieuding upward from the elbows. Four of the finger joints on one hand and all the Toes on one foot had been cut off by relic hunters. The body was pointed out to him as that of one of John Brown’s sons, killed in the fight at Harper’s Ferry, and the missing joints, it was said, hart been carried till' as mementos. The anatomical preparation of the body was perfect, and it was, for this reason, an exceedingly valuable piece of property for the physician aud the physiologist. Dr. Johnson was moved by no desire to get possession of it because it was the body of one of John Brown’s sons, but because it would bo of practical value to him. His brother surgeons envied what they called his good luck, and efforts were imple by some to get possession of the prize. The surgeon of the Second Massachusetts regiment proposed to Vmv it and send it to the relatives for burial, but Dr. Johnson regarded this as only pretended benevolence for the purpose of getting absolute control of the subject and keeping it himself. Therefore, the offer was declined, and at the first opportunity Dr. Johnson shipped the body to his home at Martinsville, where it has since remained, with the exception or a period of several months, w!n*u ir was borrowed by Dr. Knight, living at Paragon, Morgan counts*, besides tins common talk among tlio citizens of Winchester at the time that the body was that of one of the Brown hoys. Dr. Johnson claims that the man who prepared it substantiated the story in a statement to him. and that the college faculty gave him an account of how taoy obtained possession of it at Harper’s Ferry.CORROBORATIVE EVIDENCE.Here arises the important question in tracing the history of the dead bodies, and if the plausible story told by tho college faculty and citizens of Winchester can be accepted as true, thero will be no difficulty in reaching a conclusive decision of the matter. Tho story of Dr. Johnson is corroborated by Captain Fletcher D. Rundell, who was at the time of tbe entrance of the troops into Winchester first lieutenant of company G, Tw -nty-seventh regiment Indiana voluneceis. In a statement to Mr. Brown yesterday, in the presence of the Journalrepresentative aud Col. ,J. If. Jordan, which will be embodied in an affidavit., Captain Rundell said: “Dr. Johnson was surgeon of our company,aud bad charge of the hospital in the college. Wo entered Winchester on March 11, 1882, without any resistance, the Confederates having evacuated. I heard talk among the citizens of the skeleton of one of John Brown’s boys beingin the college, and Johusun told mo tlmt ho had possession of it. I was told ny several prominent and veracious people living in tho place that there was no doubt about tho truthiulucss of tlm story.” Thus far in the investigation the foregoing embraces the history of the body prior to its being shipped to Martinsville. Why the whereabouts of tbe remains have neverWHAT USES THE BODY HAS BEEN PUT TO.The general apathy of feeling in Martinsville is rather surprising, if not shocking. Men who professed theprofoundcst admiration for the man of Ossawatomte and seemed proud to be able totell his son as much, would unfeelingly remark,iu auswor to his anxious inquiries about hisbrother’s body. “Why, yes, I have always heardthat Dr. Johnson had it. Ho hasbeen keeping it in a box in his office for years, and it has been used in illustrating tho anatomical exercises at school nearly every year.” Such remarks might have been spared, or expressed in less abrupt and more fitting terms. The body has received careless treatment during the last few years. It has been carted about from place to place, aud has been doing duty in all the anatomical exhibitions about town. During the first few years it was in the possession of Dr. Johnson it was in a remarkably fine state of preservation, but ill usage has ruined it. For several years it has been lying in the Knights of Pythias hall, and, it is ’wldsiercd, was used in the mystic ceremonies of the order. The best of care had not been bestowed upon it, and it was infested with worms and insects. Knowledge of its ill-usage was sedulously kept from Mr. Brown. When he intimated that lie would like to see the body, he was considerately kept in waiting until it could be removed from the lodge-hall to the residence by way of a back street, and there placed iu better condition for the examination.porter, “that your father had any intimationthat he would receive reinforcements!”“He expected that there would be rallying to hia support, but it was only a hope, and nothing more.”In the recital of other incidents that are now a part of the most important period in American history, which were none the less interesting in corning from the lips of one of the actors, he said, “It is a great satisfaction to know now that tho okl feeling of contention no longer exists as it did then. There are, perhaps, still taints of it, but it conics bubbling to the surface in little boils, and does not corrupt the great body. Some of the best friends I have to-day are Southern-A Vers.19IDENTIFYING THE BODY.Shortly before noon a messenger brought word to Mr. Brown that the remains were prepared for him to view, and he at once proceeded to the residence of Dr, Johnson, accompanied by a party of a half dozen citizens. Passing up stairs and to tbe rear of the house, the young man who led the way opened the door of a hed-room too email to admit the party, and, pointing to a coffin-shaped box standing against the wall directly opposite, said, “There it is.” and at onceremoving the cloth covering, exposed to view a bare and hideous skeleton. After viewing the boay for a moment, Mr. Brown remarked, 'turning to those present. “Gentlemen, if it is cither of my brothers, I am now inclined to think that it is Oliver.” He was evidently confused, and the remark indicated that his first view had been something of a disappointment. He had felt quite confident that lie would be able to identify tbe remains by the shape of the skull, the proportions of the frame of tne boay being equal.The two brothers killed at Harper’s Ferry were Oliver, the youngest, twenty-two years of age, and Watson, tweiity-four years. Both were about six feet in height, and of large muscular development. There was a marked difference, however, in the physiognomical aud pnreno-logical cast of the brothers. The features of Oliver were regular and the head was evenly developed, the organs most prominent, in phrenological idiom, being those of individuality and eventuality. Tho head of Watson was broader and more fully developed above and behind theBIOGRAPHIES OF THE ELDER BROWN.Iu the course of tlio conversation some surprise was expressed that a more complete biography of the elder Brown had never been written, and he was asked what he regarded the most accurate sketch now extant.“Well, for a hastily written sketoh, that of Ucdpath is the most accurate,” he replied.“Will a complete and authoritative biography of hia life, with the history of hia campaigns, ever be given to tho public by the family!”“A volume purporting to be such is now in preparation, aud will probably be published within a year. Tho editor is F. B, Sanburn, of the Springfield (Mass.) Republican. There is no disposition on the part of the family to hold father up as an immaculate character—-we don’t believe that everything he ever did was right— and in this volume everything in connection with his life, good with the had, which the public is entitled to know in forming a true estimate of his character, will not be withheld. The connection between Gerrit Smith and my father was misrepresented. When they were gathering material for the writing of Smith’s biography, they solicited from me such information as I might have bearing upon the relations existing between them. In searching through. a lot of correspondence, I fouud a letter from my father giving a statement of the whole thing, which I forwarded to th±m. It convicted Gcrrit Smith of infidelity, but at the direction of the family Frothingham omitted all mention of the essential part of tho letter and published just enough of it to still leave the reader in doubt as to their true relations. The biography was so “botched” in its manufacture that it bore tho stamp of being a fraurt~it was simply a fiction. The result of the dodging of the truth was that Gerrit Smith’s life never sold. The public is the judge in these matters, and it generally decides unerringly. ‘Abide the truth and swerve not,' was always tho advice of father to his sons.”cars, while the cheek bones were move prominent, Upon these characteristics Mr. Brown was depending mostly for the identity. His conclusion from The statements regarding the finding or the body and the general appearances had been that it was Watson, He had with him photographs of both brothers, which were taken a few months befot^their death, and witn these before him he hop® to be able to confirm his conclusions. Iu The identification, however, he had determined to act doliberatelj, and satisfy himself beyond all doubt.A Nurse's Confirmation.Letter in Chicago Tribune.Seeing a communication in Wednesday's issue In regard to the body of one of John Brown’s sous, I hasten to say that I have not the least rtoubtof tho truth of the statement, I was a nurse at Union Hotel Hospital in Winchester,Va„ iu tbe spring of 1862, and was told by a nurse of Academy Hospital that- they had the body of one of John Brown’s sous “beautifully preserved,” 8he invited me to come up and see it. I accordingly did so. It lay in the lower front hall on a stretcher or single bedstead, covered with a sheet. The first thought on entering the hall was that it was a corpse laid outready for burial, but on raising the cloth “a beautiful specimen” was brought, to view, with muscles aud blood vessels perfect, the latter tilled with soiuethiug red to make it looknatural.It seems that Mrs. Brown must have hnown that the body of one of her sous was taken to Winchester. Va.. as thero is a snort account ofthe same in Redpatb’s “Life of John Browu.”The writer says “the students of Winchester Medical College have skinned the body of one of Brown’s sons, seperated tho nervous and muscular aud venous 85’atems, dried aud varnished it, and nave the whole hung up as a nice anatomical Illustration. Some of tho studeuts wished to stuff the akin, others to make it intogame pouches.” Nurse.Amor mon tho tona a me Mr.'centnigh subs com gave in tltheroonwhoMrs.in awhahardwenanti,othebadlrece:littliThwasily eftllOlbed tho 1 angl pull mailhermenboaibadbolt thro exit bott rity, hia 1 her, raea Tl not pen' pori look fall the is tl estii is a Theson,larsthecurtdair coin of ii theCellSEEKING AN INVESTIGATION.APPEARANCE OF THE REMAINS.The skeleton was fully six feet in height, and the bones were clothed in the remnants of the muscular system, having the appearance of fibres of wood. The arteries, which, iu the preparation of the body, had been injected with red chemicals, were visible. The left half of the skull had been sawed out for the removal of the brain, and had been lost in the handling of thebody. The toes and fingers were missing.A large bullet hole in the muscles of the back, beside the spinal column, is visible in a front view, but the course of the ball was not directly through. This coincides with the wounding of Watson Brown,who was shot in tho . region ofthe lower part of the stomach. The wound is below this organ, but was evidently received while in it stooping posture, and the exit of tho ball bears out this conclusion.In continuing the inspection of the remains, Mr. Brown removed tnein from the box, holding them in hia own hands and making the most minute examination. The absence of a part, of tho skull troubled him in forming hia conclusions, and especially as ho seemed in some doubt aB to its width, search for the mis sing part was made where tho body had been kept lust, but without success. The more closely ho examined the remains the better satisfied lie seemed to become, and finally announced: “Gentlemen, it is Watson.I believe.” Turning his attention lastly more particularly to an examination of the back part of the head, where the development was quitefull, ho said: “I am satisfied, gentlemen, that it is one of my brothers, and I am inclined to think that it is Watson.” The remains were then replaced in the box and left. It is quite probable that the first confusion of Mr. Brown in the disappointment in the breadth of the heart, was due. to a comparison of the naked skull with the head of his brother, as he remembered it in life, when the very thick covering of hair and peculiar style of its arrangement gave to it a much larger appearance. The features of the face, especially or the nose and cheek-bones, bear a striking similarity to those 10 the photo-granh of Watson. Upon leaving the house, Mr. Brown asanrred the reporter rhat he was satisfied with the result of his examination, and was quite confident that the remains were those ofhis brother Watson; but he added, “My object is not only to satisfy myself and the family of this matter, but also the public, and, to this end, I shall investigate everj'thing 111 connection with it.” He continued, during the afternoon, to receive the statements of citizens of Martinsville in substantiation of the claims of Dr. .Johnson, aud will, before leaving, put- them iu th6 form of affidavits. That Dr. Johnson will relinquish passcssion of of the body there seems to be little doubt, and Btioh was his offer in the letter acquainting Mr. Brown with the facts. It is evident that there is no mercenary motive iu their conduct, and this gives to it the stamp of sincerity. Dr. John Collett, the State Geologist, whose faculty for outlining character is remarkable, has been requested by those interested in establishing the identity of the body to make an examination, and ho will go to Martinsville this morning for that purpose. When the remains are yielded to the possession of Mr. Brown, which will doubtless be done to-day upou the return home of Dr. Johnson, they will be sent to North Elba, N. Y., the former home of the Browns, and there interred in the family burying ground.ANTI-SLAVERY REMINICKNCES.During the afternon Mr. Brown took advantage of the opportunity for a short stroll. In the rambling conversation tbe reporter succeeded in turning it upon the subject of the stirring scenes of anti-slavery days, the campaigns of the father aud sons, and their raidsamong the slavoa, whom They carried to Canada and freedom. The topic was one which the old man would himself not have blioseu to mention or dwell upon, but ho answered all questions without restraint.“Can you explain tbe mystery, Mr. Brown, of your father remaining in Harper’s Ferry, ana braving inevitable danger, when ho might have escaped!” was asked.“He remained at the .dostre of the people whom he had taken into the fort as prisoners,” was the reply. “They feared that if he evucu-tert tho place there would be an uprising of tho slaves, and a massacre of all the whites, so that \t was ouly for their protection that he remained. He might have escaped into tho mountains. It is true, but the people of Harper's Ferry would have been left at the mercy of * an insurrection, whioh would probably have not occurred, but there was nothing to prevent it, aud tho people were in no frame of umid to be convinced that there was no danger. As the public already pretty well understands, it was not tho original intention of my father to strike at Harper’s Fcrry,butat the plantations, ami to carry off tho best slave material into the mountain pusses, there taking up the strongly fortified positions of nature. The defection of Forbes, however, and his betrayal of those plain brought on tho attack, whioh was no part of the original intentions. I was in Canada at the time, and the news'of the attack came tome like lightning fromcicHi1Do you think, Mr, Brown/' asked the re-Tlie Theory that William C. Ferguson Was Murdered, and Not Accidentally Killed.YiPro of thartverionl;pro an i pie, the dmmohallowautmoNo,PicTnKnU11antitsfroeasViiinsgrtThe family and friends of William C. Ferguson, the man found dead on the railroad near Eagle creek, do not willingly accept the theory that he was stealing a ride, aud fell from a train.They say he left home with $650 tn his pocket, and that he could, have had ample assistance from his rich St. Louis relatives, If his own *Ytj lands had given out. They ecout the idea that he was compelled to steal a ride, aud hold firmly to the belief that he was foully dealt with, A J on nil reporter talked with Coroner Maxwell regarding the later developments in the case, and he said that hia investigation was not yet complete, but he dirt not think there was much evidence of murder. He gave a few reasons, arising from his examination of the body. Iu the first place, his clothes did not suggest a particularly wealthy relationship. The suit was a veryordinary business suit, apparently bought ready-made. The other garments were about on a par with it. Then, if he was traveling in lirst-class style, it would not have been necessary to send a little valise ahead. He could have readily taken it with him in the car. There were no bruises about him than might readily have been sustained from falling from the tram; although this does not signify, for be. could easily have been pushed from the train aficr being robbed. From present appearances, ir, will require the development of new and positive evidence to induce a coroner’s verdicts ofother tiiau accidental death.Grand Jury Returns.Tlio grand jury of Marion county submitted their final work to the Criminal Court, Saturday, aud then adjourned for the term. The following were the principal counts: Indictments formurder in the first degree were found againstJohn J. Jetter, for the murder of Officer HughBurns, and against James Funk, for the fatalstabbing of Ilonry Ayres. Fletcher Revelspleaded guilty to petit larceny, and from the factthat he is an ex-prison bird, lie was given twoyears in the penitentiary. Charles L. Thompson,on tho charges of burglary aud grand larceny audburglary and petit larceny, was sent over theroad fur three years. Thompson is a stranger iuthe city, but is hold responsible for a number orrcocnt. burglaries and petty thefts. Other truebills are against George Higgs, petit larceny;Charles Carter and William Davy, burglary and grand larceny; Waiter Campbell, assault with mtent to commit murder upon his wife; Oliver Wilson, assault and battery with intent to kill: Mart Snell, receiving stolen goods; Henry DIs-niorc, petit larceny; John Fug Florence Crowley, petit lareen man, “Pud” Berry, Win. Ross John Eabur and John W.Cooley by recommendation of tho grand jury. Loo Broderick and Robert Burns, implicated in pilfering from a freight car, were given a little good advice and released. Win. G. Sloan, in an appeal case for provoke from one of the jus-riuanidrlt;EnmemeinAfphatnqda'J801til*tobt’iis :hatintiedamiTlt;toan2-iottr:lt;hiinIn’ • • v *• 4 ^ •* * * » **1goods; Henry DIs-ugh, petit larceny; T eeny. John Black- I s.s, Lydia Webber, 1 oy were discharged |T) (1 1 n HI* T .ArtIctilfaPlt;tuCilice’s courts, was dismissed,*lt;Amusement Announcements.Tony Pastor’s popular company will play a return engagement at the Grand to-night, aud a packed house is assured. To-morrow night is Mrs. Pruuk's entertainment, with a number of excellent exorcises, and Wednesday evening is W. B. Stone’s benefit, with a host of talented volunteers. Reserved seats cau be secured for this performance, without extra charge, at Cameron's.Miss Carrlo Flemming takes the part of “Cici-ly” In tho operetta, “Moonahtnc Castle,” to bo given at Dicksons' Grand Opera-house next Friday night for tho benefit or the charity kindergarten. During the evening she wilt sing the Bobbing song from the Mascotte, which she is said to render with much spirit. There will be thirty-five in the chorus, all juveniles. Tho operetta will bo preceded by a programme of vocal and instrumental music and recitations, in which Misses Jeunio Goldtbwait, Minnie Gage, Btisle Kaekly and Maxwell, among others, will take part. Tho Dicksons, with ohnraoteriatio generosity, donate the use of the house, and Mr. Miller the services or his orchestra. . It is to he honed that the double attraction of a charming operetta and a deserving benefit may fill the house from footlights to coiling. The sale of seats will begin this morning at Cameron's.A speculator, living at Blue Lick, Ky., has written to the Secretary of tlio State Board ofAgriculture Inquiring If tho executive committee will “sell the exclusive right toruu heir guua”ftt tho State fuir»!
Newspaper Details
Indianapolis Journal
Indianapolis, Indiana, US
Mon, Sep 11, 1882
Page 8
Full Page
Clipped by
Daniel E.
FL, USA 12 Nov 2020
Other Publications Near Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis Daily Sentinel
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