Missouri/Kansas Border War Network

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Abolitionist John Brown led a raid into Vernon County in 1858, taking slaves and other personal property from three families back to Kansas. He was seeking support from eastern backers for his proposed raids in the east which occurred the next year at Harper’s Ferry.

About the Author

Patrick Brophy is a lifelong resident of Nevada, Missouri. His traces his family roots in Vernon County to before the Civil War. His grandfather was a child living with his mother in Nevada when the town was burned by Federal troops. Mr. Brophy has received both state and national awards for his articles and books on the Border War/Civil War era. He is the curator of the Bushwhacker Museum in Nevada, MO.