Who Funded John Brown? Uncovering The Finances Of An Abolitionist Icon

In March 1858, John Brown met with Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Theodore Parker, George Stearns, Samuel Gridley Howe, and Franklin Sanborn in Boston. These five, along with Smith, formed the Secret Six, Brown’s main financial supporters.

The Secret Six were a group of abolitionists who believed in the immediate and complete end of slavery. They were willing to provide financial support to Brown, even though they knew his plan to raid Harpers Ferry was a dangerous and risky endeavor.

The Secret Six were all wealthy and influential men. Higginson was a Unitarian minister and abolitionist. Parker was a prominent theologian and abolitionist. Stearns was a wealthy businessman and abolitionist. Howe was a physician, educator, and abolitionist. Sanborn was a writer and abolitionist. Smith, who was not named in the original text but was part of the Secret Six, was a wealthy businessman who provided significant funding for the Harper’s Ferry raid.

The Secret Six were motivated by their strong belief in the abolition of slavery. They were willing to risk their reputations and their fortunes to support Brown’s cause. While the raid ultimately failed, the Secret Six’s financial support played a crucial role in allowing Brown to carry out his mission.