1144576 John Brown ascending the scaffold to be hanged, pub. 1859 (engraving) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: John Brown (1800-59); white American abolitionist who believed the only way to overthrow the institution of slavery in the US was armed rebellion; Commanded fellow rebels at Battles of Black Jack and Osawatomie in 1856; In 1859, Brown was captured having led an unsuccessful raid on the Federal Armoury at Harpers Ferry; he was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging;); The Stapleton Collection; American, out of copyright.