West Liberty History 1838-1938

Source: One Hundred Years of History
* Commemorating a Century of Progress in the West Liberty Community * WEST LIBERTY, IOWA
JOHN BROWN'S SWORD

An old sword dating back to pre-Cicil war days, closely connects West Liberty and the surrounding community with the activities of John Brown and his faithful followers.

At the time of the Kansas border war, John Brown crossed Iowa several times on his way to Kansas or to the East. As he passed through Iowa he established a line of travel for his fugitive slaves. This was known as the Underground Railraod. The main line of the Underground Railroad entered Iowa at the southwestern corner near Tabor, and passed through Lewis, Des Moines, Grinnell, Iowa City, West Liberty, Centerdale, West Branch, Springdale, Tipton, Dewitt, and Clinton, whence it crossed the Mississippi river to join a like system in Illinois. It was not really a railroad, but a route, on which there were families who were willing to make their homes a station, and who could be depended upon to do their best to help the runaway slaves.

During the fall of 1859, John Brown and his party came to Springdale to prepare for his Virginia expedition. They spent the winter in training at the William Maxson farm near Springdale. They had their quarters on the farm in a house which was built of cement and gravel in 1839 and which is still standing.

At one time John brown had shipped from West Liberty, two hundred Sharpe's rifles, two hundred revolvers and other stores. These were sent to Harper's Ferry by way of Ohio and Pennsylvania.

When John Brown abd his party left the Maxson farm for Virginia, a few things were left behind. These things were divided up between the Maxson family and the sword was given to Jont Maxson, the eldest son.

Later Mr. Maxson moved to West Liberty. He was a member of the Masonic lodge and was elected tyler of the organization. The symbol of the office was a sword, and due to the fact that one was not available, Mr, Maxson brought in the one left by John Brown's party. The sword has been used ever since and can be found hanging in the tyler's room.

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