Faith, Family, and the Fight for Freedom
John Brown’s Akron Years

Ohio

June 2025

Faith, Family, & the Fight for Freedom in Akron, OH

Another historically interesting stop in Akron was the home where John Brown lived with his family from 1844 to 1854. During this time, Brown was not only a successful sheep breeder and wool merchant but also an outspoken abolitionist whose strong faith motivated his mission to end slavery.

We had already learned about John Brown’s story in Lake Placid, New York, where his final home and burial site are preserved. You can find more info here. His years in Ohio show another side of him, not the lunatic as he is often portrayed, but as a family and community man, still determined to end slavery.

Brown’s Akron home became an essential refuge on the Underground Railroad. He and his family sheltered fleeing slaves and guided them to their next destination, often to Cleveland. Their everyday acts of compassion provided a safe haven and underscored the risks they and others were willing to take in the struggle for justice.

For years, Akron did little to celebrate John Brown, since his legacy was controversial and his time in the city was less documented. That changed in 2014, when his home was included in the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, a part of the National Park Service.

Stability for John Brown’s Mission at Mutton Hill

After visiting the John Brown House, we also stopped at the Perkins Stone Mansion on Mutton Hill, just across the street. The mansion was built by Colonel Simon Perkins, a wealthy landowner, sheep farmer, and businessman best known for his sheep and farms. Although not part of the National Park Service, it is closely tied to Brown’s years in Akron.

From 1844 to 1854, John Brown worked in partnership with Simon Perkins, managing a large flock of Merino sheep. Simon Perkins himself was not an active abolitionist; however, he did not interfere with Brown’s activities. Perkins allowed Brown to use time and resources to aid the Underground Railroad and provided him with financial stability to support his family as well.

Brown’s Story Through a Stranger

After taking our photos, we met a kind young man who eagerly shared the story of John Brown in Akron and invited us to return on another day to see the exhibition in Brown’s house.

Unfortunately, our schedule was packed, but his enthusiasm made us appreciate even more how important these sites are to learn about the complexity of America’s history.

Faith, Family, and the Fight for FreedomJohn Brown’s Akron Years