Among the Raid Descendants will be, Alice Keesey Mecoy and Anita Talbott, both direct descendents of John Brown; Brad Mayhew, descendent of John Henry Kagi; Judy Ashelman, descendent of Barkley and Edwin Coppoc; Dennis Howard, descendent of Osborne Perry Anderson; Patsy Spier, descendent of Lt. Israel Green. 

John Brown’s Raid on the Federal Armory in Harpers Ferry occurred on October 16-18, 1859.  The raid failed, but it ignited a national debate over slavery and, historians now contend, led to the American Civil War.  Descendents of the raiders, and the federal soldiers who ended the rebellion, will be available to share the stories of their ancestors and discuss the significant impacts of this defining moment in our nation’s history. 

Telephone interviews with descendants may be arranged by contacting at Scot Faulkner 304-535-2757; smf53@aol.com.  Digital photos and videos of the descendants will be available.

The reception for the descendents will take place in Charles Town, in the parking lot behind the Courthouse on the corner of North Samuel and 

For general information on reunion events, contact George Rutherford (304) 725-9610 or Warren Stewart 304-229-7248.