December 2, 1859
After much wailing, many hard words and many threats of violence, the date set for John Brown’s execution had come. There was no work in Adams that day, as it had been set as a day of mourning. Everyone was wearing black, every eye was downcast, and every word was muttered in a mournful tone. Though Pottawotamie was some ways away and his raid there conducted some time ago, John Brown had become the patron saint of Kansas abolitionists. As the time set for his execution came and passed, he became their martyr.
Jacob conducted a memorial service that evening. Every resident gathered on the northern edge of the town late in the evening. After sundown, Jacob lit a candle. He then lit Ruth’s candle, who in turn lit Peter’s, and so on until all held a lit candle. Jacob then led a procession through the streets of their city. Most of the buildings had been rebuilt, but some damage from the fire was still visible. Some of those marching held pictures of the man they had come to mourn, but they all marched in silence.
Jacob led them through the doors of the church and walked up to the pulpit. One by one, the people filed in behind him and sat down in the pews. Their candles gave off an eerie glow which was indicative of the sense of unreality they all felt. The fire gleamed in every eye now turned expectantly towards Jacob. He wished he could say something to make it all better, but he knew such a thing simply was not possible. Still, he hoped to give them some encouragement at least. 90 CHAPTER 29. JOHN BROWN LIVES
Jacob broke the somber silence.“My friends, it is with heavy hearts that we have gathered here to be together in our time of great sorrow. The tragedy that has occurred today in the state of Virginia weighs heavily upon us all. It is a crime against humanity of such great magnitude that it has driven down the value of human life everywhere. I wish there was something I could say; words to make this better. But you will find comfort in only one source, and that is one another.
“On this night, we stand firm in our conviction of three great truths. First, that while you can kill a man, you can never kill what a man stands for. Opposition to the great crime of slavery has not died this day. While the champion of our cause may have fallen, many remain to pick up his torch. The hangman’s noose can only kill our bodies. It can never quench the fire that burns in our hearts. And so, on this night, we ask ‘Oh grave, where is thy sting?’
“Second, we stand firm in the knowledge that truth can never be hidden. Like the candles now lighting our sanctuary, ever shall the light of truth hold back the darkness. All on this good Earth that lives and breathes yearns to breathe free. On this great truth our final victory is written. And so my brothers and sisters, we should seek not to hide our candles in any grave. Rather, we should let them shine down from the highest hilltop that the unjust rulers of this world may read the handwriting on the wall.
“Finally, we stand firm in the truth that John Brown is not really dead, as he lives on in the hearts of us all. Whenever those who seek justice stand firm against the tyrants and slave drivers of this world, he shall be there. Whenever one of our brothers and sisters escapes from whips and chains, he shall be there. This, my friends, is the truth that shall embolden us towards our final victory. John Brown’s body may lie rotting in the grave, but his truth goes marching on.”