Marker Logo HMdb.org THE HISTORICAL
MARKER DATABASE
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
Williamsport in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
 

The John Brown Bell

 
 
The John Brown Bell Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 6, 2019
1. The John Brown Bell Marker
Inscription. In May 1861, Company I, 13th Massachusetts Infantry was on patrol in Harpers Ferry, and found the engine house where John Brown's raid ended on October 17, 1859. The bell was still in place, and knowing their hometown hook and ladder company needed a bell (many of them were firemen), they decided to take the bell, and brought it with them to Williamsport.

While stationed in the town, Company I became friends with Elizabeth Ensminger who supplied them with bread. When the company was ordered to Virginia, they entrusted Elizabeth with the bell.

In September 1892, six of the original fifteen soldiers returned to Williamsport to see Elizabeth (then Snyder). They discovered that she had hung the bell in her back yard, and rang it on special occasions.

The men raised the money to bring the bell to Marlborough, where it now hangs in Union Commons Park.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US CivilWomen. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 17, 1859.
 
Location. 39° 35.869′ N, 77° 49.238′ W. Marker is in Williamsport, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on East Church Street east of South Conococheague Street (Maryland Route 68), on the right when
Paid Advertisement
Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.
Click or scan to see
this page online
traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15 East Church Street, Williamsport MD 21795, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Murder of Dewitt Clinton Rench (Rentch) (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Confederate Hospitals in Williamsport (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Boys of Williamsport (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Bowie List (approx. 0.2 miles away); River View Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Wagon Train of the Wounded and Williamsport (approx. 0.2 miles away); Band Stand (approx. ¼ mile away); Joseph Lewis Lemen, Jr. (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsport.
 
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This is the actual bell, located in Marlborough in Middlesex County, Massachusetts
 
The John Brown Bell Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 6, 2019
2. The John Brown Bell Marker
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 396 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on April 6, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.

Share this page.  
Share on Tumblr
m=131803

CeraNet Cloud Computing sponsors the Historical Marker Database.
This website earns income from purchases you make after using our links to Amazon.com. We appreciate your support.
Paid Advertisements
Mar. 29, 2024