The Players
The labels placed on the Free-State Supporters (Jayhawkers, Free Soilers) of the period have generally positive connotations while the labels placed on the Pro-Slavery Supporters (Border Ruffians, Bushwackers) have generally negative connotations. We find this ironic because participants from both sides of the conflict engaged in unlawful, even terrorist, activities. It came down to which side had the better propaganda machines.
The Free-State Players
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Charles L. Robinson was an agent in Kansas Territory for the New England Emigrant Aid Company and would be elected as the first Governor of the State of Kansas. |
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James Henry Lane emigrated to the Kansas Territory and became a leader of the various free-state militia. He would be elected as one of the first two United States Senators from the State of Kansas. |
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Samuel C. Pomeroy was an agent in Kansas Territory for the New England Emigrant Aid Company and would be elected as one of the first two United States Senators from the State of Kansas. |
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John Brown followed his sons to Kansas Territory where he would be a militant in the free-state cause. |
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James Montgomery was a free-state settler in the Kansas Territory who led free-state militia against pro-slavery settlers in Kansas Territory. |
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Charles 'Doc' Jennison was a free-state settler in the Kansas Territory who led free-state militia against pro-slavery settlers in Kansas Territory. He would raise and lead a regiment of cavalry called Jennison's Jayhawkers during the American Civil War. |
The Pro-Slavery Players
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David Rice Atchison was one of MIssouri's United States Senators. He actively led Missourians across the border to support pro-slavery settlers in the Kansas Territory. |
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Benjamin F. Stringfellow was a pro-slavery Missourian who led other Missourians across the border to support pro-slavery settlers in the Kansas Territory. |
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Claiborne Fox Jackson was a pro-slavery Missouri politician who supported Atchison's actions in Kansas Territory. He became the future Governor of Missouri. |
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Henry C. Pate was a pro-slavery journalist and militia leader who fought against John Brown in the Battle of Black Jack. |
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Samuel J. Jones served as the pro-slavery Sheriff of Douglas County during Bleeding Kansas. He would lead pro-slavery militia in the Sacking of Lawrence. |
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Samuel D. Lecompte was an ardent pro-slavery advocate who was appointed as the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for The Kansas Territory. The town of Lecompton was named after him. |
Back: Kansas Settlers
Next: Tour: Bleeding Kansas North