Brown, Leonard, 1837-1914

Poet, educator, socialist crusader. Leonard Brown came to Iowa in 1853 at the age of 13. Due in large part to a mentor, John Anson Nash, he was able to secure an education. Despite his education Brown struggled financially throughout his life, working on and off as a blacksmith and as a teacher in Iowa's rural schools. Brown was an ardent spokesman for social and economic equality, rights for Black Americans and Indians, the temperance movement, and improvements in education. He was equally as passionate in his criticism of capitalism and the gold standard for U.S. currency. Politically he aligned himself with the Populist and Greenback parties. During the Civil War he served with the 47th Iowa Infantry.