A Trail of Terror To understand why rotary jails were built during such a
– this time deliberately (although later understood to be a
brief period in our nation’s history, you first must understand
case of mistaken identity). Not only was Jesse James
the lawlessness of those times.
suspected in the shooting for sworn revenge but his horse
After the Civil War, most former guerrillas returned to
provided physical proof of his involvement. Jesse James
their farms and pursued peaceful means. But for men like
continued to express his innocence, but with the proof in
Frank & Jesse James and for Cole and Jim Younger, however,
horseflesh the Governor of Missouri announced a bounty for
the transition back to normal life proved difficult. They
the apprehension of Jesse James.
dabbled in honest work, but preferred the outlaw lifestyle and
For the first time, Jesse James was a wanted man.
its lure of excitement, revenge, and easy money.
Thus began a 12-year crime spree, notorious exploits
On Feb. 13, 1866, the first daylight peacetime bank
exaggerated into myth and legend attracting international
robbery in the country occurred at the Clay County Savings
interest. Lawlessness was scaring away Eastern investors at
Association at Liberty. Jesse James denied being among the
a time when railroad development was crucial. Somehow
10 to 12 unidentified armed men who stole over $60,000 and
public authorities needed to make a statement to express
killed one bystander during the incident. But authorities think
determined resolve that lawfulness would prevail.
otherwise.
The construction of rotary jails like the one built in
Three years later on Dec. 7, 1869, two men rode into
Gallatin, MO — despite the obvious fire hazard and constant
Gallatin to rob the Daviess County Savings Association. Like
maintenance and operation issues — was a part of that
the previous daylight robbery, one person was shot and killed
response.
Jesse James murdered on April 3, 1882, in St. Joseph, MO; Frank James surrenders to Missouri Governor Crittenden on Oct. 5, 1882 Sept. 7, 1876 — Northfield, MN failed attempt to rob the First National Bank of Northfield; cashier Heyman killed, gang members Charley Pits & Bill Chadwell killed; Cole, Jim and Bob Younger wounded and later captured
Adair, Iowa — $3,000 in a train robbery; engineer killed when engine overturned
June 3, 1871 — Corydon, Iowa $6,000 from Ocobock Brothers Bank
Jesse and Frank James, c. 1872
July 15, 1881 — Winston, MO. $2,000 from a Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific train, killing conductor William Westfall and Frank McMillan March 2, 1867 — Savannah, MO failed robbery at Judge John McClain Banking House (Jesse James accused) Feb. 13, 1866 — Liberty, MO. $60,000 by 10-12 unidentified men (probably Jesse James). 17-Year-old boy killed.
Dec. 7, 1869 — Gallatin, MO. $700 at the Daviess Co. Savings Assn.; John Sheets killed. Governor cites James Boys as ‘Wanted Outlaws’
Frank & Jesse James were never held in a rotary jail, but the lawlessness during their times prompted some communities to choose the most secure and practical jail design then available Sept. 7, 1881 — Glendale, MO $3,000+ off Blue Cut train ...a rotary jail.
May 22, 1867 — Richmond, MO $4,000 from Hughes & Wasson Bank 3 men shot and killed Oct. 30, 1866 Lexington, MO. $2,000 bank robbery
Sept. 26, 1872 — Kansas City, MO $8,000 stolen at the Kansas City Exposition Ticket Office; one girl shot
Dec. 8, 1874 — Muncie, KS $55,000 stolen in a train robbery
Oct. 8, 1879 — Glendale, MO $40,000 off Chicago, Alton & St. Louis RR
Sept. 5, 1875 — Huntington, WV $10,000+ stolen during robbery of the Huntington Bank; 1 gang member shot
July 7, 1876 — Otterville, MO (Rockey Cut) $15,000 off Missouri-Pacific train May 27, 1873 — Ste. Genevieve, MO $4,000 at Ste. Genevieve Bank Jan. 31, 1874 — Gads Hill, MO $12,000 off the St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad
March 20, 1868 — Russellville, KY $14,000 at Nimrod Long Banking Co. (probably including Jesse James)
April 29, 1872 — Columbia, KY $6,000 in Bank of Columbia robbery; Cashier R.A.C. Martin killed
Sept. 3, 1880 — Mammoth Cave, KY $1,800 stagecoach robbery
April, 1874 — Austin, TX $3,000 stagecoach robbery
Jan. 15, 1874 — Hot Springs, AR $3,000 stagecoach robbery
Daviess County, MO:
March 11, 1881 — Muscle Shoals, AL $5,200 off a paymaster leaving bank
And the legend lives on...
Where It Began in 1869... with and Ended the 1883 Trial of Frank James
10
HISTORIC DAVIESS COUNTY
©2020. All Rights Reserved. Gallatin Publishing Company
