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Bugler Adolph Vogel Most Likely Killed Bloody Bill Anderson
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
July 15, 1881 — Winston, MO. $2,000 from a Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific train, killing conductor William Westfall and Frank McMillan
Jesse and Frank James, c. 1872
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’
May 22, 1867 — Richmond, MO $4,000 from Hughes & Wasson Bank 3 men shot and killed
Oct. 30, 1866 Lexington, MO.
Sept. 26, 1872 — Kansas City, MO $2,000 bank robbery $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 Sept. 7, 1881 — Glendale, MO $3,000+ off Blue Cut train
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 ...a rotary jail.
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
Jan. 31, 1874 — Gads Hill, MO $12,000 off the St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad May 27, 1873 — Ste. Genevieve, MO $4,000 at Ste. Genevieve Bank
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 March 11, 1881 — Muscle Shoals, AL $5,200 off a paymaster leaving bank