The “Autobiography of Governor T.T. Crittenden (1832-1909) leaves little to imagination about the governor’s personal involvement and interest in what was to be done about outlaws Frank & Jesse James — and his satisfaction of the outlaws’ demise. When nominated for governor, Crittenden express three well-defined purposes for him seeking the office:
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- the building up and sustaining the financial health of the state; and
- to have a broader and more far-reaching system of education for children; and
- a solemn determination to overthrow and destroy the outlawry in the state whose head and front was the James Gang, who had invested the western part of the state… giving the state the disgraceful cognomen of “The Robber State!” (p. 60)
“With pride I look at the Missouri at the close of my administration, in comparison to that of its commencement with all its disturbances and lawlessness. There was not a horse nor an ace of land in the western part of the state whose value was not increased at least 33% by the destruction of that band… If asked, as I often have been, which one was the greatest benefit to Missouri as a state and to a people as a class, I should unhesitatingly say breaking up the James Gang of outlaws. ” (p. 61)
It should also be noted that Crittenden later teamed up with Gallatin attorney Henry Clay McDougal to open a law practice in Kansas City, located at 7th and Delaware Streets.
These are great. Henry Clay was a great uncle of my husband, who was a lawyer in Kansas and Missouri and I have read his book. Henry’s sister married Daniel Winslow Heath, who was mayor of McPherson, Kansas. Henry reminds me of my husband, especially his sharp wit, interest in Shakespeare and use of language. I do not believe my husband knew about him. I visited Gallatin once but would like to come back for a tour and make copies of documents for my records? Is that possible?
You may inquire about touring the Rotary Jail visitors’ center in Gallatin as you seek further information by calling on the president of the Daviess County Historical Society for an appointment: Trudi Burton, ph: 660.663.7342