Gallatin
by Becky Cardon Smith
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Gallatin is a small town located about 5 miles south of Adam-ondi-Ahman. This town was named after Albert Gallatin who served as Secretary of the Treasury under President Jefferson and President Madison. Though there is little to see here of Church historical interest, there are stories and events associated with our pioneer past that are worth remembering and discussing. If time allows, stop at the courthouse and read the marker referring to Adam-ondi-Ahman and the Gallatin skirmish. While at the courthouse, notice the unique hand-wound antique clock up in the dome. Gallatin also has the dubious distinction of being one of the few towns robbed by Jesse and Frank James. The Squirrel Cage Jail, located here, is one of only four “rotary” jails still in existence in the United States.

EVENTS THAT OCCURRED HERE

• On the left corner of the courthouse lawn is a sign that refers to the Mormons. However, it tells little about two particular events that occurred in Gallatin. The first happened on Election Day, August 6, 1838. The Mormons had received word, two weeks before the elections, warning that plans were underway to prevent them from voting. Colonel William P. Peniston, a candidate for the state legislator, was concerned that the Mormons’ support for another candidate would cause him to lose the election and he was determined to keep them from voting. He had already led a mob against the Saints in Clay County and was doing all he could to stir up feelings against them here in Daviess County. Prior to the election, Judge Morin had already advised Church members to go to the polls prepared for an attack and to stand their ground in behalf of their constitutional rights. As unarmed members walked to the polls, they were pushed aside by an agitated and somewhat intoxicated crowd. One of the Saints, Samuel Brown, was attacked and pushed down in the scuffle. A fight quickly broke out between Mormons and the mob. Although no one was killed, there were serious injuries on both sides. John L. Butler, seeing some of his brethren attacked, grabbed a large oak stick and began striking the Missourians on the head. The fight itself lasted just a few minutes before the mob left, but they threatened to return with guns. Some of the Saints proceeded to vote then quickly gathered their families together, wanting to leave before there was any more trouble. Though not all the Saints were able to vote that day, Colonel Peniston’s concerns proved well founded; he lost the election. The aggressiveness of the Mormons in this incident was greatly exaggerated. Hostility increased as false rumors of a Mormon uprising spread. It was only two months later that Governor Boggs issued the “Extermination Order.”

• In April 1839, after their confinement in Liberty Jail since December 1, 1838, Joseph and the others were finally taken to Gallatin to be tried. After being held a little more than a week in Gallatin, word came that they were to be transferred to Boone County. On the evening of April 16, while en route to the Boone County jail, Joseph and the others were allowed to escape. Sheriff Morgan, in charge of the transfer, had been instructed, “never to carry (them) to Boone County,” possibly to avoid a trial without the evidence to convict them. On Monday, April 22, there was great rejoicing as the Prophet, his brother Hyrum, and others finally rejoined their families in Quincy, Illinois.

OTHER SITES TO SEE

• The Cornerstone Hardware on town square – In 1869, Jesse and Frank James rode into Gallatin. They went into the bank, now the Cornerstone Hardware building, with their guns pulled. One man, John Sheets, was shot during the robbery. He died of his wound and was buried in the Gallatin cemetery. With several bags of cash in hand, the James brothers mounted their horses to escape. Frank James’ horse was shot out from under him, but he jumped on with his brother and the two rode off. At a nearby farm, they traded their horse for one of the farmer’s. Though chased by a posse from Gallatin, they managed to escape with the cash. The farmer turned a profit as well. After he found out the horse belonged to the James brothers, he sold it for a good price! Frank James eventually faced trial in Gallatin in 1883, but was acquitted. His brother, Jesse, had previously died in St. Joseph, Missouri.

• 1889 Squirrel Cage Jail – This is the only known rotary shaped structure with an attached sheriff’s lodging. Only four rotary jails still exist in the United States. Inside, the area is divided into eight pie shaped cells. The jail is located at 310 West Jackson Street. Thirty-minute tours are available by contacting Mary Berry at 660-663-3853. $1.00/person donation suggested.

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