Jackson County (Mo.) Historical Society

Historical Perspective

by David W. Jackson

Law and order is a tough job

Reconstruction after the Civil War saw Kansas City grow and take over Independence’s role as the majority in Jackson County. The increase in population and activity necessitated larger quarters for the proper functioning of Jackson County government. Separate quarters for Jackson County government was then instituted in Kansas City (though the Jackson County Courthouse in Independence remained and is still today the County Seat).

The Jackson County Court (predecessor to today’s Jackson County Legislature) purchased the partially-completed Nelson House Hotel on the northeast corner of 2^nd and Main Streets in Kansas City. The Nelson House Hotel was designed by Kansas City’s pioneer architect, Asa Beebe Cross. With foundations having been laid in 1869, it was “finished up” by action of the County Court in 1871.

That same year, Jackson County became unique in the entire state when the Missouri State Legislature established the office of Marshal of Jackson County…an elected post that was to be filled in addition to the traditional Sheriff of Jackson County.

After the Marshal’s post was created, the Sheriff was responsible for civil affairs. The Marshal pursued, apprehended, and jailed alleged criminals. Then, there were jailors, specialized “Deputy County Marshals” who guarded the jail. The jailors and their families occupied the home that still stands at 217 North Main Street (and conceals from public view the 1859 Jackson County Jail), which is owned and operated as a museum by the Jackson County Historical Society.

When the marshal’s position was abolished 53 years later in 1924 a long time employee at the Courthouse, Dell Womack said, “As I recollect the chief reason Jackson County was given a marshal was to catch Jesse James.

The first Jackson County Marshal to fill the newly created position was Major Granville D. Page, who served from 1871 through 1874. From records discovered thus far, Page lived in Jackson County by May 1860 when he purchased the defunct 1841 Jackson County Jail (at Truman and Main, where the Truman Ticket Office is today) and was a slave trader. Between 1860 and 1867, the Pages lived in the early Gothic Revival home that remains today as the historic “Overfelt-Campbell-Johnston House,” also known as the “Cammie Johnston House,” at 305 South Pleasant. Page died in May 1874 and has a large obelisk in Woodlawn Cemetery.

These details are just a small sample from a new 130-page book, LOCK DOWN: Outlaws, Lawmen and Frontier Justice in Jackson County, Missouri, highlighting the origin and evolution of the oldest structure on Independence Square—the 1859 Jackson County Jail and Marshal’s Home—and the inhabitants who lived on either side of its barred doors.

For the first time, this in-depth commentary offering “skeleton keys” to “unlocking” an overview of the early structures of incarceration, of those who defied frontier justice, and the systems and strongmen (and women) who tried to keep law and order in Jackson County, Missouri. The time period covered is between 1826—when Jackson County was formed—to 1933 when the 1859 Jackson County Jail was “decommissioned” as a lock down. Also assembled is a roster of ALL Jackson County Sheriffs AND Jackson County Marshals, plus s separate “rap sheet” of ALL legal hangings that took place during this time period…among other details.

How the site was adaptively re-used during the Great Depression of the 1930s and through World War II in the 1940s…and how it was saved from demolition in the 1950s…proves how this historic site will continue to be maintained as a unique, cultural, American history museum.

Plan to attend activities celebrating the 150^th anniversary of the 1859 Jackson County Jail! The first lectures promoting a weekend-long series of activities (June 5-7) are on May 19 and 31, 2009.

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