Murder in the Streets of Gallatin, Missouri

What kind of day was it on December 7, 1869, the day Jesse & Frank James rode into Gallatin, 

robbing the Daviess County Savings Bank, shooting and killing the cashier Captain John

Sheets? 

According to The Booneville Weekly Adventures, it was a "day ushered in by a cloud and mist like a pall hung over the hill and wood. ....dense fog prevailed and an unusual stillness and quiet pervaded from every quarter of the little city."

Captain John Sheets, killed in mistaken identity

County Courthouse across street from bank

The day I visited was similar with dense fog and rain. I found later that most of my film footage was

corrupted. My fated trip continued with rain and technical glitches as my constant companion.

When Jesse entered the bank he asked to change a $100 bill. Frank entered, they conferred and then they both drew their pistols and fired. Jesse's shot hit Sheets in the head and Frank's shot in his chest, causing instant death. 

The brothers thought that Sheets was Union Army Major Cox who killed Bloody Bill Anderson their former confederate guerrilla leader. 

Firing shots in the air, the two brothers mounted their horses. Jesse's horse spooked, throwing Jesse to the ground with one foot still in the stirrup, dragging him a few yards. 

"With bullets whizzing all around them, Frank pulled Jesse onto his horse and the two rode off." 

Amount taken $700.

Jesse's runaway horse was soon captured and a detective hired by the bank soon had proof that the horse belonged to Jesse James. A grand jury convened and both James brothers were indicted for Sheet's murder. This was their first murder indictment and wanted posters began to appear around the state. 

Trip Advisor boasts that the Squirrel Cage Jail is the top attraction in Gallatin. Reviews say that Trudy gives an amazing tour. Due to the rain and my overall poor morale, I missed the jail visit. 

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