Chapter 43: The Early “PopSov” Elections in Kansas Are a Travesty

1856

In 1854, the prospect for statehood in the Kansas Territory attracts Pro-Slavery advocates from Missouri along with Free State settlers from New England.

But the Missouri men arrive first and when the initial “popsov” election is held in November, they appear armed at the polls and stuff the ballot boxes to send a Pro-Slavery representative to Washington. This pattern of fraud continues through 1855, the result being a “bogus legislature.” When two of his hand-picked Governors (Reeder and Shannon) try to overturn the results, President Franklin Pierce sacks them.

It is not until early 1856 that the Free State forces respond by organizing and electing their own legislature, seated in the town of Lawrence. Both the Missouri men and Pierce intend to shut it down.