Election Day 1858 in Franklin County and excitement at the polls, caused quite a stir among locals. A group of 46 Franklin County Free-Staters were determined to cast their ballots against the Lecompton Constitution (a Pro-Slavery Document). Men decided to march together to the polling station, which was set in a cabin as far west (and thus as far away from Missouri) as possible in the voting district.
Problem: Heavy rains had swollen all the streams, no bridges, and they couldn’t swim in the fast moving water, so they tied 17 horses up by their bridles, used the tethering ropes as one long rope and one guy carefully took the rope across the river. The men stripped off all their clothing, put shirts under their hats and slowly made their way across the creek. uh, guys, you left your pants on the other side… oops.
So a group of men headed to the polling station, naked and cast their vote. It was that important! The pro-slavery issue was defeated. True story! But, I wouldn’t try to vote naked today at the Franklin County Courthouse. They might have a little issue with it.
So, get out and vote today, but, leave your pants on.
