Thomas Theodore Crittenden (January 1, 1832 – May 29, 1909) was a United States colonel during the American Civil War, and served as Democratic governor of Missouri from 1881 to 1885.

Early life and education

Crittenden was born in 1832 in Shelbyville, Kentucky. His was a political family; he was the nephew of John J. Crittenden, governor of Kentucky.

Marriage and family

Crittenden married and had several children. His son Thomas T. Crittenden, Jr. was a mayor of Kansas City.

Career

During the American Civil War Crittenden was appointed a Colonel in the 7th Missouri State Militia Cavalry, fighting on the Union side.

As governor, Crittenden wanted to suppress the robberies and violence committed by the James Gang. He authorized a reward of $5,000 for the capture of Jesse James and also for his brother Frank, dead or alive, which resulted in Robert Ford killing Jesse in 1882.

Crittenden died in 1909 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was buried there at the Forest Hill Cemetery.

Legacy

• Crittenden achieved some notoriety for offering a reward on a private citizen, with implications that he ordered his death.

Popular media

In the 2007 movie The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Crittenden is portrayed by James Carville.

External links