Illinois governor drops in (literally) to visit Carthage Jail
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Gov. Jim Edgar of Illinois literally dropped in (by helicopter) on the Carthage Jail recently to see the location of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum.
As far as can be determined from records, Gov. Edgar is the first sitting governor to visit here since Gov. Thomas Ford in 1844. Gov. Edgar was in Carthage to present state grants to 25 west central Illinois communities and decided to tour the jail on Nov. 8 while waiting for his helicopter to refuel.Gov. Edgar was welcomed and guided through the restored building by Elder Owen Asplund, who was impressed by the governor's interest and by his knowledge of the historical events that took place here. Elder Asplund is a missionary serving at Carthage and assigned to greet visitors to the site.
"It's wonderful that he [the governor] would come here," Elder Asplund said. "We will make a point of letting our members know that he took the trouble to do it."
At the conclusion of his tour, Gov. Edgar noted: "The jail is well restored. It's a very informative tour. This is a significant site in Illinois, both from religious implications for the Mormons because of Joseph Smith's death here, and also because it's a period in Illinois history that probably is not one of our finest hours."
He added: "As a history student you realize that certain things a long time ago changed things today. This is a good example of that."
In 1844, then-Gov. Thomas Ford came to Carthage himself during the imprisonment of Joseph and Hyrum Smith and assured the prisoners of their safety. Later, however, while he was absent, a mob overran the jailer, broke into the jail and killed both men as well as injuring John Taylor, who, along with Willard Richards, had accompanied the prophet and his brother and stayed with them throughout their confinement.
