Clay County Savings Association Building
| Company type | Bank |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking |
| Founded | 1859 |
| Headquarters | Liberty , United States |
The Clay County Savings Association, located in Liberty, Missouri, experienced one of the earliest recorded daytime bank heists on February 13, 1866. The perpetrators absconded with a minimum of $60,000 () and fatally shot a bystander outside the premises. It is widely believed that the robbery was executed by former Confederate guerrilla fighters, potentially under the leadership of Jesse James or Archie Clement, who later became members of the James–Younger Gang.
Significant aspects of the incident include:
- A group of approximately ten to twelve horsemen arrived and assembled outside the Clay County Savings Association building.
- Two individuals entered the bank, which was manned solely by head cashier Greenup Bird and his son William Bird, who served as a clerk.
- After requesting to exchange a $10 bill, the men revealed revolvers and demanded cash.
- William filled their sack with gold, currency, bonds, and tax stamps.
- The Birds were confined within the bank vault while the robbers made their escape.
- Upon mounting their horses, gunfire erupted; George "Jolly" Wymore, a 19-year-old student located across the street, was killed.
- Despite an armed pursuit by local townspeople, the robbers evaded capture.
The entire episode transpired in less than 15 minutes. The stolen items included government bonds valued between $42,000 and $45,000, $518 in tax stamps, along with gold, silver coins, and paper money.
A reward of $5,000 was offered by the bank for the return of the stolen assets. Tracking efforts were hampered by snowfall, and local press attributed blame to both ex-Confederate bushwhackers and Kansas Redlegs. Although some residents identified the robbers, fear prevented them from coming forward. The culprits were never apprehended; no funds were recovered. Eventually, the Association settled its debts at 60 cents on the dollar before ceasing operations.
The structure at 104 East Franklin Street, situated near the Clay County Courthouse, was built in 1859. This two-story brick building features Federal style architecture with a gable roof. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.