james h. lane joined the free-state movement in 1855 and became president the topeka constitutional convention from october 23 to november 11, 1855. he was later a leader of "jayhawkers". the first free-state mass-meeting was in lawrence on the evening of june 8, 1855. missourians were charged with voter fraud, ballot-box stuffing, and the "bogus legislature" which does not represent the legal voters of this territory.