Jesse james biography 1847 melville

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Meanwhile, his former comrades continued their "guerrilla" activities, gradually transitioning into outright robbery. He grew up with his older brother, Alexander Franklin (often called Frank), and younger sister, Susan Lavenia James. His gang, known as the James-Younger Gang, is responsible for more than 20 robberies, amounting to an estimated total of $200,000 in stolen money.

Their string of robberies included over 20 heists, primarily targeting banks and trains, particularly those affiliated with Northern institutions in the aftermath of the Civil War. This focus was a reflection of their Confederate loyalties, as they sought to resist what they viewed as oppressive Union influences.

His father, the Reverend Robert James, was a Baptist minister who moved the family from Kentucky to Missouri in 1842. The following year, he was eventually recruited into the guerrilla unit, marking the beginning of his direct involvement.

His time with the Confederate guerrilla band, known for its unconventional and ruthless tactics, played a pivotal role in shaping his the rest of his life and his strategies.

Did Jesse James have any influence on the narrative of the Wild West?

There is no doubt whatsoever that this infamous outlaw of the late 19th century played a significant role in shaping the narrative of the Wild West.

It was there that he tended to his cousin, Zerelda Mimms, and they began a romantic relationship that would culminate in marriage nine years later.

Partners in Crime: The James Gang

Jesse James, alongside his brother Frank, forged a notorious legacy in the Old West, leading the infamous James Gang. Bank tellers, train passengers, and innocent bystanders suffered the consequences of their criminal pursuits.

Frequently asked questions

When was his Jesse James born?

Jesse James was born on September 5, 1847, in Clay County, Missouri.

How was his childhood like?

Beginning right from an early age, Jesse James faced a lot of adversities.

The assassination took place in St. Joseph, Missouri, where Jesse was living under the alias Thomas Howard.

Did you know…?

Several museums and historical sites dedicated to Jesse James exist, including the Jesse James Home Museum in St. Joseph, Missouri.

In 1863, he was recognized as a guerrilla fighter, and in May, the Union troops inspected their estate.

While his criminal exploits were brutal and self-serving, his story has been romanticized in countless books, movies, and songs. And when Jesse was around the age of 14, he attempted to join the guerrilla unit alongside his brother but was rejected due to his youth.

Undeterred, the young pro-Confederate became a spy for the guerrillas, showcasing an early inclination for unscrupulous undertakings.

This romanticized image was perpetuated through dime novels, sensationalized newspaper accounts, and later, in various forms of popular culture.

Museums and Memorabilia

Several museums and historical sites dedicated to Jesse James exist, preserving artifacts and providing insights into his life of crime.

One of the most notable robberies occurred on December 7, 1869, in Gallatin, Missouri, where Jesse killed the banker in cold blood, allegedly believing him responsible for the death of a close ally, Bloody Bill Anderson.

His life and death, particularly his assassination by Robert Ford in 1882, have contributed to his mythic status. In the spring of 1864, Jesse, then sixteen years old, joined his brother.

The James brothers participated in numerous brutal operations against Union soldiers. Alongside his brother Frank and other associates, he formed the James-Younger Gang.

Despite the dark nature of their deeds, the brothers maintained a commitment to their families. In 1874, he married his first cousin, Zerelda, with whom he had two children. Notable robberies included the Gallatin Bank robbery in 1869, which marked a turning point in the gang’s infamy and solidified their reputation as ruthless criminals during the post-Civil War era.

His criminal career began after serving as a Confederate guerrilla during the American Civil War.

What led Jesse James to a life of crime?

Jesse, along with his brother Frank, turned to a life of crime following their experiences as Confederate guerrilla soldiers.