Jesse James - Outlaw

Jesse James at 17 years oldJesse James Portrait taken in Platte City MO on July 10, 1864 - He was 17 Years of Age


Jesse James, the outlaw, had parents who were of strong vintage - yet had troubles in their own lives. Jesse James was born on September 5, 1847.1 His parents then resided in Centerville Missouri (now named Kearney), Clay County.2  

Jesse's father was a well educated, well-respected Baptist preacher named Robert Sallee. Robert S. James also farmed hemp, using slave labor. The mother of Jesse James, Zerelda Cole lost her father as a youngster, and went to live with her grandfather. She attended a girls' Catholic school there.2 Zerelda married Robert when she was 16 years old.1  

They bore a son, Frank in 1843. Then Jesse came along. A son named after their father was born in 1845, but he died while an infant. Then Zerelda had a girl they named Susan Lavenia in November 1849.1

The very next year, the children's father, Robert, decided to go West with for the Gold Rush. Not to seek mining himself, but to preach to those miners.1  His youngest was still an infant, his sons were still quite young, and it wasn't that many years since they'd suffered the grief of losing a child. Yet he left his family and went West to California. Did that event affect young Jesse and Frank? 

Jesse James's Youth

Zerelda JamesZerelda James Samuel, the Mother of Jesse & Frank

Robert wrote letters home, expressing that he missed the family.1 But on arriving in California, before two weeks had passed, he contracted a fever and died.2  Cholera was a common cause of fever that lead to death in those days - that could have been the reason for his demise.

Zerelda had young children to raise, plus the responsibilities of the farm. She found an eligible bachelor who was substantially older than she was. He was Benjamin Simms, they got married, living at the James's farm. But it only lasted a few months! They parted ways, just separating. But soon thereafter Simms died.1

The story passed down in the James family was that Simms didn't like Zerelda's children. He was particularly mean to Frank and Jesse, and didn't take them on as his own. Some say it was in retaliation for the boys' own harassment of Simms.1

Reuben SamuelJesse's Stepfather - Reuben Samuel

Next Zerelda met a physican, Reuben Samuel. They wed in 1855.3 He maintained the farm, and submitted to Zerelda's strong will. Plus he got along with her boys, so their marriage worked. Together they had four children1: Sarah Ellen in 1858, John in 1861, Fannie Quantrill in 1863, and Archie in 1866. 

Some books promote theories that Jesse and his brother were evil children, showing cruelty to animals and other kids. There's no foundation substantiating this.Others say as a youngster he was religious, with the early influence of his father. That he was well liked by towns-folk.3

But others claiming to have known him say he was fun-loving, usually smiling. He also had a curiosity about things.5 He had a personality that was very much in contrast to his older brother, Frank. He was dour, and calm - not given to emotion.4

However the family was surrounded by the influences of pre-civil war agitation taking place at their location. Their farm was in Missouri, near the border of Kansas. It was one of the dividing areas between slave-owning mentality and anti-slavery sentiments. No doubt Jesse heard of abolitionist John Brown. His mother Zerelda was a Southerner and a slave owner. His play likely reflected the inclinations of the adults in his life.1

War's Influence
On Jesse James's Outlaw Underlying Motivation

Jesse James outlawZerelda James Samuel's Family's Homestead in Kearney Missouri

Events in Missouri were leading up to secession. Zerelda James Samuel held allegiance with the Southern way of life. Circumstances called for creation of a state militia called the Home Guard. Her eldest son Frank, age 18, went just a few miles from their farm to sign up as a Private.1 His first fight was at the Battle of Wilson's Creek, a rough encounter with heavy losses. The Missouri Home Guard, with Arkansas, defeated the Federal troops.1-3

In November 1861, Missouri Southern sympathizers illegally voted to officially enter the Confederacy. Since the official state government still held for the Union.1 It was a fully divided state! From late 1861 until early 1865 Confederate guerrilla fighters and certain Federal units wreaked brutal havoc on the people of Missouri. These "vicious skirmishes started by both Union militia and Confederate raiders....struck brutally, harming civilians and crippling the economy."3 

One group of Confederate raiders was led by William C. Quantrill, who had a penchant for deceit and violence. Jesse's older brother Frank joined up with this group. Likely from a desire to seek vengeance for the brutality of the Union's misdeeds.Zerelda James Samuel did what she could to help the Southern cause. She kept watch, kept her ears open to inform raiders of their options. Young Jesse was her helpful aide in this, roaming the local fields and woods, sending messages around.2

Youthful Portrait of Jesse JamesJesse James Portrait in His Youth

This family undercover work didn't escape Union notice. A Northern militia group entered the James/Samuel farm in 1863. They wanted to know what they were doing to help the Confederate raiders. They wanted information on where they were, who they were, where Frank was, etc.2-3

Jesse was 15 years old then. He was in the fields working when these Union troops appeared. When Jesse wouldn't talk, they assaulted him. They also intimidated the family, hanging his father from a tree for hours to get him to talk. Reuben Samuel eventually led them to the raiders' camp nearby. They imprisoned Samuel, until he was finally paroled June 1863.2

This marked a turning point for Jesse, who now went on the offensive. He went off to join up with a guerrilla group - but they rejected him. It may have been he was too young for them, or they felt he wasn't good enough with fire-arms. In 1862 is when he lost the tip of his left-hand middle finger while cleaning his gun - his family's account. Anyway, he was well-needed at home to help with the younger children, work in the fields, and take care of farm chores. His family was very busy with the cause.2 It was almost two years later, about the spring of 1864, when he was able to join up with "Bloody Bill" Anderson's guerrillas.2-3 

Jesse James Shot

Jesse James saw a saddle on a fence railJesse was Shot When He Stole a Saddle

In late summer of 1864, Jesse was severely injured during an incident that demonstrated his penchant for taking what he needed. His company was traveling through Ray County Missouri. As they went through a Dutch outpost he saw a saddle on a fence rail in front of a house. He decided he needed it, and picked it up. A man came from the house, shot Jesse in the chest and then ran into his farm field.2

They brought Jesse over the Missouri River into Kansas where his Uncle John Mimms lived. A doctor was called in to see him. His cousin Zee nursed him over the next month. As soon as he was able to sit on his horse, about September 20th, he went back with Bloody Bill's men.2

A week later he was in Missouri, participating in the Centralia Massacre. Their band of guerrillas not only slaughtered more than 100 Thirty-ninth Missouri U.S. Infantry soldiers, but they desecrated their bodies. Jesse was credited with the killing blow of commander Major Andrew Johnston.3

James Family Banished

Jesse James's Family Banished from MissouriZeralda moved her family to this highlighted area of Nebraska to stay with family.

The Headquarters of the Department of Missouri issued an order on January 9, 1865. Special Orders No. 9 was directed at Reuben Samuel. It stated in item number 12: "named persons have forfeited their rights as citizens by flagrant acts of disloyalty.... are hereby with their families banished from the Depmt."2

They were told they couldn't return while the war was ongoing, under penalty of death. So Zerelda and Reuben Samuel made their way to Richardson County, Nebraska, where Zerelda had Cole family relations.2 It's located in the most Southeastern part of the state.

Outlaw Jesse James
Continues With the Confederate Raiders

William Jesse James was with a Bushwacker Band of "Bloody Bill" Anderson's Guerrilla Fighters

Jesse didn't fight alongside his brother, Frank. Instead he was with Archie Clement's bushwhacker band. Clement was Bloody Bill's most trusted Lieutenant. In the Spring of 1865 they began raiding in Missouri.

One stop was to avenge Clement's brother's death. Then in the early a.m. of May 7, it's likely their group made a raid on Holden Missouri, attacking homes and robbing two stores. It's confirmed they went another ten miles to Kingsville, a town where Union troops and their families now resided. They attacked throughout town, burning homes and killing a number of people.2

Clement's force got word of Lee's surrender at Appomattox, but refused to believe it. But soon it became obvious. They discussed surrender vs. carrying on - even heading down to Mexico. It's said Jesse James agreed with his leader, Arch Clement - refuse surrender. At least, at first. There are, typically, varying versions of what happened after that.2

Surrender While Being Shot

Clement's guerrilla forcesFrom The Howard Union of Glasgow MO - Thursday, June 15, 1865 - Page 3

It was May 15, 1865. The location was Southeast of Lexington, Missouri. The day before Clement had sent a letter to the commander of the Union forces in the area. He proposed sending five of his men to meet with five from the Union. The purpose was to discuss how to properly handle their troop's surrender.2

But was it a diversionary tactic? Some versions say Clement's men never intended to surrender. They were looking for unguarded areas to make their way South. The Union Major, B.K. Davis, said his troops were fired on when expecting men to show for surrender.2

Jesse James claimed he was with some of his men on the way to the appointed place for surrender. Some drunk Union soldiers came at them, shooting. Jesse's horse took a fatal shot, and Jesse himself took a bullet to the chest. He had to run through the woods to evade capture. He hid in creekside waters until a farmer saw him and got him help. They delivered him to the Bradley home.2

From there he went to the Virginia Hotel, where there is documentation of his surrender. He took the required oath of allegiance on May 21, 1865, is listed on the surrender roster as James, J.M.2

Legends still abound that he never surrendered, that he never came in to the authorities.2 But there is plenty of documentation and eyewitness accounts to verify that he did. Legends can certainly get out of hand - especially if it means selling novels or alleged biographies!

Post War Recovery

By June 18 Jesse was still recuperating, but strong enough to travel. A friend assisted him in getting steamboat passage and transport to his uncle's home. The Mimm's house was the same as before, where he healed up from a similar, previous wound.2

He was there again to recover with the help of his cousin Zee. He also had two local physicians visiting him regularly. He stayed there until mid July, when he left to go to his parents' new residence in Nebraska.2

He still was weak and ill from his wound. His step-father had again taken up his medical practice, and put it to use for Jesse. But his cousin Zee came to him in August to assist in nursing him. While there, she and Jesse were engaged to be married - in secret. By October's end he was finally better, and Zee returned home.2

Bank Robberies Begin

Bank Robbery attributed to Jesse JamesThis Site is Historic - But was Jesse James Really a Culprit in the Robbery? What Do YOU Think?

The Clay County Savings Association Bank's overwhelming proportion of deposits came from those favoring the Union during the Civil War. The bank's president had worked with the Federal provost marshal.2

It's February 13, 1866 in Liberty Missouri. Approximately 13 men rode into Liberty that day on horseback. Their intent was to rob this bank. Most were stationed about as look-outs. Two entered the bank. At gunpoint they robbed the safe for a take of $57,000. One witness was shot. Some of the funds taken were traced in the hands of former fighters of Bloody Bill's rebels.2

Its claim to fame was that it was "the first daylight bank robbery committed in peacetime in American history" (2000, p862). Certain culprits could be determined with fair certainty. But as years went by, others began to be added, with less certain documentation - such as Frank and Jesse James. Jesse was highly unlikely to have been in on this, as he was still too weak from his injury the prior year.2

Health Still Troublesome

Dr. Paul Eve treated Jesse JamesFrom the Nashville Union and American - Thursday, April 11, 1867 Page 3 - Under the Heading: Tennessee Medical Society

In his own words, Jesse tells how the wound he took to his right chest was still serious enough in 1867. In fact the bullet had never even been removed, but was still lodged within. He said, "Being recommended to consult the celebrated Confederate surgeon, Dr. Paul Eve, of Nashville, Tennessee, I went there in June, 1867 and remained under his care for three weeks" (2000, p922). Dr. Paul Eve was well respected. Read More>

The doctor didn't give him good news. He essentially told him his lung was well damaged and deteriorating, so that it wouldn't support his life too much longer. He suggested he go to be with his loved ones. Jesse felt confounded, and didn't believe this medical advice. But he did go to Kentucky then, to a home of relatives there.2

Toward the end of March 1868, Jesse met up with Frank and traveled to California. It's said the route he took was to go by ocean voyage out from New York. Then through the Panama Canal and up to a California port. He went to his uncle's ranch at Paso Robles, which had mineral springs with health benefits. Although his lung function didn't recover, Jesse's overall health benefited from the mineral springs here.2

He stayed until the autumn of the year. Then he returned to Missouri, back to the family homestead and the area where he grew up.

Turning Point for Jesse James Outlaw

People noted Jesse around town, wearing clothes described as fancy and dandy! He also went to the local church at which he'd been a member since youth. He requested his name be removed from their roles, so that he was officially no longer a member of their congregation. He stated his purpose for removal: he did not feel worthy to be a member of the Mount Olive Baptist Church.2 Was this his way of saving them embarrassment for what he knew was the direction he was now set upon?

Jesse's move back to Missouri now reminded him about the new state constitution in place at the war's end. First of all it freed the slaves. But more than that, it put a damper on the rights of those who supported the Confederacy. For a time they couldn't vote, serve on a corporate board, serve on a jury, or become a religious preacher.4 That type of treatment would test anyone's sensibilities.

His method of fighting back was not through any legal system - the courts, the legislature, etc. He was with those who sought pressure via their own monetary redress and vengeance. 

William T Anderson Death PhotoWilliam T. Anderson aka: Bloody Bill -Died in the Civil War October 27, 1864. In those days photos were taken after preparing the person for burial - this is his photo soon after death.

In December 1869, Jesse James was with two other men who went to Gallatin Missouri's Davies County Savings Association. They took $700 and killed John W. Sheets. The motive appeared to be the cash, plus retribution for killing "Bloody Bill" Anderson during the war. But it was a mistake. Because they intended to, and thought they'd killed Major S.P. Cox.2-3

If anything, the perpetrators were identified by their horses. But they escaped, even though a posse came after them. Jesse defended himself via letters to the local newspaper!2  The Kansas City Times editor was happy to publish his letters. The editor also editorialized on his behalf. With Confederate sympathies, he portrayed Jesse as a Robin-hood like figure.3 This view gained steam through the years, with no facts to back it up. But it did have many local supporters.

Jesse James - Outlaw Life

the pistol of Jesse JamesJesse James's 44 Hopkins & Allen Pistol 1873 Model

Cole Younger and his other brothers grew up in somewhat similar circumstances to the James brothers. Cole had also fought for a time with Confederate bushwhackers. The Younger brothers and Jesse and Frank began to align for their raids on banking institutions. They became known as the James-Younger gang.

Jesse & Franks James Jesse in 1872Jesse & Frank James Portrait Taken in 1872

Their raids took them through Iowa, Texas, Kansas, West Virginia - and all states in between! They centered on what they saw as grievances from the Civil War. They primarily robbed banks and stage coaches. 

The Pinkerton Detective Agency was hired to chase down the brothers' gang: James-Youngers in 1871.3

In 1873 they started to include train robbery on their resume.3 One thing that possibly led to the Robin Hood type of legend was in their robberies they didn't single out individuals. The strong boxes and safes were their targets.

Jesse's Marriage

Zerelda Mimms JamesZerelda "Zee" Mimms became Zerelda James. Photo from January 1, 1898

Jesse finally married Zerelda (Zee) Mimms, his long-time engaged-to cousin, on April 24, 1874.3

They had four children. A son, Jesse Edward, was born in 1875. As an adult he became a "well respected lawyer in Kansas City, MO. and Los Angeles" according to his grandson.5 Twin boys were born, named Gould and Montgomery. But they died as infants. Their daughter, Mary Susan was born in 1879.3

The son of Jesse JamesJesse Edward James, 1st Child of Zee & Jesse was not an outlaw - but became very successful.
mary jane jamesMary Susan was the daughter of Jesse James, outlaw father.

Despite him now having a home-life, the Pinkerton agency was on outlaw Jesse James's case. Their first tactic was to send someone to befriend the family. It didn't work, as the agent was found dead. Two Pinkerton agents were then sent directly after the James-Younger gang. A gunfight occurred on March 17, 1874. Agent Lull delivered a fatal wound to John Younger, but Lull was also killed in the shoot-out.2,4

Then the Pinkertons planned an attack on the James homestead to get at the James brothers. A Pinkerton threw a fire-bomb through a window. It exploded inside the home. Jesse's younger half-brother Archie was killed. His mother, Zerelda Samuels had her arm blown off. The Pinkertons claimed they didn't intend arson, but a letter was found showing that was the actual intent.Locals who supported the James family were outraged by this incident.

Beginning of the End for Jesse James OUtlaw

A bank robbery was planned for September 7, 1876. The James brothers and Younger brothers were in Northfield Minnesota. Their eye was on the First National Bank. They believed a prime stockholder was the Mississippi governor during reconstruction.4 But this time it all went wrong for them. The bank employees wouldn't cooperate. The local folk noted the James-Younger gang int town, up to no good. They got together firing their weapons at them.

The Youngers were captured and arrested, the James brothers managed to get away. That was the end of the James-Younger Gang. The Youngers went to prison. But Jesse and Frank ended up in Nashville Tennessee. They took alias names. Frank took on the name of B.J. Woodson.

Jesse continued roving, looking for other options in this way of life he'd developed. He lived under the name Thomas Howard. In 1879 Jesse began recruiting a new gang. Frank was still with him, pressured by Jesse to be there.3 But the men in his new gang were mostly various misfits who didn't get along. So it wasn't the well-oiled machine he'd had before. Their first job was a train robbery in Independence MO.6

Then two more robberies over in Mississippi. A posse chased them down, killing two of the gang, but the rest got away. They hid out in Louisiana and in Texas. They started feeling the effects of lawman pressure and infighting amongst gang members. Some quit, some were mysteriously killed, and Jesse kicked some of them out. Frank and James were beginning to think of laying low. They went back to Missouri, near the family home in 1881.2,4

Frank considered stopping the crime life. Jesse decided that may be the best thing to do also. He took his family farther from the old homestead, moving to St. Joseph, MO.2,4 The James Gang, it seemed, was no more. But apparently crime was a difficult way of life to get away from.

Jesse James the Outlaw Dies - Or Lives Still?


In 1881 Missouri Governor T.H. Crittendon had offered a reward (via railroad funds) for the capture of the James brothers. Robert Ford consulted the governor with a plan, negotiating with him to get the reward.7

1881 Offer by Missouri Governor Crittendon for capture of James brothers
1881 Missouri Governor Crittendon's reward offer

Robert Ford's brother, Charley had joined up with James and Frank earlier on their raids. Bob (Robert) Ford had been a very late comer - but quite eager. When Frank and Jesse decided on returning to Missouri, they felt the Fords were trustworthy enough to ask them to come with them.7 Jesse thought they'd help with protection.

On April 3, 1882 the Fords were at the home of Jesse James eating breakfast with him. They planned a robbery for later in Platte City, MO. Jesse was reading the newspaper to find a former gang member had confessed to a murder.2,4 He was surprised the Fords didn't mention this - they should've known! He surely felt suspicious then.

Jesse James killingWoodcut Made Between 1882 and 1892 showing Robert Ford Shooting Jesse James - widely circulated

Jesse James walked into the living room, to the sofa where he put down his pistols. He turned around, with his back to the Ford brothers. Noting a dusty picture on the wall, he stood on a chair to wipe it off and straighten it. When that happened, Bob Ford took out his own gun and aimed at Jesse - killing him with a bullet to the back of his head, behind his right ear.2,4,14 

Jesse James dead in coffinJesse's Body Awaits Funeral Preparation

News of his murder spread throughout the country! Public opinion was about evenly split about the Ford action. Since some were tired of their crime-spree. While others bought into their "robin-hood" fantasy and retribution for Civil-War injustices - both during the war, and with reconstruction.9

Jesse James the outlaw prepared for funeral viewingJesse James Outlaw - Viewing Prepared

Death's Aftermath

Bob Ford sent a telegram to Governor Crittendon informing him of the deed. He asked for the reward. But both brothers were charged with First Degree Murder. They received swift justice! In the space of 24 hours:

  1. They were indicted
  2. They plead guilty
  3. They were sentenced to hang until dead
  4. Then quickly were fully pardoned by Governor Crittendon

This brought criticism to the Governor. It seemed he was in on the plot to have a citizen murdered, rather than just apprehended.1,2,4

The Jesse James funeralJesse James Funeral - Frank & his Wife Ann Attended

Jesse's mother Zerelda James Samuel had Jesse buried on the family grounds. Upon his headstone she authored this epitaph: "In Loving Memory of my Beloved Son, Murdered by a Traitor and Coward Whose Name is not Worthy to Appear Here."With all the publicity of her son's murder, people began coming by the family home to see where it all took place. Zerelda decided to earn a living by it - giving a guided, personal tour with a view of his grave.

Jesse's wife, Zee Mimms James found creditors moving in to collect, but no funds remained at his death. Zee auctioned off what little was left.10,14 She was depressed, and stated "I am not in good circumstances and a little money would greatly assist me." She moved to Kansas City to live with her brother. It was there she died on November 13, 1900. Her burial was in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kearney MO.10 

Frank James 1898Frank James Photo from 1898

Frank gave himself up to Governor Crittendon five months after Jesse was killed. He was tried for only two robberies and murders. He was acquitted. Other charges came up, but never went to trial. His only jail time, was while awaiting trial without bail.11

After that he worked assorted jobs in Missouri, Texas, Louisiana and Washington State. Finally he returned to the family homestead, giving the tours his mother began.12 It was 1915 when he died at age 72.11

Jesse James GravestoneBurial Site Moved

After Jesse's wife Zee died, his mother Zerelda moved his body to the Kearney cemetery. Jesse was re-interred next to Zee. He was given a new headstone there. The next year Jesse's mother was traveling to San Francisco by train. She suffered a heart attack and died, at age 86. They brought her to the same cemetery to bury her in the family plot in Kearney, Missouri.7

Robert Ford with his gunBob Ford Poses With the Alleged Gun He Used to Kill Jesse James Photo take Between 1882 & 1892

The Fords left Missouri and began capitalizing on their notoriety. They featured the incident in their own traveling Wild West Show. But their act didn't lead to good fortune. Charley had tuberculosis. Addicted to morphine, he committed suicide in May 1884. So Bob moved to Creede CO, and opened a Saloon there. On June 8, 1892 Edward O'Kelley entered Bob's Saloon. Ed blew Bob away with a shotgun.9

Edward Capehart OKelleyEdward O'Kelley Killed Bob Ford - Photo From 1890

O'Kelly entered prison with a life sentence. But the Colorado governor received a petition with 7,000 signatures requesting his release. He was pardoned on October 2, 1902.9


Almost right after Ford's slaying of outlaw Jesse James - people insisted they'd seen Jesse. Rumors began circulating that Bob Ford was in on a plot to let Jesse fake his death, and get away with his crimes. Bob had really murdered someone else! That story was continuously refuted by evidence including the identity of Jesse James's body at the time of death. Then in 1995 his body was even exhumed for DNA examination. That proved he was dead and gone, buried in the family plot - without a doubt!12

Even a J. Frank Dalton claimed he was the outlaw Jesse James. He was a widower who began roaming Independence County OK in his one-man Traveling Show. In that he first claimed to be famous lawman John Franklin Dalton. He was outed as not the real deal. Then he made the assertion that he was Jesse James. He was 100 years old when he made the declaration. He proved the point with body confirmations: seven bullet scars, missing fingertip, etc. He found support, including then owner of Meramac Caverns in Missouri.13 He died at age 103. His death certificate states his name as Jesse James, as does his gravestone in Granbury Cemetery, Texas.

Jesse James - The Outlaw's Heritage

Jesse James Women - a FilmPoster from the 1954 film: Jesse James' Women

Jesse James is a name that continues to live in history. As an outlaw to some, as a daring hero to others, as a romantic robin-hood type figure to still others. He is celebrated still today in areas where he left a mark. There are museums and festivals. His boyhood home, Kearney Missouri has a museum for him - plus a festival in his name every year. Robbery reenactments, other festivals involving his name, taverns named for him, rodeos and parades that involve a dedication to him.

Many plays have been written documenting his story - some not very accurately depicted. Many movies as well. And even video games have included him, some featuring him as the leading character.

The Movie: Jesse JamesPoster of 1939 Movie: Jesse James

He's been the subject of television programs. I remember when our kids were little - even as they watched a Brady Bunch program! There was a plot involving little Bobby being caught up with the image and reputation of Jesse James. His parents had to show him - prove to him - that Jesse was a bad guy!

Christopher Jones in The Legend of Jesse JamesChristopher Jones in 1965 on TV's "The Legend of Jesse James" - On from 1923 to 1977

There has been lots of books about this outlaw, Jesse James. Many of which are written in a documented manner. Therefore you can pretty much rely on their accuracy. One was written right during the time he lived. Or I should say, at the time of his death. It is available online - and you can access it to download. It is pretty amazing, as it contains a hand-written letter from Jesse James. It has drawings directly done from photographs of the day. It has 522 pages documenting accounts of his life along with his gang. It's called: Illustrated Lives and Adventures of Frank and Jesse James and the Younger Brothers, the Noted Western Outlaws. Its copyright is in 1882, but currently expired. See it - download it if you wish - by CLICKING HERE>

Jesse James dime novelJesse James Dime Novel - Issued From 1901 to 1903

What's more amusing are the historical dime novels. They were written mostly in the 1880s, usually romanticizing events of the "Wild West" to those who lived in the cities - and back East. They featured swashbuckling types of heroes, and they created Jesse as one of these.

So for those who look to Jesse James as the robin-hood romantic rather than a mean outlaw - it's more of a fanciful view. There's no evidence that he or any of his gang shared anything with any unfortunates. As previously stated, they just didn't specifically target individuals who weren't part of their agenda. But they had no qualms killing anyone who got in the way of their goals. And of course, in defending their own lives.

He is a figure who will continue to live on in history. Those who have their name associated with his will live on through history as well.


1 Settle Jr., W.A. (1977). Jesse James was his name. Lincoln, NB: University of Nebraska Press.

2 Yeatman, T.P. (2000). Frank and Jesse James: The story behind the legend. Nashville, TN: Cumberland House.

3 Trout, C. (n.d.) Jesse Woodson James. The State Historical Society of Missouri: Historic Missourians. Retrieved from

4 Stiles, T.J. (2002). Jesse James: The last rebel of the Civil War. New York: First Vintage Books.

5 Ross, J.R. (2001, Aug. 25). Jess James: The myths. Los Angeles Times. Orange County Edition, p. F2. Retrieved from

6 NY Times (1882, March 19) Skillfull detective work; Another of the James gang captured in Missouri. p. 1.

7 King, S. (2007, Sept. 17). One more shot at the legend of Jesse James. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from

8 Haygood, W. (2007, Sept. 17). A story of myth, fame, Jesse James. The Seattle Times. Retrieved from

9 Ries, J. (1994). Ed O'Kelley: The man who murdered Jesse James's murderer. Patches Publications.

10 Weiser, K. (Sept. 2017). Zee James – Jesse's "poor" wife. Legends of America. Retrieved from

11 NY Times (1915, Feb. 19). Frank James dies at 74. Former outlaw was one of last survivors of notorious band. Retrieved from

12 Stone, A. C., Starrs, J. E. & Stoneking, M. (2001). Mitochondrial DNA analysis of the presumptive remains of Jesse James. Journal of Forensic Sciences. 46,1, pp.173–6. PMID 11210907.

13 Dill, L.B. (1949). Is Jesse James still alive? Evidence supports story that Jesse James is alive. Herald-Journal of Spartanburg. South Carolina, p. 3. 

14 Patee House Museum & Jesse James Home (2001-2017) The Patee House: About us, our history. Retrieved from

Some Of Our Visitors' Favorite Pages

Local Tombstone Arizona
  • We Know Our Home
  • We Can Help You Discover its Best!

Protected by Copyscape