Say “outlaw” and “James” in the same sentence and everyone responds “Jesse James.” It’s almost as if by dying as a outlaw in the nineteenth century Jesse has far overshadowed his older brother who died a law-abiding entrepreneur in the twentieth century.
Alexander Franklin “Frank” James and Jesse’s path paralleled until Jesse’s death. Jesse died the demi-god of paperback novelist and later Hollywood movie moguls, dreams. He was a Confederate soldier, while still in his teens, who rode with one of the most infamous guerilla fighters of all time, William Clarke Quantrill. He refused to surrender and became a outlaw who regardless of facts to the contrary, was considered a Robin Hood type folk hero. The image was largely due to John Newman Edwards, an ex-Confederate major and newspaper editor.
Frank was born on the family farm near Kearney, Missouri on January 10, 1843. He was studious and wanted to become a teacher. The turbulent times interfered with his choice of a career and sent him hurtling down a different path. Frank had a profound love of Shakespeare and carried copies of the bard’s plays in his saddlebags while being pursued by Union soldiers and later law officers. At eighteen he joined General Sterling Price and fought at the battle of Wilson’s Creek. Price, as commander of the Missouri State Guard, and aided by Confederate General Benjamin McCulloch, was attempting to uphold Missouri’s right to remain neutral. Frank followed Price as far as Springfield where he became ill and was left behind when Price, even though he had won the victory at Lexington, abandoned the entire area to Union forces. Frank was captured and forced to take an oath of loyalty to the United States.
