The Mysteries of Jesse and James- Unraveling the Ages of the Notorious Brothers

How old are Jesse and James? This question has intrigued many people, especially those who are fans of the legendary outlaws from the American Old West. Jesse and Frank James, often referred to as the James Brothers, were notorious for their bank robberies and train holdups during the late 19th century. Born in the 1840s, their age has become a topic of fascination and speculation among historians and enthusiasts alike.

The James Brothers, Jesse Woodson James and Frank James, were born in Kentucky on September 15, 1843, and April 3, 1843, respectively. This means that Jesse was the older brother by two years. Their father, Robert James, was a Baptist preacher, and their mother, Zerelda Colter, was a woman of strong personality and influence. Despite their humble beginnings, the James Brothers grew up in a turbulent time, witnessing the Civil War and its aftermath, which would later shape their lives and criminal activities.

As young men, Jesse and Frank were initially drawn to the allure of the frontier life. They joined the Confederate army during the Civil War, but Frank was discharged due to a wound, while Jesse fought until the end of the war. After the war, the brothers faced economic hardships, which led them to consider crime as a means of survival. Their first major heist was the robbery of the Northfield, Minnesota, bank in 1876, which was a spectacular failure but marked the beginning of their notorious career as outlaws.

The question of their age has been a subject of debate, mainly because the James Brothers were known for their ability to evade capture and change their identities. There are conflicting accounts regarding their birthdates, with some sources suggesting that Jesse was born in 1844. However, the most widely accepted dates are September 15, 1843, for Jesse and April 3, 1843, for Frank. Based on these dates, the brothers would have been in their late 60s when they were finally captured and killed by law enforcement.

Jesse James was killed on April 3, 1882, in St. Joseph, Missouri, by a member of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. Frank James, on the other hand, managed to evade capture for several years after Jesse’s death. He was eventually captured in 1899 and spent the last years of his life under house arrest before dying on August 19, 1920. The brothers’ lives were marked by their relentless pursuit of wealth and freedom, and their age at the time of their demise only added to the mystique surrounding their legend.

In conclusion, Jesse and Frank James were born in the 1840s, and their age has been a subject of debate among historians. Despite the discrepancies, it is widely accepted that they were in their late 60s when they faced the consequences of their actions. The question of their age, like many aspects of their lives, remains a fascinating topic for those interested in the history of the American Old West.