What families are related to Jesse James? This question often arises when discussing the notorious outlaw of the American Old West. Jesse James, born in 1847, was a member of the James-Younger Gang, a group of outlaws who robbed banks and trains during the late 19th century. His family tree is filled with individuals who either participated in criminal activities or were associated with the gang. In this article, we will explore the various families related to Jesse James and their connections to the infamous James-Younger Gang.
The James family itself was the central figure in the notorious gang. Jesse’s father, Robert James, was a former Confederate soldier who became a farmer after the Civil War. He was known for his violent nature and had several run-ins with the law. Robert’s brother, Reuben James, was also involved in criminal activities and was even sentenced to death for horse theft. Reuben’s son, Frank James, became Jesse’s closest confidant and the gang’s primary planner.
Frank James’s wife, Zerelda “Zee” Cole James, played a significant role in the gang’s operations. Zee was born into a wealthy family, but her marriage to Frank James led her to a life of crime. She was known for her intelligence and resourcefulness, often helping the gang evade capture. Zee’s sister, Ann Cole Younger, was married to William “the Kid” Younger, another member of the James-Younger Gang. The Younger family, including Ann and William, were closely related to the James family and contributed to the gang’s activities.
The Younger family had its own criminal history. William Younger’s father, Allen Younger, was a farmer who had a reputation for being a violent man. Allen’s brother, John Younger, was also involved in crime and was known for his participation in the famous Northfield, Minnesota bank robbery in 1876. John’s son, Robert Younger, became a member of the gang and was present during the famous 1876 robbery of the Kansas City, Missouri train.
Another family related to Jesse James was the Ford family. Jesse’s brother, Robert Ford, was the gang’s turncoat member who betrayed Jesse by shooting him in the back during a robbery in 1882. Robert Ford’s mother, Sarah Jane Ford, was a strong-willed woman who supported her son’s decision to kill Jesse, despite the potential consequences.
The families related to Jesse James were deeply intertwined, with members often participating in criminal activities or supporting those who did. Their connections to the James-Younger Gang have made them infamous in American history. The legacy of the James family and its relatives continues to fascinate historians and enthusiasts alike, as they seek to understand the complex dynamics of this notorious group of outlaws.
