The Legend of Jesse James

If you were lucky to be living in Missouri in 1874, then you would pick up the newspaper to read the following headline, ‘‘The Most Daring Train Robbery on Record!’’ The story went on to describe the men as unusually tall, heavily armed, and riding handsome horses. The bandits changed the signal switch, forcing the train to stop, which allowed them to steal 22,000.00 in cash and gold. There was no mention of who the bandits were, yet everyone was already famil- iar with the style of Frank and Jesse James. It turned out that the original press release was written by Jesse himself who left the press release with the train’s engineer just prior to riding off with the loot. Jesse publicized his gang because he knew that the only way he could continue to frustrate his victims was to secure the support of mostly struggling farm- ers, who idolized him.

Jesse learned his wild ways from his experience asa guerilla fighter for the Confederate army in the Civil War. Jesse a member of the William Quantrill gang learned to rob, ambush, and attack the union army’s activity. The union regulars could not match the Quantrill gang. Thus, the guerillas had to turn to robbery an extortion in order to survive. “‘Bloody Bill’? Anderson called the 17 year old Jesse James ‘*the keenest and cleanest fighter in the command. ”’ Jesse proves himright on Sept.27, 1864 the guerilla gang halted a train and stole 3,000.00 in union cur- rency, and killed more than 225 union troops Jesse, reportedly, rode with a six shooter in each hand and killed three union soldiers.

On Feb. 13,1866 with the Civil War over the James brothers launched their career. In Liberty, Missouri they held up the Clay County Savings Bank. Jesse and Frank had eight of their men watching outside while Jesse and Frank showed their guns and walked out of the bank with about 60,000.00. The gang rode outif town and divided up the money. For aboutten years Jesse and Frank continued their bloody venture without much interference. During this time they killed a town mayor, several bank clerks anda score of bystanders. Many people suspected the James brothers for these crimes yet there was so much local admiration for the rebels socking it to the big busi- ness thatno one would testify against the James gang. Eventually railway owners and bankers joined forces and hired the famous Pinkerton detective agency to kill off Jesse and Frank. For years the agency pur- sued the brothers, the agency lost several of its men,

UPEI X-P RESS

February 13.1902

but never caught up with Jesse or Frank. Infactthe Pinkerton agency screwed up. Hearing thatJessean Frank were at home one evening Pinkerton’s men pelted the James residence with bullets. Jesse’s eight year old half brother was killed and Jesse’s mother had her arm blown off. Jesse an Frank were in Tenesee at the time. When the locals heard of this attack Jesse and Frank were only seen as social mar- tyrs and their reputation was strengthened.

All things must come to an end. In 1876, Missouri’s new governor puta reward of 5,000.000 for the arrest of either Frank or Jesse. More money was to be handed out if either brother was shot. Bob Ford was a recent recruit to the James gang. Bob did not feel the loyalty that past gang members felt to Frank and James. One day Bob visited Jesse at his home. Natu- rally, Jesse welcomed Bob. Later Jesse was admiring a picture on the wall when Bob shot Jesse in the head and then collected the reward. Five months later Frank James surrender to the governor and was put on trial. Frank was acquitted of all charges probably because of the public outrage at the cowardly assassi- nation of Jesse James. Frank lived the rest of his live

in peace.

end

AS ” PSYCHOLOGY CLUBNEWS The Psychology club which has been non-existent for the past couple of years has once again resurfaced. The club is open to anyone who has taken or who is taking a course in psychology, and who is interested in meeting some new people and having some fun. In the next few weeks we are planning on having a skate, anda volleyball game. Also Friday Feb.21 at 2:00 pm we are planning on having a dry movie pub in the psychology lounge. If anyone is interested In challenging us toa volleyball game please contact either Janice Ryan at 368-7262 or Janet MacKinnon at 368-1567

ee You atthe next meeting ae & Janet