On June 3, 1871, notorious American outlaw Jesse James made off with $15,000 from Obocock Bank. A former Confederate guerilla who had served during the US Civil war, Jesse had long since turned crime into a way of life. Those wartime years proved to be a training ground where he honed his skills as a bandit, frequently targeting banks. Trains also fell into his crosshairs, as they carried some of the most valuable goods around.
Pulling off so many heists was never a solo endeavor for Jesse James. He relied on a close-knit crew known as the James-Younger Gang, which counted his brother Frank among its members alongside several other criminal associates. Remarkably, despite his prolific streak of illegal exploits, Jesse James managed to dodge the authorities for more than 15 years.
Brief history
Born on September 5, 1847, in Kearney, Missouri, Jesse James was the son of Robert S James and Zeralda Cole James. Throughout his lengthy criminal career, law enforcement never managed to apprehend him. His life ultimately came to an end at the hands of Robert Ford, a fellow member of the James-Younger gang, who shot Jesse James in the back of the head to collect the bounty that had been offered for Jesse James' capture or killing.
Fun Facts
- The very first heist Jesse James pulled off was a surprise train attack that claimed the lives of 150 people. This theft was carried out with the help of the James Younger gang on September 27, 1864.
- On June 3, 1871, James and his criminal crew hit Obocock Bank in Iowa, walking away with $15,000.
- The gang carried out their final robbery on July 7, 1875, targeting a train in Otterville, Missouri.
- In 1874, Jesse James tied the knot with his cousin Zeralda Mimms, who would go on to remarry twice following Jesse James' shooting death.
- A full 15 years passed before Jesse James was finally caught.