JAKARTA - On April 3, 1882, a criminal United States (US), Jesse James was shot dead. He died at the hands of Bob Ford, his own partner, in one of the most recognizable tales of criminal treason in the world.
Jesse Woodson James, the bandit's full name. He was born in Kearney, Missouri, USA. Jesse's father, Robert James owned a farm in the area. Robert died when Jesse was three years old.
Losing Robert was not only felt by Jesse, but also his younger sister, Susan Lavenia James, and her older brother, Alexander Franklin. After the departure of Robert, Jesse's mother, Zerelda was married twice and gave birth to four children.
When the US Civil War broke out in 1861, Jesse and his brother Frank joined the resistance against the North alongside the guerrillas of the South. Jesse and Frank were both involved in the massacre of residents and troops affiliated with the North camp.
After the war, Jesse and Frank returned to their father's ranch in Missouri. However, civil war has changed both of them. A calm and peaceful livestock life is no longer attractive to them. From that point on, the James brothers became criminals.
The James brothers' criminal acts
The James brothers began their criminal activities in a robbery at a bank in Liberty. They went into action with eight others on February 13, 1866. That same year, Cole Younger joined the group, which was then followed by his other brothers.
The action of Jesse and his group extends to several other areas, such as Iowa, Alabama, to Texas. As reported by History Daily, Jesse really likes public attention. That is what continues to drive him to plan other robberies. What's interesting about Jesse's criminal image is that people think of him as a modern Robin Hood.
Jesse's greatness as a villain can be compared to Billy the Kid. Jesse's story was made into many novels and the big screen was also made into a ballad called Jesse James, The Cruel Bandit from Missouri who was popular in the 19th century. Jesse's image as Robin Hood is strengthened by the imagery in these titles.
Their movements are random. Jesse and his group ensure the target of their robbery must not be people from the Southern stronghold. In 1873, James and his gang carried out a robbery on a train. The action caught the attention of a detective, Pinkerton, who was determined to arrest and prosecute Jesse and his group.
The arrest attempt by Pinkerton was unlucky for the police. The arrest injures a woman and Jesse's child to provoke public sympathy for Jesse and his group. Yes, Jesse married his cousin in 1874. He had two children from that marriage.
The marriage didn't stop Jesse. September 7, 1876, the two robbed the First National Bank in Northfield, Minnesota. The action failed. Jesse and Frank were close to disaster at that time. Imagine, except for them, that all members of the group were killed or captured. The James brothers then formed a new group in 1879.
Killed by a coward for $ 10 thousand
In 1881, Missouri Governor Thomas T. Crittenden offered a reward of $ 10,000 for anyone who could catch Jesse and Frank. It doesn't matter life or death. This contest attracted the interest of Charlie and Robert "Bob" Ford.
The two of them are members of Jesse's new group. Apart from being dazzled by money, the two of them also have a grudge against Jesse. On April 3, 1882, while Jesse's mother was making breakfast, the new group held a meeting about plans for the next robbery.
As usual, the plan was devised by Jesse. That's where Jesse died. When Jesse turned around to fix the position of the photo frame - reading "In God We Trust", Bob Ford stood up and shot Jesse repeatedly in the back of Jesse's head.
Jesse died instantly. He was buried in St. Petersburg. Joseph, Missouri. On Jesse's tombstone it read: Jesse W. James, died April 3, 1882, Age 34 years, 6 months, 28 days. Killed by a coward and traitor whose name is not worthy of being named here.
* Read other information about WORLD HISTORY or read other interesting writings from Putri Ainur Islam.
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