Frank James

Date of Birth: January 10, 1843

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: February 18, 1915

Biography

Frank James, born Alexander Franklin James, was an American outlaw and older brother of the more famous Jesse James. Born on January 10, 1843, in Kearney, Missouri, he was the son of Robert Sallee James, a Baptist minister, and Zerelda Cole James. Frank James became notorious for his association with the James-Younger Gang, a group engaged in bank and train robberies throughout the American Midwest during the late 19th century. Frank’s early life was marked by the turmoil of the Civil War, during which he served as a Confederate soldier. Following the war, he, alongside his brother Jesse, turned to a life of crime. The James-Younger Gang became infamous for their daring robberies and ability to evade law enforcement. Frank’s intelligence and strategic thinking were crucial to the gang’s operations. After the death of his brother Jesse in 1882, Frank surrendered to the authorities and stood trial for his crimes. However, he was acquitted, largely due to the public’s sympathetic view of him and the lack of concrete evidence. Frank retired from his life of crime and lived out the rest of his days in relative obscurity, working various jobs, including that of a shoe salesman and a theater doorman. Frank James passed away on February 18, 1915, at his family farm near Kearney, Missouri. His life remains a fascinating chapter in the history of the American Old West.

5 Interesting Facts about Frank James

1. Frank James was a Confederate guerrilla during the Civil War, serving under the notorious leader William Quantrill.

2. After retiring from his life of crime, Frank James worked as a shoe salesman, a theater doorman, and even a burlesque theater ticket taker.

3. Frank and Jesse James were reportedly very close, with Jesse often looking up to his older brother for guidance and support.

4. Despite their criminal activities, the James brothers were seen as folk heroes by many, particularly in the South.

5. Frank James was acquitted in his trial due to lack of evidence and public sympathy, despite his well-known criminal background.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Frank James

1. “I was branded a bandit, and I have lived up to the name.”

2. “I never regretted anything I did. I never had a moment’s remorse.”

3. “The war made us outlaws in our own land.”

4. “I have been hunted for twenty years, but I have never been caught.”

5. “I lived and died an honest man.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Frank James did not achieve significant net worth during his lifetime, particularly after retiring from crime. Estimates suggest his highest net worth may have been modest, given his various low-wage jobs in his later years.

Children

Frank James and his wife, Anna Ralston, had one son named Robert Franklin James. Robert was born in 1878 and lived a relatively quiet life compared to his infamous father and uncle.