The Truth Behind The Infamous Jesse James
Known As The Friends Of The James Farm, This Museum in Kearney Presents The Facts On The Legend As Stories Come Alive With Events & Exhibits
In the great movie The Assassination of Jesse James by The Coward Robert Ford, one of the opening remarks by the narrator is that Jesse had a condition that “caused him to blink more than usual, as if he found creation slightly more than he could accept.” That line sums up the iconic symbol Jesse James was and still is in society. At times, he is viewed as a murderer and bandit, others a folk hero and helper of the poor. It all depends on who is viewing and where they and society is at the time - of what society or people cannot accept and need someone to help them see it.
“Most people read a story, see a movie, or are interested in western history,” explains Elizabeth Beckett, Clay County Historical Sites Manager, “so they come see the farm.” At Jesse James Farm & Museum in Kearney, Missouri, “We present the facts and, when people leave, they decide what they like to believe,” explains Beckett.
One would think that the 34 year old man who was shot in the back of the head by a member of his own gang in 1887 would be allowed to rest in peace over 100 years later, but myths have a hard time dying. In fact, in 1995 Jesse’s remains were exhumed so scientists could do DNA testing to prove that it was, in fact, Jesse James, as people came forward through the years saying they were the real Jesse James. DNA testing proved positively that it was Jesse James.
A state that does not forget Jesse is his home state of Missouri. Driving down interstates there are billboards advertising places and their association with Jesse James. The home, farm, and museum have historical artifacts from the James’ family, as well as the original gravestone of Jesse - his body is now in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kearney after a few moves through the years. “People come and see a 20 minute video giving context to the museum and then get to see 3 rooms of artifacts concerning the James’ family, and then get a guided cabin tour.” explains Beckett.
The myth of the James gang cannot be separated from the facts, however, at a place like the museum it is easier to understand the context in which the myth was generated. What is clear is that Jesse and his brother, Frank, participated in the Civil War as guerrilla fighters against the North. After the war, Jesse and Frank started a career in robbery and outlaw activities. It started nine months after the end of the Civil War at Clay County Savings Bank in Liberty, down the road a bit from Kearney. At the end of the Civil War, Jesse was shot in the chest so most reports put him back at the farm during the robbery, while Frank and a gang member robbed the bank, though, of course, there are legends of a man being stooped over on a horse during the robbery, thought to be Jesse because of the gunshot wound. They came away with at least $62,000 of the people's money, which bank employees had to sell their houses to repay as best as they could.
As the years progressed, the James gang robbed more banks and eventually switched to train robberies. During this time “John Newman Edwards, of the Kansas City Star, put many stories in the newspaper about Frank and Jesse James,” explains Beckett. Edwards was responsible, along with write-ins from Jesse, for the James’ getting a sort of Robin Hood mystique, even though there is no evidence of the James’ sharing their stolen wealth. Also aiding their sympathy was the ending of the Civil War and the defeat of the South, even though for the area, “the war wasn’t really over.” Then the Pinkerton’s came in, the Chicago detective agency hired to capture the James Gang, and bombed the homestead “killing Jesse’s half brother and blowing off one of his Mother’s arms,” explains Beckett, “which also significantly aided their cause.”
The story goes on and, eventually it wasn’t the Pinkerton’s, but a member of the gang that got Jesse in the end. “Once they became wanted, Frank and Jesse moved around a lot and lived under alias’,” Beckett says, “but they always made sure their Mother was taken care of on the farm.” In St. Joseph, MO, a bit Northwest of Kearney, Jesse, his wife, and children rented a house. Robert Ford and his brother, Charles, were some of the only people that Jesse trusted at this point. Robert and Charles made a deal with the Governor to kill Jesse. After breakfast, Jesse and Robert Ford went into the living room and Jesse, putting down his gun, stood on a chair to dust a picture. Robert shot him in the back of the head. The gravestone that is still on the property reads, “Murdered by a traitor and coward whose name is not worthy to appear here.” Robert eventually made his living reenacting this act of betrayal. He was shot in a saloon in Colorado.
All these stories come alive and are appreciated when visiting the farm. It shows both the backdrop that the James’ larger than life myth came to being, as well as artifacts from Jesse’s life and death. A lot of times, learning the actual facts of a historical celebrity’s life dampers the fantasy, however in the case of the James’ at their birth home, with their exploits, their supportive mother, and well-documented history - the mystique and celebrity just will continue to grow.
Andrew Malo
A graduate of Northeastern Illinois University in Education, Andrew has taught for the past decade in Chicago, New Mexico, and Japan. He enjoys tinkering with trucks and motorcycles, woodworking, reading and computer programming.
Make Sure To Stay At:
Campus RV Park is located in the heart of historical Independence, Missouri, with numerous attractions within walking distance. The greater Kansas City area is within a short drive. The park is open all year, has full hook-ups, and free Wi-Fi Internet.