The Murder of Jesse James

Jesse James's legend was only strengthened by his assassination; his murderer was portrayed as a coward while Jesse was regarded as fallen hero.
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A wanted poster for the death of Jesse James

Robert Ford

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Robert (Bob) Ford
  • Although Jesse was in public favor, the governor issued a death reward because too many lives were lost
  • Robert"Bob" Ford, on January 13th 1882, secretly met with the governor of Missouri and made a contract
  • If the Fords killed Jesse, they would receive both the reward money and a pardon for all their previous crimes
  • Bob Ford agreed and waited, until Jesse was unarmed with his back facing them, to fire
  • The Ford brothers both pulled their pistols but only Bob shot Jesse in the head
  • Jesse James died on the 3rd of April, 1882
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