Frank James: 15 Strange Facts About Jesse’s Brother

Nearly everyone knows at least the simple historical facts about the infamous Missouri outlaw Jesse James. However, his arguably more interesting brother Frank James is not nearly as well-known. I have collected numerous strange facts about Jesse's brother that many have never heard before.

1. Frank was the older brother—and arguably the more cautious one

Frank was born Alexander Franklin James on January 10, 1843 which means he was 3 years older than Jesse. Jesse became famous for the letters he would write to newspapers to increase his fame and public persona. Frank was not interested in the outlandish outlaw notoriety, however.

2. He fought at the Battle of Wilson's Creek

Frank joined the pro-Confederate Missouri State Guard and fought at Wilson's Creek in 1861, but he caught a case of the measles which caused him to be left behind. Stories back in the day say Frank was captured by Union forces, but they released him when he promised to head home. The truth is he didn't keep his end of that bargain.

3. He rode with both Quantrill and Bloody Bill Anderson

He briefly associated with William Quantrill before joining William “Bloody Bill” Anderson's guerrilla band which was known as one of the most violent groups in the Civil War.

4. Frank actually wanted to quit the outlaw life

After the disastrous Northfield, Minnesota, robbery in 1876, Frank and Jesse fled to Tennessee. Frank used the alias B. J. Woodson, married Annie Ralston, had a son, raised hogs and raced horses. A PBS special said that Frank enjoyed that period in his life more than any other.

5. He wasn't with Jesse when Jesse was murdered

Frank wasn't present when Bob Ford killed Jesse James on April 3, 1882. He would surrender 6 months later to the governor of Missouri.

6. His surrender was basically a Missouri media event

On October 4, 1882, Frank walked into Governor Thomas Crittenden's office with newspapermen waiting. He would be moved to Independence where he would await trial.

7. Frank was acquitted—and Missouri had trouble convicting him

Frank faced trial for the 1881 Winston train robbery, but the prosecution had difficulty convincing the jury that he was guilty. The fact that much of the public in the Kansas City region was very sympathetic to Frank didn't help their cause. You can see the jury that acquitted Frank in the Library of Congress archives.

8. A former Confederate general testified for him—and was reportedly drunk

General Joseph O. “Jo” Shelby, a famous former Confederate cavalry commander, testified on Frank's behalf during his Missouri trial. The Daviees County Historical Society documents the peculiar behavior of the commander which may or may not have been the result of drunkenness.

9. There is a bizarre civil lawsuit involving Frank and Jesse

In 1870, Daniel Smoote sued Frank and Jesse for $223.50, claiming they had stolen a horse, saddle and bridle while fleeing after the 1869 robbery of the Daviess County Savings Association in Gallatin. Jesse and Frank swore their innocence, but never showed up for the trial which was found in favor of the plaintiff. There's no evidence that Smoote ever collected his $223.50, though.

10. Frank was an avid reader who loved Shakespeare

This was one aspect of Frank's life that was accurately portrayed in the 2001 movie American Outlaws. Frank was a literate and Shakespeare was apparently his author of choice.

11. He worked surprisingly ordinary jobs after becoming an outlaw

Frank James worked jobs including theater doorman and livestock trader before eventually returning to farming. There would be a Wild West aspect to him again eventually, though.

12. Frank and Cole Younger eventually became partners again—but as entertainers

In 1903, decades after their outlaw days, Frank James and Cole Younger teamed up for the Great Cole Younger and Frank James Historical Wild West Show. Yes, self-marketing really was a thing even back in the early 1900's.

13. Frank lived to be 72

Frank James died February 18, 1915, at age 72, at the family's Clay County farm not in a shootout, but in a peaceful way.

14. He spent his final years as a local celebrity

Frank's notoriety never completely disappeared. Missouri State Archives material includes a photograph from around 1912–1915 showing Frank at his Kearney-area farm.

15. His death had an unusual ending

Frank James was cremated in St. Louis. A Missouri historical account says the crematorium was the only one west of the Mississippi at the time, and his remains were kept in a bank vault before eventual burial with his wife in Independence. Think about that for a second. The man who was part of a gang famous for robbing banks had his remains held in a bank vault. Irony.