Frank and Jesse James Autographs
Scope and Contents
The collection contains two small pieces of paper with the autographs of outlaw brothers Frank and Jesses James. Frank James’ autograph is written on a small slip of paper in pencil and reads “Yours Frank James.”
The paper on which Jesse James autograph appears has been cut from a larger document. It reads, “Respectfully, Jesse James” and is dated in the bottom left corner, “March 1st.” A note in pink ink on the verso of the paper reads, “Hand of the bandit James from Trial papers” and is signed by “T. Crittenden, Gov. 1884.” The verso also bears the stamp, “M.H.S. XA 52 C.”Dates
- ca. 1882
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research use.
Conditions for Governing Use
For permission to publish, quote from, or reproduce material in this collection, please contact the Archives Reference Desk at archives@mohistory.org. Copyright restrictions may apply. The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming to the laws of copyright.
Biographical Sketches
Frank James (1843-1915) and Jesse James (1847-1882) were born to Robert S. James and Zerelda James in Kearney, Clay County, Missouri. At the outbreak of the Civil War, the James brothers joined William Quantrill and his Confederate guerrilla raiders. At the conclusion of the war, the brothers continued to be outlaws as part of the James–Younger Gang.
Frank married Annie Ralston, with whom he had one child. Frank James passed away in Kearney, Missouri on February 18, 1915. In 1874, Jesse married first cousin, Zerelda Amanda Mimms and they had four children, two of whom survived to adulthood.Extent
0.01 Cubic Feet
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
The autographs are arranged chronologically.
Physical and Technical Requirements
There are no physical or technical restrictions.
Donor Information
The autographs were a gift from Leroy Alonso in 2008.
Processing Information
Processed with funds from the Newman Family by Sara Law, 2023.
- Title
- Frank and Jesse James Autographs
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- EAD by Sara Law using ArchivesSpace
- Date
- 2024
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Missouri Historical Society Library and Research Center Repository