Hide Article Text (OCR)
HIS JUST DUES.| with gray. She was incredulous on her ] arrival about the dead man being her son Jesse, aid was fully convinced until ! she was driven to his late residence, T,.„a Tomoc rmH Mnr. where she met his widow, who era-Jesse James fellOt ana Mor- braced the old lady, and both manifest-I ed great emotion. Mrs. Samuels ac-! companied by Mrs. James and her ! children were driven to the under* j takers, where they viewed the body, and the scvne was very affecting; 1 mother, wife and children all joining _ t . in lamentation. Mrs. S. said the bodyRobert Ford Joins the Gang was that of her son, and with greatemotion exclaimed: “Would to God and Does the Deed. jt waa not » rp{ie mo^ber re-entered! the carriage and was driven to the ! court room, where she was to testifytally Wounded at St. Joseph. Mo.The Mother Telegraphed for, and At. coroners inquest, then in protends the Inquest—Exciting Scenes.JAMBS NEMESIS.Sr. Louis, April 4.—The Ford brothers, one of whom killed Jesse James yesterday, reside on a farm about two ST. Lons, April 3—Information has j 5?.*'“ R'uC!,W!^: 0°T[\ “eat ,ofjust reached here that Jesse James, thenotorious train robber, was killed today, at or near St. Joe, Mo. Particulars have been sent for and will be forwarded as soon as received.St. Joseph, Mo., April 4.—A great sensation was croated in this city this morning by the announcement that Jesse James the notorious bandit and train robber had been shot and killed here. The news spread with great rapidity, but the most of people read it with doubts until the investigation established the fact beyond question, then the excitemeut became more anti more intense and crowds of people rushed to the part of the city where the shooting took place, anxious to view-the body laid out and learn the particulars, in a small frame shanty in the south part of the city not far from the World’s hotel, where Jesse James had lived with his wife since some time in November last. Robert and Charles, Ford, two of his gang, have made it their headquarters at bis house, and Charles, it is said, had lived with him in that shanty ever since November. Rober tarrived about ten days ago, and the three have been making preparat-» ions for a raiding expedition, 011 which they were to start to-night. James and the two Fords being in the front room about 9 o’clock this morning, the former took off his belt and laid his pistols on the bed, and was preparing to wash himself when Robert sprang up behind and sent a bullet through his brain. The ball entered the back of his head at the base of the right brain, coming out over the eye. The Ford brothers at once made known what they had done and gave themselves up. They are now under guard at the court house. The body of James was conveyed to an undertaker, where it was prepared for burial and where a photograph was taken. James’ wife has telegraphed to his mother the news of his death. A number of men hj|ve identified the body, and there is 110 question about it being Jesse James.A Herall reporter viewed the body at the undertaker’s, when it was being photographed. He was a fine looking man, apparently 40 years old, with a broad forehead, and his physiogomy was that of an intelligent as well as a resolute and daring man. The house where he lived, and in which he waa killed, has the appearance of an armory. A number of guns and pistols, including a repeating rifle and a needle gun and navy revolver, with a good stare of amunition, were found there. Jessie was in the habit of wearing two belts, with a brace of very fine revolvers and twenty-five extra catridges, and in a small stable near by were discovered several fine horses, the property of James.The Ford brothers claim they are detectives, and that they have been on James’ for track a long time. It is believed they were with James in the Blue Cut robbery, and they were influenced in killing him by hoping to get the reward which have been offered for James, dead or alive, by the governor and by the express and railroad companies.Ray county, this state. Robert, who did the shooting, is only 20 years old. Their house is said to have been the rendezvous of some of the James gang, and it waa there that Dick Little killed Wood Hite, brother of Clarence Hite, who was recently sentenced to 25 years in the penitentiary, and is now in pris on. It is said that both belonged t the James gang [at one time, but th: statement does not seem to be verified. The family came from Virginia, fifteen years ago, and has always been considered very respectable; for some time past both the brothers Iieved to have been detective service and specially engaged in hunting out the members! of the James gang. Their aunt, Mrs. Scott, is supposed to be the lady who recent ly had a secret interview with Governor Crittenden at Jefferson City. Governor Crittenden at the request i»f the au thorities of the place, ordered out some of the St. Joseph military last night, to guard the body of the dead outlaw, as there seemed to be an attempt made to capture it. He also ordered parts of two companies out at Kansas City ‘ serve as guards at that place.OTHER PARTICULARS.Ixxiy from the train at Kansas City. The commission sent up by the guverner, including Mattie Collins and Dick Little’s wife, arrived at a late houi hist night, viewed the remains and identified them as those of Jesse James. The Ford boys are dose prisoners at the county jail, and when interviewed this morning, they betrayed a nervous anxiety about their fate. Dp to within twelve hours ago, they didn't seem to realize the gravity of their situation, but to-day Robert confessed to a reporter that if he had known he would be thrown into a dingy cell, he would not have killed Jesse. The aims and jewelry found in the outlaws home, are in the hands of the police, who refuse to surrender them until the question of their ownership has been fully determined. The household effects will be sold to the highest bidder.JESSES MOTHER.Kansas Cnv, April 4.—The death of Jesse James, the great Missouri bandit, is now beyond question a fact. Gov. Crittenden arrived here this morning, and says positively that it is he, and his death is the result of an understanding between the authorities and Boh Ford, who killed him, and Dick Little, who surrendered to Sheriff Timberlake, at the same time Ford did. The inquest at St. • Joseph was concluded at noon to-day. Mrs. Samuels, mother of Jesse James, his wife, Dick Little and Sheriff Timberlake. identified the body, and during the proceedings Mrs. James and Samuels made a highly sensational scene, attacking Dick Little and calling all manner of curses down on him for having conspired to betray his leader.The coroner’s jury returned a verdict of murder in the first degree against Ford, and the authorities of Buchanan county refuse to give him up. The body of Jesse James will probably be taken to the old farm near Kearney, Clay county, for burial. The confirmation of James’ death has created a profound sensation in western Missouri and farmers near this place and in Independence who have not been • in either place for years, rode into town this morning in the rain to investigate the rumor. Some denounced Ford as an assassin, whose only object was blood. Many excuse him on the ground of expediency.The governor will not go to St. Joseph, but will return to Jefferson City to-night, where some step will be taken 1 to protect Ford, who is thought to be in danger frwm the friends of the dead robber.AH Cracker Neck w as upon horseback this morning, and some threats of vengeance are said to have been made against the lives of Ford and Little.The Hannibal A St. Jo R. R. Co. have tendered courtesy to .Mrs. James and her mother.St. Louis, April 4.—A Post-I)ispateh special from Kansas City says: It is now known that the taking off of Jesse James was the fulfillment of an arrangement between Gov. Crittenden and Bob Ford, and that Ford was to receive one-fourth of the reward and immunity In an interview with Dick Little and a reporter Sunday night last, the scheme was foreshadowed, but he said it was not to have been accomplished before Wednesday or Thursday, and only then if it was found impossible for Timberlake to capture the bandit leader alive.Gov. Crittenden stated here, to-day, that his first meeting with Ford was at the St. James’ Hotel in this city on the22d of February, and the arrangement by which Jesse James was to be either captured or killed, was consummated He met Little a few days later. He was non-committal as to the disposition to be made of Ford and Little, but admitted their ultimate pardon was not improbable. Sherig Timberlake, Dick Little and Mrs. Samuels, mother of the dead bandit, passed through here last night en route for St. Joseph, and have identified the bodyonoath. Thedouble confession of Dick Little is still a mystery, and the officers are endeavoring to solve it, and learn which is correct’ The trial of the Blue Cut robbers still progresses at Independence, and the utmost efforts of their counsel are d reeled toward proving an alibi.MORE PARTICULAR.?.St. Louis, April 4.—A special from St. Joseph to the Post-Dispatch says that prosecuting attorney Wallace of Jackson county, and Mate Collins, wife of Dick Little, arrived.there this morning. They both identifier! the remains of Jesse James, and Wallace will take charge of the dead outlaw’s effects. The remains of Jesse James have been handsomely laid out, and are now encased in an expensive casket which is at the undertaker’s awaiting the preparation of a special train which will bear their large party of friends and officials to the home of Mrs. Samuels, near Kearney, where they will he hurried. Capt. Ford, brother of Robert and Charles, arrived here this morning In an interview he said: “I haveknown this thing since last tali, and tried several months ago to ggt Cnarley and Bob back on the farm. He would kill us, we thought; he was after us, and for that reason we went into it. knew the boys had himTHE OyiLA’V S MOTHER.c*T. Jo, Mo., April 4.—Mrs. Samuels, mother of the dead outlaw, arrived here at 9:45 this morning from herhome in Clay county. She is large, 57 years old, black hair, well sprinkledlocated, but did not know where. It was only a question of who shot first, Jesse or the United States. We tried to get him to our house and he did come there twice, but I was not at home either time and nothing was done. I know where Frank James is, but do not propose to tell just now, at least. He is somewhere east. Frank will revenge Jesse’s death, and somebody connected with the affair will undoubtedly be killed. This matter is not yet ended.THE BODY OF JAMES.St. Joseph, Mo., April 5.—The body of Jesse James was shipped from this city on the 7 o’clock train of the Hannibal cfc St, Joseph railway, this even ing, in custody of Marshal Craig, of this city, and the family of the dead desperado, consisting of 1;. W. James, cousin of Jesse, R. J. Mini ins, the widow’s brother, Mrs. James, Mrs. Samuels and two children. It. will be taken to Cearney, Clay county, Missouri, and buried on the James homestead tomorrow. There will be considerable of a wrangle over the remains, between H. H. Craig, police commissioner of Kansas City, Sheriff Timberlake, of Gay county, and the local authorities, who insisted upon seeing the body placed in the keeping of the relations, instead being taken to Kansas City. The body was officially turned over to Mrs. James by Coroner Hiddens this afternoon on an order irom the grand jurv of Buchanan county, and the dispatch of Governor Crittenden. The jam on the depot platform, as the relatives stepped from the conveyances to take the train, was tremendous. Mrs. Samuels was the most conspicuous personage in the throng. She insisted upon having an official escort from this city fearing that an attempt would be made to take theTHE INQUEST.St. Joseph, April 4.—At the coroner’s inquest Mrs. Samuels, mother of Jesse James, said that it was her son Jesse. Considerable excitement was created by her denunciation of the treachery of Dick Little. Governor Crittenden has just arrived here, and it is unknown at present what wrill be done with the body.A Train Robber’s Confession.A dispatch from Kansas City says that the following confession has been given to the press:iAiir^’s confession is as follows: “Atthree o’clock in the morning two men came to mo (they were John Bugler and Creed Chapman) and said: ‘John, what do you want to work so hard for? We don’t work but get lots of money easy.’ Bugler said: ‘How would you like to go and help us rob a train ?’ I said: ‘I’m making $4lt;» per month, and don’t believe I will make any more money robbing trains than digging wells.’ Bugler said: ‘If you will go we will insure you more money.’ 1 said, ‘Boys, who is going in with you Bugler Haid, ‘Jesse James, Frank James, Dick Little, James Cummings, PA. Miller, Henry Bugler, John Matt, Charley Deerdorff, Armstrong, Creed and myself.’ I said, ‘All right, I will go in with you.’ I quit work at once and all three of us started up the railroad toward Glendale. After walk in a short distance they left me and strucl off across the country, while I went 011 to Glendale. I think it was about 9 o’clock when I reached the platform of the station. I went inside and John Matt was there. We had a short conversation about a drill which I wanted to use, and then stepped out of the depot on to the platform, and I saw i man riding down the road towards th_ depot, on a large bay hoise. He hitched his horse, and came up to us, andshook hands with Matt, and turning to me said, ‘Mr. Laird, I will introduceyou to Jesse James.’ Immediately after shaking hands he and Matt walked to the other end of the platform and held a short conversation Jesse then came up to me and said, 'Mr. Laird, I understand you are going in with us to rob train to-night.’ I said, ‘yes sir. Jesse said, ‘Have you any arms?’ answered, ‘Yes, a breech-loading rifie.’ He said,‘Be sure and bring it with you: meet us at the cut back of Jack Cole’s farm as soon after eight o’clock as convenient. Come alone; when you get within 200 or 300 yards of the spot signal us by whistling twice; the answer will be once.’ I then turned and went back home. My folks, except my brother, who was not at home, retired soon after sun-down--we had 110 time-piece. I think my brother got home about 7 o'clock. I then went to bed with him, he on the back, and I on the front side. As near as I can judge, it was a little after 8 o’clock, when I got up, took down my rifle, and stepping out in my socks, got away without raising any of the family. On arriving at the cut, 1 gave the signal agreed upon. It was answered, and I stepped forward and was met by Jesse James; all the old gang was there, six of them, and Armstrong and several of whom I had known before and who had joined the regular gang only a short time before; but I was the only one of the neighborhood boys who had got there. Shortly after Creed, Chapman and John Bugler gave the signal and came in; following them came John Matt alone. Pretty soon the train heard coming, and Jesse said: Boys, we who are older hands at the business will stop the train, go through^ (he cars, and get what is there. You fellows run along the outside and fire 15 or 20 apiece to scare the passengers.” Jesse stood upon a rile of rocks on the track, swung a antern, and the train camqjo stop within a few feet of the obstruction. Chapman, John Beyler and myself stood 011 tne south side of the track, while John. Mott and two others were on the other side. The first thing they did was to break into the express cai. We all had on white masks; and as I began at once to fire and the excitement raised, I did not notice who it was went into the cars. Before had been long at work, a man come from the train ith a lantern and start to run east. John Bugler called out, “what does that mean ?” Creed Chapman at once fired at him, followed by Bugler and striking him the third shot. Just then some one called out Irom the train: Don’t shoot him, he is going to flag the freight.” After that the men in the cars got through and came to the head of the engine and were joined by those on the north side and then all of them came over and joined us on the south side.The Mason Bullet.When Sergeant Mason fired his unlucky bullet it struck the wall of Guit-eau’s cell and flattened itself into a thin piece of lead, the uuter lines of which present a startling profile likeness of the agent of the Deity. The bmllet excited great curiosity* at the time, and an enterprising dealer obtained Warden Crocker’s permission to make a cast from the original piece of lead. Since, then hundreds of the little lead profiles have been sold, accompanied with the warden’s printed certificate of their correctness as facsimiles, and the uncanny things are found in the pockets of every man and
Newspaper Details
Albert Lea Enterprise
Albert Lea, Minnesota, US
Thu, Apr 13, 1882
Page 5
Full Page
Clipped by
Joplin P.
MO, USA 03 Aug 2024
Other Publications Near Albert Lea, Minnesota
Albert Lea the Evening Tribune Farm Tab
Albert Lea Evening Tribune Farm Tab
Farm and Home Magazine
Albert Lea Sunday Tribune
Standard
