Jesse James and the First Missouri Train Robbery

by Ronald H. Beights

Jesse James and his notorious gang at the height of their careers.

208 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2002

Reviews

[Greg Fletcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provided a great deal of insight into a portion of the life of Jesse James, Frank James, and the Younger brothers. I say a portion because I believe Jesse was at least twenty as the book started. He definitely had already been a guerrilla fighter for the Confederacy during the Civil War. But I don't think it was intended to dwell on his entire life....just the events leading up the first Missouri train robbery. Notably, although everyone suspected him, his brother, and the Youngers of committing the crime, they never were tried for the train robbery. Even after two decades they hadn't been caught, even though they pretty much lived in the same area of Missouri. Jesse never was convicted of anything. I won't be a spoiler, so you'll have to read the book to discover the details. I will say it's "details" that I never expected. Overall the book is not something you'll feel the need to write home about, but it is a fun read that will surprise you.

[Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a significant amount of original reporting this shares the details of men robbing a train then making off with the loot, stopping for food and lodging along the way. They pay with (stolen) funds so they are soon given legendary status. Includes maps and b/w images.

[Lisa Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Great Book