A deep dive into Jesse James - Grave, Homestead and first succussful bank robbery!
Jesse James didn’t find his resting place easily. After being shot dead by Bob Ford, James’ body was buried three times and exhumed twice. Today, his final resting place is in a cemetery down the road from his birthplace in Missouri. He is buried next to his wife, first cousin Zerelda, as well as his mother, stepfather, and half brother.
Time was running out for Jesse. A hefty reward had been offered for his capture. He was wanted, dead or alive. The Ford brothers waited for the perfect moment. With James' back turned, Bob Ford shot him in the head. Though they collected the reward, both Ford brothers met horrifying fates shortly after.
When Jesse’s wife passed away in 1902, he was moved to Mt. Olivet where she was buried. In 1995 a demand for DNA testing led to another exhumation of his corpse. Though decomposed, DNA proved that was indeed the body of Jesse James.
I had originally only know about the grave of Jesse James. I pulled into the cemetery wondering how I was going to find the specific plot. But low and behold there was a huge sign marking it. I also pulled in behind another car. My immediate thought was don’t disturb these people in the grief, but it turned out that they were looking for Jesse James as well. So we made our way together. And they also shared that the James homestead is near by, so we caravanned to the homestead.
By the time we got there they were ready to close but let us in free as long as we were quick! The museum lady told me to stop in Liberty MO to see the first successful bank robbery location. The Bank also let me in free. And gave me a free plastic sheriff badge that says Jesse James Bank Museum.
Time to get back on the road. This was supposed to be a quick stop!
