The Springfield herald., 1898-11-25

robbery of Missouri Pacific train
Sept. "a, in the Cracker Neck district
of Western Missouri, which his father
made famous. Physically he is almost
an exact reproduction of Jesse James,
the elder. Jesse, Jr., was born when
his father was in the prime OF his
manhood and at the height of his
career as an outlaw. He was only 6
years old when his father was assassin
ated, but remembers him well, Tor
when Jesse James was hiding, under
the name Of Howard this little boy
used to beg his father TO read to him
the adventures of the James boys, and
the father always complied with the
boys request keeping him in ignor-
ance of his identity until one day
there came a revelation. Jesse James,
Sr., was murdered by traitorous
friend, Bob Ford, and Jesse James, Jr.'
for the first time knew that the hero
of his boyish fancy and his father was
one and the same person. Young James
was sent to school, and until recently
was regarded as model youth, quiet
and industrious. For six years he
was a clerk for the Armour Packing
company, in Kansas City, and during
that time managed to save enough
money to pay for the modest home at
No. 3402 Tracy avenue, where he re-
sides with his mother and his sister,
Mary. the latter 19 years old, and
graduate Of the Kansas City high
school.
Contrary to the wishes of his moth
JpSSp soveroI rpnpthc oUp Uove I'm
his position with the Armour company
and established cigar stand in the
lobby OF the court house. There he
became acquainted with Jack Kennedy
and other men and fell into bad COM
pany. When Kennedy was arrested
In connection with murder case,
young James assisted him in establish
Ing an alibi. Jesse's friends were not
pleased with this proceeding, and
stamped 1t with their displeasure.
Young James was suspected of COM
plicity In the crime soon after the Mis-
souri, Pacific train robbery occurred.
Kennedy attempted to help Jesse out
OF trouble by making affidavits as to
his whereabouts on the night of the
robbery, but as Kennedy was himself
under suspicion his efforts in the young
mans behalf had little weight with the
authorities. and did not prevent his ar
rest. Less than a week after the Mis-
souri, Pacific train was blown up with
dynamite. William w. Lowe, a switch
man, who had become fast friend of
James, was taken into custody on sus-
picion, and 1t is claimed that the police
have his confession in writing, with
signature attached, and that Lowe i'm
plicates young James in the crime. The
boy has many friends, who are 10th
to believe him guilty. Neither is he
lacking In public defenders. Thomas
]. Crittenden, who was governor of
Missouri in 1881, and who offered the
reward for Jesse James, the elder which
tempted the cupidity OF Bob Ford has
been retained as counsel for young
Jesse. Judge Phillips will assist him.
Attorney F. c. Carr, an old friend OF
the James family, is very active in the
young mans behalf. officials of the
Armour Packing company are also
lending aid. Jesse stoutly maintains
his innocence. and has made a state
ment in which he gives his wherea-
bouts on the night of the robbery.
Young James has been thrice arrested.
as the police were trying to conceal
the course they intended to pursue.
His last arrest was for train robbery.
and he is out under $500 bail.
The James boys" the father and
the uncle Of Jesse, Jr., were the sons
Of a respectable Baptist minister.