South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-03-22
LAST OF BAND.

Cole Younger was one or the last
OF the members Of the notorious
roboer bands that infested western
Missouri during and after the Civil
var. lie was a member OF the
QuantreH band Of guer1llas and
with his two brothers took part with
the James Boys" in bank and train
robberies in Missouri and neighbor-
ing states that netted the looters
more than 100000 The leading
members OF these bands are dead.
some at the hands Of the law. some
by suicide and others from natural
causes. Younger. after a long term
IN the penitentiary. became a law
abiding Missouri citizen.
Cole was the oldest Of the three
Younger Boys"
The father. Col. Harry W Young
er. came to Missouri from Kentucky
before the war h was strong
Union man, though Stakeholder.
He settled near Lees Summit, 20
miles from Kansas City. where Cole
was born in 1914. Col Younger
was murdered by one OF the bands
OF lawIess guerrillas that infested
Missouri-Kansas border in war time
The sons said their father was
slain for the purpose of rob-
berry. They Immediately took up
arms against the north. They join
ed QuantrelPs guerrilIas and had
their part in the memorable sacking
OF Lawrence, Kas.
Become Outlaws.
When the war was over they and
the Jameses became outlaws. Among
the notorious robberies OF the de-
cade following the war that were
laid at their door were:
The raid on the Liberty. Mo-. bank
in 1895. One bank defender shot
dead and $4,000 stolen.
The loOting OF a Russellville, KY,
bank in 1868 for $4,000.
The Gallatin. Mo. robbery of 1868
in which the cashier was shot and
killed.
Raids OF Lexington and Savannah
Mo-, banks In 1867.
Ten thousand dollars stolen from
the Kansas City Fair association in
1871. while 1000 persons looked on.
The COrydop, La. bank robbed Of
$4,000 the same year.
A dozen other sensational robber-
les for which the Younger and
James boys were blamed. were car
ried out successfully before the
three Younger brothers were cap
tured in Minnesota after a raid on a
bank at Northheld Mimi, in 1875.
I'm the course of which Cashier Hay
wood was killed. The YOungers
were shot many times in battles with
a posse but finally were taken alive
after a battle at Shieldsville. Mimi.
Brothers Plead Guilty.
Cole and his brother pleaded
guilty and were sentenced TO prison
for life. They entered the peniten-
tiary at saltwater. Mimi. and be-
came model prisoners. Bob died in
the penitentiary in 1889. Cole and
James Younger were paroled in
1901. The next year James shot
himself. leaving a note ascribing his
action TO a refusal Of the parole 10
permit him TO marry the girl he
loved.
After Cole was parOled ne was
forced by Minnesota law 10 live in
that state for three years Then he
returned 10 Missouri and settled
down in a vine covered cottage
which he boughJ for a niece in Lees
Summit, TIE scene of his boyhoOd
days For q time ne was connected
with a show and later went on the
lecture platform, and became a
good citizen.
In August, 1913. Younger was con-
certed 10 religion at a revival meet
ing and became an active church
worker.
1--WE led an adventurous. turbu-
lent life" he said The war brought
on hate and strife and killing
around here. I have been blamed
for a lot OF IL with which l had
nothing 10 do. They murdered my
father and l was launched into life
OF shooting and reprsals and rough
riding. winding mp with p years In
the penitentlary / was brought up
in a Christian home. Now I'm an
old man and I've come by Gods
nercy back 10 the place Of my child
mood TO end my DAYS"
Merry DEAF tn APPEAL