Frank James Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles
FRANK JAMES
Born: January 10, 1843 in Kearney, Missouri
Died: February 18, 1915 in Kearney, Missouri
Died: February 18, 1915 in Kearney, Missouri
FRANK JAMES (1843-1915) and his brother Jesse James fought as Confederate guerrillas in Missouri ("Quantrill's Raiders"), and in the pro-Southern state militia during the Civil War. They joined Cole Younger and others in 1866 to form a gang led by Jesse, robbing banks and trains. Frank and Jesse survived and escaped the failed Northfield, Minnesota bank heist of 1876, forming a new gang. Several months after the murder of his brother Jesse (April 3, 1882), Frank James traveled to Jefferson City and surrendered to Missouri Governor Thomas Crittenden. He was held for nearly a year awaiting trial. Standing trial in Gallatin, Missouri in 1883, he was acquitted by a sympathetic jury. He then was sent to Alabama for trial in another armed robbery case. Once again, he was acquitted by the Southern jury. Frank James had eloped with schoolteacher Annie Ralston (1853-1944) in 1875, in defiance of her parents. The parents did not see Annie again until she showed up on their doorstep with 5-year old son Robert after Frank's surrender in Missouri. Aside from his confinement awaiting trial, Frank James never served a day in prison. Following these trials, Frank James led a respectable, law-abiding life, touring in shows with former partner in crime Cole Younger, but also farming. He died at his home in Clay County, Missouri in 1915, but his ashes remained in a vault until he could be buried with Annie, who lived for another three decades.
Film Credits
1995 Biography (in person)
Style
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FRANK JAMES Awaiting his second trial in a year, the famous outlaw writes to his wife and son, expressing (well founded) optimism about the outcome. Autograph Letter signed: "Frank James", 2 pages, 8½x14. Hand addressed envelope included (toned and torn from opening). read more...
Sale Price $4,037.50
$4,750.00
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FRANK JAMES Rare handwritten letter to his friend Charles Fletcher, smuggled out of the jail by his wife, signed by him in 1883, while he awaited trial for robbery and murder Rare ALS: "Frank" with "Direct to Mrs. read more...
Sale Price $8,925.00
$10,500.00
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From Gallatin, Missouri, while awaiting trial for murder and armed robbery, James handwrote this remarkable and very affectionate 20-page letter to his wife, even quoting Shakespeare. This rich content letter includes references to some of James' friends and former partners Ebenezer Magoffin, and Bill and Frank Gregg. Curiously, James signs with the alias he used as an outlaw, "Ben". read more...
Sale Price $9,987.50
$11,750.00
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FRANK JAMES Awaiting his second trial in a year, the famous outlaw writes a loving letter to his 7 year old son Robert ("My Dear Little Man") Autograph Letter signed: "Your Father/Frank James" in pencil, 1 pages, 5½x8½. No place, 1884 February 29. read more...
Sale Price $4,037.50
$4,750.00
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FRANK JAMES Payment receipt, filled out and signed by him in pencil (1908) ADS: "Frank James" in text in pencil, 1 page, 8x3½. No place, 1908 July 3. In full: "Received of Frank James $11.76/for 98 Post." Also signed: "Hollis Pallady read more...
Sale Price $1,530.00
$1,800.00
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FRANK JAMES 8x6 receipt handwritten and signed by him in pencil, also signed by the payee (1908) Autograph Document signed: "Frank Jank", 1 page, 8x6. No place (probably Oklahoma), 1908 July 14. The outlaw brother of Jesse James has written, in pencil on lined paper, a receipt for " read more...
Sale Price $1,530.00
$1,800.00