The Daviess County Savings Bank in Gallatin, Missouri on December 7, 1869 was the first robbery that the James boys were actually accused. The robbery was committed by two men. John W. Sheets, was a casualty of the robbery by being shot in the head. One theory as to why Mr. Sheets was shot, was that he had been mistaken for a gentleman named Major S.P. Cox who was believed to have been responsible for the killing of Capt. Bill Anderson during the great war.
A second clerk by the name of William Mc Dowell was also in the bank. He escaped with a shot in the arm.
During the robbers departure, the first rider got his foot caught in the stirrup and was drug before finally freeing himself. The second man mounted behind his partner. And the men escaped.
The abandoned black mare was later recognized as belonging to Jesse James. The James Boys had a reputation for having a great appreciation for fine quality horses. Jesse later presented papers backing his statement that he had sold the horse just two days before the robbery. But questions remained.
It is believed that the monies liberated totalled $ 700.00.
Trains, Banks, Stagecoaches. . .
The Desparados.
The Victims.
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