September 10th Rare Autographs, Books and Sports
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2020
A rare document signed by Alexander Franklin "Frank" James (1843-1915), the outlaw older brother of Jesse James, as "Frank James" at upper left. Also inscribed in Frank's hand as "Fletcher, Okla." under his signature at upper left. The partly printed document, an account ledger from Collier Brothers Hardware Company in Fletcher, Oklahoma, is docketed near bottom and stamped December 11, 1907 at upper right, reflecting the date when Frank settled his account from late November. Light even toning and expected paper folds. Trimmed at bottom, measuring 8.25" x 7". Accompanied by a facsimile of a Wanted Poster for "The Notorious Outlaws Frank and Jesse James" issued by the U.S. Marshal's Office.
The eleven lines of entries from the hardware store listing items such as well casings, barn door hinges, door guides, hasps, and rim locks testified to the fact that Frank had retired from his life of crime. Indeed, the items suggest his life had taken a very ordinary turn, to farming and livestock tending.
"Frank" James, along with younger brother Jesse James (1847-1882), had been a member of the Missouri-based James-Younger gang. Frank James was a Civil War veteran who served as a Confederate guerilla in the Missouri State Guard. While in the service, James participated in many ?bushwhacking? style raids perpetrated against Union targets, experience that informed his later robberies. Historians estimate that Frank James was involved in at least four bank robberies during his twenty-one-year long career, but after his surrender to Missouri state officials in 1882, he served only about one year of jail time. Frank James?s later years were spent mostly in the West, where he did odd jobs including telegraph operating and fruit picking.
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