The Missouri in the Civil War Message Board

James - Younger Gang leadership

In regards to the leadership of the gang, early on John Jarrett, Cole Younger, Arthur McCoy and the Sheperds ( George & Oliver )
were most likely the core then did all by concensus. The James brothers were not well known during the war and weren't thought of as leaders. They may not have even been involved in things before the bungled Gallatin, Mo. murder & robbery in 1869. I believe this is where writers like Marley Brant have it all wrong, there is no way any of these men would have taken orders from Jesse or Frank.
In later years Jesse is the one who sought publicity by writing letters to newspapers. Up until the Northfield robbery all decisions were made by concensus, after Cole Younger was sent to prison Jesse took on the leadership role.

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James - Younger Gang leadership
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