Frank James

About Frank James

Alexander Franklin James (January 10, 1843 – February 18, 1915) was an American outlaw and older brother of Jesse James.

He was born in Kearney, Clay County, Missouri to Baptist minister Reverend Robert Sallee James (July 7, 1818 – August 18, 1850) and his wife Zerelda Cole (January 29, 1825 – February 10, 1911), who had moved there from Kentucky. Frank was the first of three children. Alexander was his given name, but he was called Frank.

As a child, Frank developed an interest in his late father's sizable library, particularly in the works of his favorite author William Shakespeare. Census records show that Frank attended school throughout his childhood, and he reportedly wanted to become a teacher.