Northfield, probably the most famous of all the robberies and attempted robberies occurred September 7, 1876. The town citizens took matters in their own hands, ambushing the riders from the hardware store as well as the second floor of the Hotel aborting the robbery plans. It is generally accepted that Frank James was responsible for the death of Joseph L. Heywood, bank cashier who refused to open the safe. Other persons in the bank included A.E. Bunker, cashier (shot in the shoulder), and Frank J. Wilcox, Assistant Bookkeeper. Nicholas Gustavson, a Swede who couldn't understand English, when instructed to get out of the street as well as gang members, Clell Miller, Bill Chadwell were killed in the streets.
During the escape the Younger brothers were captured, Charley Pitts aka Sam Wells was killed and the James brothers escaped back to Missouri. The Youngers were tried and served 25 years in the Minnesota Stillwater Prison.
Click here for a woodcut of the raid.
Trains, Banks, Stagecoaches. . .
The Desparados.
The Victims.
Back to Home Page
Thank you for visiting the James - Younger Gang home page.
For information regarding membership and activities in our orginization, please contact Marcia Smith at nottabadvue@earthlink.net.
For historical and geneological information, please contact Donna Rose and Wilma Hillman.