September 27, 2007
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Devil’s Nest
Jesse James was sued in 1870 over horse
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (UPI) — A Missouri lawyer has discovered documents detailing what is believed to be the only successful lawsuit brought against the 19th century gunslinger Jesse James.
Henry McDougal, who practiced in Daviess County, northeast of Kansas City, not only sued James and his brother, Frank, but also obtained a judgment, collected and lived to tell the tale, The Kansas City Star reported Monday.
Jim Muehlberger is the Kansas City lawyer who uncovered the documents detailing the litigation.
“It’s an example of equal justice under the law,” Muehlberger said. “The criminal justice system would be completely unable to deal with Jesse James for about 10 years. But here the system worked, in a civil case, through the courage of a very young lawyer.”
In January 1870, McDougal, then 25, sued Jesse and Frank James, seeking compensation for a mare, saddle and bridle the brothers stole at gunpoint following a deadly bank heist.
The owner of the horse estimated his loss to be at about $223.50.
The James brothers retained an attorney and the legal battle lasted 21 months before it was resolved.This story brought back some memories. Not far from here is a place called Devil’s Nest. It’s reported to have been Jesse James hide out. The story goes on that the Yankton sheriff chased the gang across the river, but wouldn’t risk losing deputies by further pursuit. “Let the devils stay in their nest,” he said. “I’m not going to send my men in there to be shot.”
As a boy I vividly remember the “Grand Opening”. Fetus from Gun Smoke was there. Thousands of people from all over came. Cars were backed up for miles. It was an occurance that’s never been repeated any where in this area.
Here is one picture of Devil’s Nest:
Comments (19)
Very pretty.
how interesting
have a great day !
that is interesting
Collected and lived to tell about it – That was a huge accomplishment considering his foe!
Beautiful picture too……Blessings…..Mike
Great story…….your trip sounds amazing….
What a great story. You always have such great stories.
How is your family doing????
Check out this site……………http://www.talewins.com/OK/robbers.htm
Thanks for the bit of history!
Thanks for stopping by my site & sharing your comments.
I saw the Big FULL Moon yesterday.
It was FULL Moon Day on the 26th of September.
Have A GREAT Weekend!
Shalom Peace Be With You,
“Susie” :0)
P.S.
I didn’t know that Jesse James got sued.
I heard that the James Boys helped saved a widow’s farm once.
This widow took them in and gave them something to eat one rainy day.
This lady told the James Boys her story about the farm. The James Boys gave her the money so she would not loss her farm. They told the widow to get a receipt that she paid the collector.
Well the rest of the story, the James Boys later got the money back for the banker that came to collect the money from the widow. I heard this one on Fact or Fiction. It’s recorded.
RYC: Amen!
Oh, Randy, I loved your Aesop’s Fables! I refer to them all the time…my grandfather would fill my head with them, and I had these visions and dreams that my parents were really wolves in human costumes! Really! I’ll have to Google them now and re-read them! ((hugs))
Great story and a very pretty place.
Did Festus bring his mule, Francis?
I don’t know if the name was Francis or not. Don’t think it was.
Intersting! Thanks for sharing. Picture is very beautiful!
Great story! Beautiful place!
whew – that sure is beautiful!
RYC: thanks! have a good weekend!
Beautiful picture of the “Devil’s Nest” & I love hearing the stories behind the names, too! Have a blest Sunday.