My Genealogy Hound

Frank James, Tombstone and Grave, Independence, Missouri, photo

Frank James, tombstone and grave, James Gang, photo, Independence, Missouri

A photo of the grave and tombstone of the outlaw Alexander Franklin James, better known as "Frank James", the older brother of Jesse James of the James Gang, in Hill Park Cemetery, Independence, Missouri. This is also the burial place of the wife of Frank James, Ann Ralston James 1853-1944.

His brother, Jesse James, was killed by fellow James Gang member, Bob Ford, on April 3, 1882. Five months later, on October 5, after spending years on the run as a wanted man, Frank James surrendered to Thomas Crittenden, the Governor of Missouri. He then faced trial for several crimes including bank robbery and murder. After having been aquitted of all charges, James spent several years appearing in wild west shows as something of a notorious celebrity. He spent his last years on the James Farm near Kearney, Missouri where he gave tours of the James home and of the original grave site of his brother Jesse.

After his death in 1915, the body of Frank James was cremated. He had fears that his body would be stolen after death so he left instructions for his body to be cremated in St. Louis, Missouri. His ashes were then kept in a bank vault until his wife, Annie, died in 1944 when the ashes of both were buried at the site of the pictured tombstone in Independence, Missouri.

Alexander Franklin "Frank" James, born January 10, 1843 at Kearney in Clay County, Missouri; died February 18, 1915 on the James family farm, Kearney, Missouri, age 72.

View additional Jesse James related historic photos and vintage postcards

Additional Graves and Tombstones: Famous, Infamous and Otherwise

View additional historic photos and vintage postcards from Missouri

View additional historic photos and vintage postcards for other topics and states

Additional historic photos and vintage postcards (including multiple additional views for each location) will be added frequently so check back often. Our free weekly newsletter also announces new additions to the website. Subscribe to the free newsletter here.

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of family biographies, vintage maps and vintage postcards.

Follow My Genealogy Hound on Facebook: Follow me on Facebook