Cole Younger
Cole Younger: A Notorious Outlaw's Life and Legacy
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Cole Edwin Younger was born on May 15, 1844, in Lee's Summit, Missouri. He is commonly known as Cole Younger, but also went by the alias "The Younger Brother" due to his involvement with the James-Younger Gang.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: May 15, 1844
Died: December 21, 1916
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Cole Younger was an American outlaw, guerrilla fighter, and later a bank robber. He is best known for his involvement in the infamous James-Younger Gang.
Early Life and Background
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Cole Younger grew up in a family of modest means. His father, Harrison T. Younger, was a store owner and farmer. Cole's mother, Betsy Younger, died when he was just six years old. The loss had a profound impact on Cole, who would later become embroiled in violence and lawlessness.
Younger's early life was marked by tragedy. His family lost their home due to financial difficulties, and his father eventually abandoned the family. This led to Cole being raised by his uncle, Harrison Younger, who instilled in him a sense of loyalty and duty.
Major Accomplishments
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Cole Younger's involvement with the James-Younger Gang marked the beginning of his notoriety. He was known for his cunning and bravery during their numerous bank robberies and raids. Some notable accomplishments include:
Participating in the notorious Gallatin Bank Robbery in 1869, where they stole $13,000 from a bank in Gallatin, Missouri.
Joining forces with Jesse James to rob banks across the Midwest.
Being part of the gang that attempted to steal a payroll from the First National Bank in Northfield, Minnesota.Notable Works or Actions
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Younger's actions as an outlaw were marked by violence and bloodshed. He was involved in several shootouts and was responsible for the deaths of numerous lawmen and civilians. However, his most notable work is his autobiography, _The Story of Cole Younger by Himself_, which provides insight into his life as an outlaw.
Impact and Legacy
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Cole Younger's impact on American history is significant. His involvement in the James-Younger Gang's crimes had a lasting effect on the law enforcement community. He was eventually captured and sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in the Gallatin Bank Robbery.
After serving time, Younger attempted to redeem himself by speaking publicly about his past and advocating for education. However, his legacy remains that of a notorious outlaw, and his quotes continue to be referenced today due to their insight into the life of an American gangster.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Cole Younger's quotes offer a glimpse into the mind of an outlaw who lived by his own rules. His words are often cited for their insight into the motivations and actions of those involved in crime. Some notable quotes include:
"I was born to be hanged, and I have been hanging on since then."
* "The most difficult thing for me is to make people believe that I am sincere."
Cole Younger's quotes continue to captivate readers due to their candidness and their ability to provide a unique perspective into the life of an outlaw. His legacy serves as a reminder of the dangers of violence and the importance of redemption.
Quotes by Cole Younger
I want it understood that all these men fought for principle, not for plunder, and that they were true-hearted, honorable soldiers, fighting for what they esteemed was a righteous cause.
They had scarcely established themselves, however, before another company of Jackson county citizens, chiefly from around Independence, organized to drive them off.
Joe Smith and Brigham Young laid out Independence, but very soon thereafter enough citizens of the county collected to drive them off, after several stubborn fights.
I have been wounded altogether twenty times; eleven of these wounds were received at Northfield.
I will say that since our capture we have met with uniform kindness, and while in the penitentiary our relations with the officers have been cordially pleasant, and for their considerate and kind disposition we feel profoundly grateful.
I never, in all my life, had anything whatever to do with robbing any bank in the state of Missouri.
I am aware that my name has been connected with all the bank robberies in the country; but positively I had nothing to do with any one of them. I look upon my life since the war as a blank, and will never say anything to make it appear otherwise.
I occupy much of my time in theological studies for which I have a natural inclination.
The people of western Missouri are, in some respects, very peculiar. We will take Jackson county where I was born for instance. In that section the people seemed to be born fighters, the instinct being inherited from a long line of ancestors.
Jim and I are still receiving surgical attention, and will be the remainder of our lives.