James Gang Resolution

Common Council of the City of Kansas

A resolution passed by the Common Council of the City of Kansas (now known as Kansas City), following the death of Jesse James. The resolution commends Missouri Governor Thomas Crittenden, Kansas City Police Commissioner Henry H. Craig, and Clay County Sheriff James Timberlake “for breaking up and so nearly destroying the notorious Jesse James Band of outlaws.”

1882-04-28

Politics & government
Criminals
Gangs

James, Jesse
James Gang
Crittenden, Thomas T.
Craig, Henry H.
Timberlake, James
Outlaws
Ford, Smith Moses
Gregg, Josiah
Langworthy, Hiram P.
Hardwicke, Claude

The resolution was previously framed. The backing of the frame indicates the document at one point belonged to the estate of Antoinette Hardwicke. Her husband, Claude Hardwicke,is listed as a grand-nephew of merchant and naturalist Josiah Gregg. Claude Hardwicke's father, Samuel, was a noted lawyer in Clay County and was closely involved in efforts to capture the James brothers. A note card with a brief explanation of the resolution’s text is also included. Transcription: Resolved by the Common Council of the City of Kansas. That we cordially and heartily endorse and thank Governor Crittenden. Commissioner Craig, and Sheriff Timberlake for breaking up and so nearly destroying the notorious Jesse James Band of outlaws and we hereby pledge to the officers named our individual and united support in the future in any further steps they may find it necessary to take to extinguish the last vestige of Brigandage in Missouri. A true [illegible] of [illegible] introduced by Alderman S. M. Ford of the 5th Ward and adopted by the Common Council of the City of Kansas. Apr 28th 1882. Attest H. P. Langworthy City Clerk

Archival Material

James Gang Resolution (SC161) see finding aid: https://kchistory.org/islandora/object/kchistory%3A60448

SC161

10030917

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