Zerelda "Zee" James (wife):
* Loss and grief: Zee was devastated by Jesse's death. She had been a loyal and devoted wife, despite the dangers and hardships of his life.
* Financial struggles: Jesse James was notorious for his robberies, but he also died heavily in debt. Zee and the children faced financial difficulties.
* Life after Jesse: Zee lived a quiet life in Missouri after Jesse's death. She was known for her strong character and independence. She passed away in 1900, leaving a legacy as a woman who endured immense pain and uncertainty.
Jesse James Jr. (son):
* Early life: Jesse Jr. was only 14 when his father died. He was initially sheltered from the notoriety surrounding his father.
* Struggle with his father's legacy: Jesse Jr. attempted to distance himself from his father's past, but the notoriety followed him.
* Later life: He later embraced his legacy and even published a book about his father's life. He passed away in 1951.
Other Children:
* Other children: The James family had several other children, including Robert, Samuel, and Jesse Edward (known as "Ed").
* Impact on family: The children were deeply affected by their father's death and the public scrutiny that followed. They dealt with the hardship of their father's legacy in different ways. Some, like Robert, tried to distance themselves from the notoriety, while others, like Jesse Jr., ultimately embraced it.
Overall:
The death of Jesse James left a lasting impact on his wife and children. They faced immense grief, financial hardship, and public scrutiny. Their lives became entangled with the notorious legacy of the man who died a fugitive. While they dealt with this burden in different ways, they all experienced the profound impact of his death on their lives.