Charles Ford (outlaw)
Charles Wilson Ford (July 9, 1857 – May 6, 1884) was an outlaw, and member of the James Gang. He was the lesser known brother of Robert Ford, the killer of Jesse James. Charlie Ford was introduced to Jesse and Frank James by Wood Hite and he joined the gang.
Charles Ford | |
|---|---|
Charley Ford prior to 1884 | |
| Born | Charles Wilson Ford July 9, 1857 |
| Died | May 6, 1884 (aged 26) Richmond, Missouri, U.S. |
| Burial place | Richmond Cemetery |
In 1882 Jesse James recruited Robert and Charles Ford to help with a planned robbery of another bank. Thomas T. Crittenden offered $10,000 for the capture of Jesse James, and on April 3, 1882, Robert Ford shot Jesse James. He and Charles Ford were convicted and were sentenced to be hanged, but were pardoned by Crittenden.
Afterwards, Charles heard a rumor that Frank James was searching for both with plans of mortal revenge. Two years later, after a period of deep depression following James' death, terminal illness from tuberculosis, and a debilitating morphine addiction, Charles Ford died by suicide on May 6, 1884.