Jesse James’ Daring Escape Through West Virginia

Photo byJesse and Frank James, taken in Carolinda, Illinois, in 1872. Courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Enginee

Among the many stories passed down through generations in West Virginia, one tale continues to captivate the imagination—the escape of Jesse James and his gang through this region following the notorious 1875 robbery of the Huntington Bank. Known as "heroes of dime novels" during the 19th century, the outlaws left a mark on local history, blending legend with the lives of real pioneer citizens.

The Robbery of the Huntington Bank

On September 15, 1875, Jesse James and his gang arrived in Huntington, then a small town, with plans for their next big heist. At noon, four men, including Jesse and his brother Frank, made their way to the bank after briefly stopping at a blacksmith shop owned by John H. Sanborn’s father. As two men entered the store operated by Lindsay T. Powell and forced Powell and Dr. S. J. Unseld to remain silent, the other two bandits stormed the Huntington National Bank.

Inside, Robert T. Oney, the bank’s cashier, was held at gunpoint and forced to hand over $10,252—an immense sum in those days. The bandits, remarkably calm, mounted their horses and leisurely trotted out of town. They fired their guns into the air in a dramatic display as they passed through the streets, adding to the chaos and confusion.

The Great Chase Through Wayne County

Once word spread about the robbery, Sheriff D. I. Smith quickly organized a posse to pursue the outlaws. The posse, joined by local citizens including Thos. Garland, James Elkins, and John H. Sanborn’s father, set off to catch the gang before they could escape across state lines. Other posses were formed along the route, all intent on intercepting the robbers.

The chase led through Wayne County, where the James gang made an unexpected stop in the town of Wayne—then known as Trout’s Hill. As the gang fled west toward Kentucky, they paused for a meal with "Aunt Lizzie" Christian at her home on the northwest corner of Freizzell Square. The outlaws interacted with the locals, who had no idea they were dining with infamous bandits. It wasn’t until the following day that the citizens of Wayne realized they had entertained the notorious Jesse James and his crew, whose exploits were well-known from the yellow-backed dime novels of the era.

After their meal, the outlaws continued their escape, traveling up Toms Creek and across the Kentucky state line. As the chase grew more intense, the gang split up. Jesse James and Frank Younger headed north, while the remaining two members, Miller and McDaniel, stuck to the original route, leading them toward the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee.

The Fate of the Robbers

The pursuit proved costly for some of the gang. While Jesse James and Frank Younger managed to escape, Miller and McDaniel weren’t so lucky. In Bell County, Kentucky, the two robbers encountered the Dillon brothers, who mistook them for horse thieves. A skirmish ensued, and McDaniel was killed. Miller continued alone, making his way into Fentress County, Tennessee. His luck ran out when his horse lost a shoe, and while the animal was being shod at a local blacksmith shop, the sheriff of Fentress County recognized Miller and arrested him.

Back in Huntington, Cashier Oney traveled to Tennessee to identify Miller, recovering $4,000 of the stolen money in the process. Miller was sentenced by Judge Evermont Ward to fourteen years in prison. During his trial, Miller confessed that other members of the gang were from Missouri, though he claimed to be from Kentucky. He revealed that the gang had originally planned to rob a bank in Wheeling and later considered holding up a Baltimore & Ohio train before settling on the Huntington National Bank as their target.

Pieces of History Left Behind

While Jesse James and his gang may have eluded capture for the most part, their brief stay in Wayne County left behind some interesting artifacts. To this day, there are at least two homes in the county that reportedly house pieces of furniture made by Frank James while he was hiding in the area. These include a chest and a rope bed, both cherished relics of a time when outlaws roamed the hills and hollows of West Virginia.

The Legacy of Jesse James in Wayne County

Each anniversary of the Huntington National Bank robbery brings back vivid memories for the pioneer citizens of Wayne County and Huntington. For many, the event wasn’t just a distant historical moment—it was a piece of living history, as they remembered the days when dime novel heroes like Jesse James rode through their towns and left a lasting impression on local folklore.

While Jesse James’ exploits were glamorized in books and stories, the real events that unfolded in Wayne County and Huntington were a reminder of the gritty reality behind the legend. From their daring escape to their interactions with everyday citizens, the James gang left a legacy that is still remembered in the region today.