James Younger

American criminal

Also known as: Jim Younger

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July 15, 2026

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James Younger was one of four brothers who, along with Jesse and Frank James, formed a notorious outlaw gang in the post-Civil War American West. The Younger brothers—Cole, John, James, and Bob—were from Missouri and were influenced by the violence of the Civil War era.12

The gang engaged in bank robberies and train robberies across several states. Their criminal careers largely ended in 1876 when they attempted to rob a bank in Northfield, Minnesota. While Frank and Jesse James escaped, the Younger brothers were captured. James Younger was sentenced to life imprisonment and died in prison in 1902.1

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Younger Brothers
Coleman (“Cole”; 1844–1916), John (1846–74); James (“Jim”; 1850–1902), and Robert (“Bob”; 1853–89)—who were often allied with Jesse James.
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Coleman (“Cole”; 1844–1916), John (1846–74); James (“Jim”; 1850–1902), and Robert (“Bob”; 1853–89)—who were often allied with Jesse James.
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