Outlaw. The man who shot the man who killed Jesse James, Bob Ford. O'Kelley, or "Red" as he was known, had married a relative of the infamous Younger Brothers Gang. He became friends with outlaw Jessie James, another cousin by marriage. When James was murdered by Bob Ford in 1882, O'Kelley made the comment that he would "get Ford." Ten years later, Kelly found himself in Creede, Colorado drinking in Bob Ford's saloon. Ford, worried that O'Kelley would make good on his threat, accused him of stealing his gold ring. Ford had hoped that O'Kelley would be arrested. He wasn't. Enraged at the thought of Ford's intentions, O'Kelley left the saloon but returned a short time later with a shotgun and, as Ford cowarded and began to run, O'Kelley gave him both barrels. Thinking he would be haled a hero for killing Jesse James' murderer, and he was by some, O'Kelley was surprised to find himself charged with murder. He was arrested, tried and sentenced to life in prison. However, he was released in 1900. In 1904, Ed O'Kelley got into a brawl in the streets of Oklahoma City with a city policeman and, after several minutes of fighting, the lawman used his pistol and killed O'Kelley.
Outlaw. The man who shot the man who killed Jesse James, Bob Ford. O'Kelley, or "Red" as he was known, had married a relative of the infamous Younger Brothers Gang. He became friends with outlaw Jessie James, another cousin by marriage. When James was murdered by Bob Ford in 1882, O'Kelley made the comment that he would "get Ford." Ten years later, Kelly found himself in Creede, Colorado drinking in Bob Ford's saloon. Ford, worried that O'Kelley would make good on his threat, accused him of stealing his gold ring. Ford had hoped that O'Kelley would be arrested. He wasn't. Enraged at the thought of Ford's intentions, O'Kelley left the saloon but returned a short time later with a shotgun and, as Ford cowarded and began to run, O'Kelley gave him both barrels. Thinking he would be haled a hero for killing Jesse James' murderer, and he was by some, O'Kelley was surprised to find himself charged with murder. He was arrested, tried and sentenced to life in prison. However, he was released in 1900. In 1904, Ed O'Kelley got into a brawl in the streets of Oklahoma City with a city policeman and, after several minutes of fighting, the lawman used his pistol and killed O'Kelley.
Bio by: Mr. Ed
Inscription
(Upright Marker)
"Shot and killed Robert N. Ford, the murder of Jesse James, in the silver mining camp at Creede Colorado. O'Kelley died in the streets of Oklahoma City Oklahoma in a gunfight with the law."
THIS MARKER PLACED HERE THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF JUDITH RIES' GREAT GREAT NIECE
(Flat marker)
THE MAN WHO KILLED THE MAN WHO KILLED JESSIE JAMES
Oklahoma Outlaws Lawmen History Association
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