Jesse James (c. 1876-1882)
Unlike other Old West folks on the list, Jesse James used his real given name. After he and his stepfather were ambushed by Union militia looking for his Confederate guerilla brother, he became involved in the Civil War. They executed his stepfather, and he joined the Confederacy. Union troops shot James a month after the war came to a close. He later teamed up with other former Confederates to rob trains, stagecoaches, and banks. In the end, he was taken out by a new recruit called Bob Ford.
Jesse James (c. 1876 1882)
John Chapman AKA Johnny Appleseed (c. 1840s)
Are you surprised to learn that he was a real person? Born John Chapman, Johnny Appleseed grew up in Leominster, Massachusetts and actually planted apple seeds in the Midwest. However, the apples were for alcoholic cider, not for eating. History explained that “[c]ider was an essential at the American dinner table at the time, so most homes had their own small orchard.” He was a good businessman who traded seeds with other people he met on the road. On top of that, he gave away free seeds to people in need!
John Chapman AKA Johnny Appleseed (c. 1840s)
