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John Frank DaltonThe American who impersonated Jesse James
Date of Birth: 08.03.1848
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of J. Frank Dalton
- Early Life and Alleged Activities
- Controversial Claims and Skepticism
- Physical Evidence and Mysterious Markings
- Later Life and Death
- The Dalton Name and Identity
- Inconclusive Exhumations
Biography of J. Frank Dalton
Jesse James ImpersonatorJ. Frank Dalton was an American who claimed to be Jesse James, the famous American outlaw who died in 1882. From 1948 to 1951, Dalton insisted that he was the real Jesse James. However, most historians consider Dalton to be an ordinary impostor, believing that the real Jesse James was killed by Robert Ford on April 3, 1882, in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Early Life and Alleged Activities
J. Frank Dalton was born on March 8, 1848, in Goliad, Texas. By the time of his first public appearance as 'Jesse James' in April or May of 1948 in Lawton, Oklahoma, he was already over a hundred years old. Like the real 'American Robin Hood' - as James was often called, although without any foundation - Dalton was likely involved in guerrilla activities during the Civil War in Missouri, fighting on the side of the Confederates.
Controversial Claims and Skepticism
Despite Dalton's claims, his version did not withstand detailed questioning by Jesse James' relatives (his son and grandsons were still alive at the time). Nevertheless, a few well-known and respected individuals, such as writer, journalist, and avid African safari enthusiast Robert Ruark, were convinced that J. Frank Dalton was the surviving Jesse Woodson James.
Physical Evidence and Mysterious Markings
To the surprise of many, Dalton's body did have unique markings and characteristics that were rumored to have belonged to the notorious outlaw. These included evidence of seven bullet wounds, a rope mark on the neck, collapsed lung, damaged fingertips, and severe burns on the legs.
Later Life and Death
In an interview with Ruark, Dalton claimed that Ford had mistakenly shot someone else instead of Jesse and that he fled, traveled to Latin America, lived in Mexico, and finally settled in Oklahoma and then Texas. Dalton passed away on August 15, 1951, in Granbury, Texas. His death certificate was issued under the name of the person he claimed to be - Jesse James. His gravestone also bears the name Jesse James.
The Dalton Name and Identity
There is a belief that the name J. Frank Dalton was also a pseudonym. It was the name of a well-known Western deputy marshal who happened to be the older brother of four bandits. It is possible that our J. Frank Dalton admired this Frank Dalton and borrowed his full name as a pseudonym. If this is the case, the true identity and origin of the alleged surviving Jesse James remain a mystery, as historians have not found any documents or evidence to confirm or refute this version.
Inconclusive Exhumations
Interestingly, the exhumation of both bodies, James and Dalton, did not provide any significant results. Many believe that researchers mistakenly opened the wrong graves and analyzed the remains of others.
