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William C. Quantrill Photo Jesse James Collection

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This photo was found in a trunk which belonged to the notorious outlaw Jesse James. The items listed in this auction as well as five antique firearms were found in an around the trunk which was hidden in a barn on Jesse's Uncle's farm near Stamping Grounds, Kentucky. The trunk remained hidden in a dark corner under a deteriorating pile of hay for over 110 years before its discovery in 1998. These items are now up for sale in separate lots. Please contact us for further information, more detailed descriptions, terms of sale, etc.

During his early life, William Clarke Quantrill was an Ohio school teacher. He traveled to Utah in 1858 and made a living as a gambler. In 1859, he moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where he would once again teach school. Quantrill entered the Civil War on the Confederate side and by late 1861 he was the leader of "Quantrill's Guerillas", one of the most savage fighting units of the War. Frank and Jesse James, Cole and Jim Younger, Bloody Bill Anderson, and John Jarrett were also members of his guerilla unit.

On August 21, 1863, Quantrill led his force of 450 raiders into Lawrence, Kansas, torching most of it, and killing 183 of its inhabitants. Women and children watched helplessly while the men were dragged from their homes and murdered in front of their families. Quantrill's attack on Lawrence was noted as one of the worst attrocities of the Civil War. He was a psychopathic killer who often spoke of his intent to assassinate Lincoln, stating it would be the "climax of his career".

On May 10, 1865, Quantrill was shot directly in the spine by Union troops on a farm in Kentucky, and he died a painful death on June 6, 1865. To his followers, he died a hero.

Condidition Report: Quantrill's name is printed on the back of this tin type photo. The photo has some scuffing due to age, but is in overall good condition.

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