Robert Ford was born on January 31, 1862, in Missouri. He was one of seven children born to James Thomas Ford and his wife. Growing up, Ford idolized the notorious outlaw Jesse James.
Ford got his chance to join James' gang in 1880. He quickly became a trusted member of the group and participated in various criminal activities with them.
Despite his loyalty to James, Ford found himself in trouble when he was arrested for a shooting in his own house. However, he was released with the promise that he would bring the outlaw James to justice.
Interestingly, Ford's own brothers also joined the fringes of James' gang, creating a complicated web of family ties within the criminal world.
On April 3, 1882, Ford made a fateful decision that would change the course of history. While James was standing in Ford's house, cleaning a dusty portrait, Ford shot him in the back of the head. The notorious outlaw was killed instantly.
Ford's actions were met with both shock and admiration. Some hailed him as a hero for finally bringing down the dangerous criminal, while others condemned him for betraying his former mentor.
Despite his controversial reputation, Ford's role in the death of Jesse James is etched in history. He will forever be remembered as the man who dared to take down one of the most feared outlaws of the Wild West.