The Outlaw Jesse James

Betty Dorsett Duke, an accomplished author and researcher, was born in Texas in 1947. From an early age, she was captivated by tales of her family’s connection to the infamous Old West outlaw, Jesse James. Growing up, she listened to the mesmerizing stories passed down through her family, which challenged the widely accepted historical narrative of Jesse James’ demise.

Driven by a thirst for truth, Betty embarked on a personal quest to unravel the mystery surrounding Jesse James’ fate and determined to uncover the real story, she spearheaded a groundbreaking investigation into the 1995 exhumation of the purported grave of Jesse James. This pivotal moment in history was believed to provide conclusive evidence of James’ death, as stated in the history books and upheld by the James Farm & Museum in Kearney, Missouri.

Through tireless research and a meticulous examination of the evidence, Betty shattered the accepted version of events. She unearthed troubling inconsistencies in the DNA analysis used during the investigation, revealing that the samples collected did not originate from Jesse James’ grave or any of his family members. This revelation challenged the very foundation of the official account.

Betty’s tenacity and unwavering dedication to the truth extended beyond scientific scrutiny. She sought expert opinions from forensic photographic specialists at esteemed institutions such as the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Austin Police Department, and Visionics (now operating under a different name), a leading authority in facial recognition technology. Astonishingly, all three groups of distinguished experts confirmed the authenticity of Betty’s family photographs, affirming a remarkable resemblance to historically accepted images of Jesse James, his mother, and other family members.

In addition to her extensive research, Betty had the invaluable resources of Jesse James’ personal diary and a treasured family heirloom—an intriguing treasure map—both passed down through generations. Armed with these extraordinary artifacts and her unwavering determination, she set out to tell the untold story of Jesse James.

Betty Dorsett Duke authored three compelling nonfiction books that challenge the conventional narrative, each delving deeper into the enigma that is Jesse James. Her critically acclaimed works, ‘Jesse James Lived and Died in Texas,’ ‘The Truth about Jesse James’ and ‘Jesse James, The Smoking Gun’, offer a unique perspective on one of America’s most notorious figures.

With her exceptional research and compelling revelations, Betty Dorsett Duke forever altered the historical discourse surrounding Jesse James. Her unwavering pursuit of truth and her steadfast commitment to uncovering hidden realities have established her as an esteemed authority on the life and death of the legendary outlaw. She proved that Jesse James faked his death, died in Texas in 1943 at the age of 97, and in the process, rewrote history.

“I love History and Mysteries. When the two are combined, Jesse James is at the top of the list.”  Author, Betty Dorsett Duke, great granddaughter of Jesse Woodson James.