The Younger Gang & Sister

[Bob Wood]

The below cabinet card photograph of Younger's sister Henrietta (Top), Bob (L), Cole (R) and Jim (bottom) was commissioned by Henrietta in 1889. She went to Stillwater, MN where the boys had taken up residency at the Stillwater Prison after their failed bank robbery in Northfield, MN. and their failed ride to freedom.

This photograph first appeared in the book, Robber and Hero, The Story of the Northfield Bank Raid by George Huntington, published in 1895.

As the story goes, Henrietta went to Stillwater and hired local photographer John M. Kuhn,  gussied-up the boys in townie clothes and thus preserved a family moment for all eternity. Two weeks later Bob died in Stillwater Prison of Tuberculosis. Jim committed suicide once released from prison and Cole managed to live long enough to die of old age.

A few forgotten facts: Cole was a member of Pro-slavery Border Ruffians. Cole and Jim were members of Quantrill's Raiders which included William Clarke Quantrill and William T. (Bloody Bill) Anderson. Cole was part of the gang that sacked Lawrence, Kansas and burned to the ground most of the business district and killed an estimated 200 men & boys.

Hidden inside the wooden frame is a typed and signed note by Minister Dennis Bergeson detailing how he came to possess this photograph and his visit to the Northfield Museum to have the photo authenticated.

[Nicholas Narog]

Amazing photograph! I have been looking for cabinet cards of the James Younger gang for years now. I donated my Jim Younger CDV to the Northfield museum. Where is this photograph located?

[Bob Wood]

Hey Nic,

It's been a long time. I remember your Jim Younger photo and can't believe buyers didn't line up to buy it.

This photo was found (almost in your back yard) in Duluth by the Minister many years ago. After he died his estate was auctioned off and a collector in Taylors Falls purchased it. I purchased it from the fellow in Taylors Falls a few months ago.

[Nicholas Narog]

Yes it has been a long time- lots of things happened in my life that took me away from a lot of things. New jobs- and a baby!

But anyways- the photograph belongs to you now???? Well- I am incredibly jealous of you!!! Last I checked you had a pretty great collection- this just adds to it!

[Bob Wood]

Nic,

The collection grows and then it shrinks. Sells are brisk and I struggle to replace the items that have sold.

[Nicholas Narog]

Do you still run that old west collectibles site? If I remember right- we actually live in the same area.

[Bob Wood]

Yes, the site has been up for 6 years and it has grown just a bit. Stop by and take a look - www.oldwestantiques.biz

[Nicholas Narog]

Ah there it is. You have a lot of excellent items!

[Hayes Scriven]

Bob, That is a great CDV!  I am the Director of the museum in Northfield and Nick's CDV has been a great addition to our collection! 

We have a few prints of the CDV you have but this is the first I have seen a CDV of it.

[Bob Wood]

Hi Hayes,

I will make a point to bring it to the museum so you can see it. I will call to make sure you will be there when I stop in.

There are things about the photo that I have not mentioned here.

[Hayes Scriven]

Call me anytime, I am here Monday-Friday, but willing to come in for a special trip to see the image.

[Nicholas Narog]

I want to get in on this meeting if at all possible! ;)

[Bob Wood]

Nic,

I'm ok with that. I'll let you know what Hayes & I work out.