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Submitted: 7/2/12 • Approved: 7/3/12 • Last Updated: 4/23/18 • R25950-G0-S3
December 1858 - January 13, 1904
The man who killed the man who killed Jesse James
He became friends with outlaw Jessie James, another cousin by marriage. When James was murdered by Bob Ford in 1882, O'Kelley made the comment that he would "get Ford." Ten years later, Kelly found himself in Creede, Colorado drinking in Bob Ford's saloon. Ford, worried that O'Kelley would make good on his threat, accused him of stealing his gold ring. Ford had hoped that O'Kelley would be arrested. He wasn't. Enraged at the thought of Ford's intentions, O'Kelley left the saloon but returned a short time later with a shotgun and, as Ford cowarded and began to run, O'Kelley gave him both barrels. Thinking he would be haled a hero for killing Jesse James' murderer, and he was by some, O'Kelley was surprised to find himself charged with murder. He was arrested, tried and sentenced to life in prison. However, he was released in 1900. In 1904, Ed O'Kelley got into a brawl in the streets of Oklahoma City with a city policeman and, after several minutes of fighting, the lawman used his pistol and killed O'Kelley.
Contributed on 7/2/12 by tomtodd
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Record #: 25950