He stood six feet, two inches tall and had deep blue eyes, muscular arms, and a thick neck.

After the war, his older brothers formed the James–Younger Gang with Frank and Jesse James.

For ten years the gang robbed banks, trains, and stage coaches across Missouri, Kansas and other nearby states.

[2] The robbery of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad took place in Adair, Iowa, yielded about $3,000, and resulted in the death of an engineer during derailment of the train.

Bob, Cole and Jim surrendered on September 21, after they were surrounded, while Jesse and Frank James escaped Minnesota.