Jimmy Hope – King of the Bank Robbers – Legends of America
In the annals of American crime, few figures loom as large and enigmatic as James "Old Jimmy" Hope. A master of disguise, a brilliant strategist, and a daring escape artist, Hope reigned as one of the most successful and sought-after bank robbers in the United States during the 19th century. His exploits, spanning from the bustling streets of Philadelphia to the burgeoning metropolis of New York City, cemented his reputation as a true legend of the underworld.
Born into humble beginnings in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1836, James Hope’s early life offered little indication of the path he would eventually tread. His parents, Irish immigrants seeking a better life in the New World, instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance. Young James found employment as a machinist, a trade that honed his skills in precision and problem-solving – qualities that would later serve him well in his chosen profession.
As he entered adulthood, Hope embraced the conventional trappings of life, marrying and starting a family. However, the allure of a more lucrative and adventurous existence proved too strong to resist. In 1869, at the age of 33, James Hope embarked on a life of crime, forever altering the course of his destiny.
Hope’s criminal career began with a daring heist at the Kensington Savings Bank in Philadelphia. Employing a cunning ruse, he and his gang posed as police officers, gaining access to the bank under the pretense of protecting it from a potential robbery. Once inside, they overpowered the bank’s employees and made off with a substantial sum of money, estimated to be between $80,000 and $100,000.
The Kensington Savings Bank robbery marked the beginning of Hope’s ascent to the pinnacle of the criminal underworld. His reputation as a skilled strategist and meticulous planner grew with each successful heist. He assembled a team of trusted accomplices, including the notorious Jim Casey, Tom McCormick, and George Howard, each possessing unique skills that complemented Hope’s own.
In August 1869, Hope and his crew executed another audacious robbery, this time targeting the Ocean Bank in New York City. Renting a room near the bank, they meticulously tunneled through the stone floor directly beneath the vault. On a Saturday night, they breached the vault and made off with a fortune in money and bonds, estimated to be over $1,000,000.
Despite his success, Hope’s life was not without its challenges. He faced numerous arrests and imprisonments, but his uncanny ability to escape from even the most secure facilities earned him the moniker "escape artist." His daring breakouts became the stuff of legend, further solidifying his reputation as an elusive and formidable adversary.
In 1870, Hope was implicated in the burglary of the paymaster’s safe in the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Although the evidence was insufficient to secure a conviction, the incident further fueled his notoriety and cemented his status as a prime suspect in any major crime in the region.
Later that year, Hope participated in the robbery of Smith’s Bank in Perry, New York. This time, his luck ran out, and he was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to five years at Auburn Prison, New York. However, his imprisonment was short-lived. On January 3, 1873, he escaped with three other prisoners, once again evading the clutches of the law.
In November 1873, Hope and his gang rented a house next to the First National Bank in Wilmington, Delaware. Their plan was to kidnap the bank cashier and his family, forcing the cashier to open the safe. However, their plan was foiled when a servant girl escaped and alerted the authorities. Hope and his confederates were captured and sentenced to 40 lashes, ten years’ imprisonment, and a $5,000 fine each. The entire gang escaped after serving only one year of their term.
After participating in numerous other bank robberies, Hope began plotting his most ambitious heist yet: the Manhattan Savings Bank robbery in New York City.
In 1878, Dan Kelley, a night watchman at the Manhattan Savings Bank, was approached by Hope and his gang. They persuaded Kelley to provide them with duplicate keys to the bank, promising him a share of the loot. On October 27, 1878, Hope and his crew entered the bank and made off with a staggering $2,757,700 in securities and money.
The Manhattan Savings Bank robbery sent shockwaves through the financial world. The sheer audacity of the crime and the massive amount of money involved captured the public’s imagination. Captain Thomas Byrnes, a renowned detective, was assigned to the case.
Byrnes’ investigation led him to Patrick Shevlin, a former watchman at the bank. After days of interrogation, Shevlin confessed to his involvement in the robbery and implicated Hope as the mastermind. Soon, ten men were arrested in connection with the crime.
On July 18, 1879, John Hope, Jimmy Hope’s son, was convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. Jimmy Hope was sent to Auburn Prison but subsequently escaped.
On June 26, 1881, Hope was arrested in San Francisco while attempting to burglarize the Sather Bank. He was found guilty and sentenced to seven years imprisonment. Upon his discharge, he returned to Auburn Prison to serve his unexpired term.
After his release, Hope settled in Manhattan with his wife and daughter. He died of a heart attack on June 2, 1905, bringing an end to the life of one of the most notorious bank robbers in American history.
Jimmy Hope’s legacy extends beyond his criminal exploits. He was a symbol of the era’s rampant corruption and the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime. His story continues to fascinate and intrigue, ensuring his place in the pantheon of American outlaws.