" We sometime didn’t get enough to buy oats for our horses. Most banks had very little money in them. "
- Frank James

In challenging times, Frank James describes a scenario where financial resources were scarce, affecting everyday life and work. He mentions that there was often insufficient money available to purchase oats for horses, essential for sustaining them as working animals. Additionally, he notes that many banks held limited amounts of cash, indicating broader economic instability.

This quote reveals the extent of hardship during economically difficult periods. By highlighting the scarcity of basic necessities like horse feed and bank funds, James paints a vivid picture of financial strain. It also underscores the interconnectedness of various aspects of daily life, from agricultural work to banking operations. The absence of money in banks suggests a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents of personal misfortune, implying that many people faced similar challenges.

Frank James was a member of the notorious James-Younger Gang and later became a figure in American outlaw history. His statement reflects his experiences during a tumultuous era marked by economic hardship and societal change, offering a glimpse into the struggles faced by ordinary individuals in times of crisis.