JAMES FARM JOURNAL Published by the Friends of the James Farm VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2016 : Retreating from Northfield was an adventure

ven today, visitors gawk at the just stuffed with cash and would be a cre- 18-foot chasm in the quartzite ampuff to rob, for a savvy pair like Jesse bedrock of the little community and Frank James it must have looked like Epark just north of Garretson in a stretch. southeastern South Dakota. Most of What made the First National Bank so ir- them walk away saying, “Aw, he’d a’ nev- resistible? Some authors who have stud- er made it.” ied the robbery in minute detail claim it Well, the odds wouldn’t have been in was politics. They say the James Boys, his favor, that’s for sure. Especially be- especially Jesse, just couldn’t let the war cause was die, and when he had a chance to stick his riding a stolen farm finger (or his revolver) into the eye of an horse when he sup- ex-Federal he took it. posedly jumped that An investor in The First National Bank gap in the autumn was, you see, a man named Adelburt of 1876. He and his Ames, who was the son-in-law of Civil older brother Frank, War Union General Benjamin But- you see, were trying ler, and that Butler, in turn, also had a to outrun a highly- Devil’s Gulch, the 18-foot-long, 70 foot high jump large investment in the bank. It’s pos- incensed Minnesota that Jesse allegedly took during the escape from sible they had no idea of that con- posse after their bungled attempt to rob the botched Northfield, Minn. raid. nection, but if they did, it might have the First National Bank in Northfield, were, even 50 years later, and the recol- Minn., a weeks earlier. It was the single Continued on page 6 lections of a few of them were published biggest failure in their long and otherwise in a series of articles that appeared in the successful careers as post Civil War out- Sioux Falls (S.D.) Argus Leader newspaper IN THIS ISSUE laws. in 1924. President’s Message...... 2 The Devil’s Gulch jump, as it’s called in Before giving you a sampling, let’s review eastern South Dakota, was quite a feat, April 2016 Revolver Shoot. . . .2 what might have put Jesse, Frank, the if it really happened, and as locals tend Younger Brothers and several other des- You've Got a Friend in Me. . . .3 to do, many in the Garretson area swear peradoes in the area at about that time. Old West Revolver Shoots. . . . 4 that it did. But 18-feet is a long jump any way you look at it, and the penalty Northfield was, for sure, a departure John Newman Edwards . . . . .5 for coming up short would have been a from their usual method of doing busi- FOJF Journey Grant...... 9 70 foot fall – certain death for both horse ness. They’d robbed plenty of banks in and rider. So, let’s play the odds and say Missouri, a few in Iowa, ditto for Ken- Where Can You Donate?. . . .11 that no such leap was ever attempted. tucky and who knows where else … But Reunion 2016...... 12 Minnesota? That was deep into hostile That doesn’t mean, however, that Jesse The Farm's New Exhibit. . . . 12 and Frank weren’t in the neighborhood territory for a bunch of Civil War Con- that night. Lots of good, God-fearing federate guerrillas. And despite one of Have You Renewed?...... 15 homesteaders in the area thought they the gang’s assurances that the bank was Renew Your Membership. . . .16 JAMES FARM JOURNAL • VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2016

FRIENDS OF A special Thank You to our “Friends” THE JAMES FARM f you are reading this, let me Thank Liz Johnson has been with the Friends You for your time. It seems the more of the James Farm since 2013 and pub- Executive Officers digital our society becomes, the less lished numerous articles on the history time we have. There are all sorts of the James boys for the Excelsior Springs President (Term Expires 2016) I of ways to occupy our time but it seems Standard newspaper in Missouri, and pres- Monte Griffey there is no time to use them. So if you ently works as the historical writer for the Vice-President (Term Expires 2017) are reading this, you had to spend some Richmond News, Richmond, Mo. Several Kevin Makel of your time to do so and I sincerely hope of her James articles have won Missouri Secretary (Term Expires 2017) you enjoy the newsletter. Press Association Awards. She also has written for and designed the Friends of Linda Tarantino With no FOJF activities right now, this the James Farm Jour- seemed a good time to have our writers Treasurer (Term Expires 2017) nal since 2013. Bryan Ivlow produce some lengthy articles – and all three came through for us. I do hope you Whether you are enjoy the articles as a lot of research, ef- reading the news- Board Members fort and thought goes into the writing of letter because you Class of 2016 them. are interested in the James boys or per- Pam Banner In case you didn’t know our regular writ- haps you are just in- Scott Cole ers, here’s a little bio on them. terested in the history To Be Determined Martin “Marty” McGrane has been of their period. It Class of 2017 with the Friends of the James Farm for takes time and effort well over 30 years, thus brings many years and we appreciate it. It also takes time Martin McGrane of experience and historical research to and effort to produce the newsletter and Paul Weller the table. He is also the author of one of we “Thank You” for checking it out. To Be Determined the best and most informative books on We as board members of Friends of the the James family, “The James Farm: Its James Farm also want to Thank You for Class of 2018 People, Their Lives and Their Times.” your membership. If you haven’t already Liz Johnson Michelle Pollard is presently one of renewed your membership (due Jan. 1) or Kimberly Howard the most informed authorities on Frank would like to join, check out the details To Be Determined and Jesse James. She is known for her im- on the back page of this newsletter or our website, www.jessejames.org. With- Ex-Officio peccable research and fact-finding trips to every place the James brothers have out your annual dues and the Old West Beth Beckett been. Plus, she hails from England! She Revolver Shoots we could not go on sup- Christie Kennard, Vivie Tison is the author of “Legends Born Where porting the James Farm in this fashion. & Liz Johnson Men Die,” a novel of Jesse James and Please look for details of upcoming “Witnesses to the Passing of a Legend, shoots and our bi-annual reunion in this Honorary Members The Death and Burial of Jesse James.” newsletter. Betty Barr Michelle is also an active member of the Thanks for reading and again, thanks for Janet Perry English Westerners’ Society, an educa- your time.  Michelle Pollard tional, non-profit organization, whose Monte Griffey David Smith object is to pursue and promote the study of American frontier history. [email protected] Newsletter Editors Linda Tarantino, Liaison Contributors: Michelle Pollard, Liz Johnson & Martin McGrane OLD WEST REVOLVER SHOOT Contact editors at: SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2016 www.jessejames.org | Registration 8 a.m., Shoot 9 a.m. Newsletter Design/Layout James Farm, 21216 Jesse James Farm Road, Kearney Liz Johnson ~ Jolly Hill 816.736.8500 • www.jessejames.org for info/rules

2 Friends of the James Farm • www.jessejames.org JAMES FARM JOURNAL • VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2016 YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME Jesse James and left Barba at home with Mary Douglass, son, Draper and his men rode in darkness from youngest daughter from his first mar- Danville to the headwaters of Whetstone Creek, Lee McMurtry riage, her husband and their 1-year-old where they found six men in camp, reported a let- child, Martha, Lucy D., his 17-year-old ter to the St. Louis Missouri Democrat newspa- evi (Lee) Boone McMurtry was daughter from his second marriage, and per. born in 1841. His father moved Amazon and Martha, son and daughter No official report of the action is available. Ac- to Missouri in 1827, settled in from his third marriage. Callaway county, married Seral- counts in the Fulton Missouri Telegraph differ in L Barba died at Amazon’s home near some detail from that of the letter to the Demo- da Hays on 10 October 1832, and died in 3 1843.1 His wife, a descendent of Daniel Shamrock on 3 July, 1879, aged 86. crat. Boone, was left with five young mouths When the Civil War broke out, Lee The Telegraph reported that the men in the to feed and therefore it is perhaps no sur- wasted no time in joining the fight for the camp were Isaac Burt, Richard Berry, Theodore prise that she remarried quickly. Barba Confederacy and did so in such a way French, Samuel McMurtry, Coon McMurtry Collins became her second husband on that he was soon regarded as fearless. “For and Butler Armstrong, “who were hiding from 19 November 1844. 2 presence of mind and coolness facing imminent the federal troops.” Barba Collins had danger of death McMurtry’s quick action and The fight was brief. Draper left half his men also been married be- successful ruse to evade detection and being killed to hold horses and split the remainder into two fore. On 27 August, was seldom, if ever, equaled during those per- squads. Lt. John D. McFarlane led one group 1818, he married ilous days,” fellow guerrilla Hamp Watts, and Draper the other as they approached the his first wife, Martha remembered. He went on to give the fol- camp. McFarlane’s men were fired upon and the Johns in Kentucky lowing escapade as an example of his as- militia charged. and together they sertions; at the home of Captain Sebree, Both accounts name Burt, son of John A. Burt, had six children; a group of six guerrillas, McMurtry in- as the dead man, although the letter calls him Morgan and Glover cluded, found the building surrounded by Brice Burt. were both born in Federal soldiers after they let down their Kentucky, while Todd, Robert, Ann guard to entertain a Miss Saunders who The letter said two men, Berry and a Lee Mc- and Mary were all born after the family was then living at the house. Seeing their Murtry were mortally wounded, and one was moved to Missouri. Barba and Martha dilemma, McMurtry armed the young captured. The Telegraph reported that Berry and were founder members of the Liberty woman, disguised himself sufficiently to French were slightly wounded, and the McMur- Christian Church near Shamrock, Cal- pass off as her brother and then “with trys and Armstrong got away. no visible signs of fear or tremor, calmly faced a laway County and Martha is most likely The militia captured five horses and other mate- squad of the enemy as they made excited inrush buried in the nearby Collins cemetery rial. Everything that could not be carried away to the house.” Having successfully fooled there. Barba’s second wife, Polly Read, was burned. was the widow of William Read and sis- the soldiers, McMurtry gathered his guns Draper “intends to put a stop to bushwhacking ter to Barba’s brother James’ wife. Lucy and left, escaping punishment rather bet- and jayhawking in the vicinity, and the sooner the was their only child. Unsurprisingly, the ter than Miss Saunders, who was ban- rebels understand and act upon it the better it will Barba Collins household noted in the ished after the Federal authorities heard 4 be for them,” the letter concluded. “If they will 1850 census was substantial. Lee found of her part in McMurtry’s escape. insist upon a course they may depend on being himself part of a family that included his Further examples of his narrow escapes killed, for he has the boys that are ready for the mother, step-father, four full-siblings, two are not difficult to find. work, and he is the man to find it if there is any half-siblings and seven step-siblings. 150 YEARS AGO: Major Draper to be done in this country.” Columbiatribune.com Whether or not it was a happy arrange- leads squad on small Lee McMurtry came to know the James ment is impossible to ascertain but what guerrilla camp brothers well during the Civil War. A does appear certain is that Seralda’s By Rudi Keller member of Todd’s company, he was death, around 1853, prompted the Mc- one of the men who, along with Frank Murtry children to leave the Collins Sunday, May 6, 2012 James, held the enemy back while their household. The youngest brothers, Sam- WILLIAMSBURG — Maj. Daniel Draper comrades crossed the Kentucky river at uel and James, were placed under the led a squad of 30 men in an attack on a small Worthville, Carroll County. He stayed a guardianship of William H. Morris, hus- guerrilla camp, killing one bushwhacker and few days at the James Farm in February band of their older sister, Nancy, while wounding two others. 1865, long enough to allow both horse 24-year-old Joseph took lodgings with Area farmer William Layson found the camp as Hays Wallen, and 19-year-old Lee went he searched for a stolen horse. Informed by Lay- to live with an uncle, Amazon Hays. This Continued on page 4 Friends of the James Farm • www.jessejames.org 3 JAMES FARM JOURNAL • VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2016

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND Cont. from page 3 and rider rest and recuperation; he was with Quantrill when the latter was mor- JESSE JAMES OLD WEST tally wounded at the Wakefield Farm; and he surrendered with Frank James at REVOLVER SHOOT Samuel’s Depot, Nelson County, Ky. He saw action at Lawrence, at Centralia, and April 9, 2016 his life may very well have been saved by Jesse James at the battle of Fayette. $ The attack on Fayette was always going 25 to be a disaster and divided the guerril- Entry fee la leaders, who were seen arguing even before the ill-fated attack had begun. Remembering Jesse James, Hamp Watts, one of the men who took part in the raid and a native of the town, assassinated 134 years ago remembered the day with a fair degree Categories include: Cap & Ball Revolver • Cartridge Revolver of bitterness. “Six guerrillas killed, eight or Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place • Fixed Sights, Dueling Stance Only ten wounded,” he recalled, “the result of Bill Anderson’s reckless foolhardiness. Leading men, “This ain’t no TEA DANCE! It’s a SHOOT!” Period style clothing is encouraged! armed only with revolvers, charging an invisible enemy in block-houses, to simply embed bullets RegistRation 8 a.m. • shoot 9 a.m. in logs, with no possible chance to either kill or James Farm, 21216 Jesse James Farm Road, Kearney, MO • 816.736.8500 inflict injury on the foe, was both stupid and reck- less. The defeat of the guerrillas therefore,” he AND FOR THE LADIES ... concluded, “was signal and humiliating.”5 Whether or not ‘Sergeant McMurtry’ fell ANNA JAMES first during that desperate fight, as noted by John Newman Edwards in Noted Guer- CATEGORIES! rillas or the Warfare of the Border, is impos- Cap & Ball Revolver • Cartridge Revolver sible to determine, but Edwards’ asser- Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place tion that “Richard Kinney and Jesse James volunteered to bring McMurtry out from under • Fixed Sights, Dueling Stance the guns of the enemy, and they dashed in afoot Ladies ... we welcome you to come in period costume! and succeeded safely amid a shower of balls,” although generally accepted to be true, Save the Date: Additional 2016 Shoots: June 11 & Sept. 24 6 may require further investigation. In his Sponsored by Clay County Parks, Recreation & Historic Sites & The Friends of the James Farm • www.jessejames.org chapter, Assault on Fayette, Hamp Watts commented that although Edwards’ “de- Albert Castel in his book, William Clarke had log fortifications. When I reached the pasture scription of this battle is painted in the liveliest Quantrill. “One of his fingers had been shot off, I there found Colonel Quantrill with Jim Little, colors, unfortunately there is only here and there he had been hit in the hip, and he was covered who had received a ball in the right arm. I left a grain of truth as given and described.” Watts with blood. On seeing him, Quantrill, who had McMurtry with Quantrill and started up north laid out the particulars of the battle in not taken part in the attack, cried, ‘Boys, I will for the town where I could hear a great deal of their barest form, correcting the number take Jimmie to cover – he is all shot to hell.’ He firing.”9 From this, it appears that McMur- of wounded and how close the guerril- then rode off with Little into the brush.” 8 try was rescued by John McCorkle, not las came to landmarks within the town. As the fight continued, John McCorkle Jesse James, and although Castel makes He recalled the wounding of McMurtry, noticed that a bullet had “struck Lee Mc- no mention of Quantrill retreating with among others, during the second assault, Murtry under the left eye, giving him a severe both Little and McMurtry neither does not the first, and that several men were flesh wound, blinding him for the time being and he note the source of the quote. It may saved by comrades who went to their res- he fell from his horse. I caught his horse,” the be that McMurtry, belonging as he did to cue and pulled them from the fray. He guerrilla remembered, “led it back to him another group, was not taken by Quant- did not mention Jesse by name as having and, assisting him to mount, I led his horse down rill and therefore needed rescuing a sec- rescued McMurtry, but then neither did ond time by Kinney and James, or it may 7 a side street to a pasture … The remainder of he offer another. our command went on up the street leading to- be that, in true Edwards fashion, the “Among the wounded was Jim Little,” wrote ward the town of Glasgow where the Federals Continued on page 7

4 Friends of the James Farm • www.jessejames.org JAMES FARM JOURNAL • VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2016 JOHN NEWMAN EDWARDS A man who loved prose, flowers and the rush of wartime battle

t was suggested to me to write some- thing on John Newman Edwards, but as always, with the full life he Iled, it’s impossible to cover most of Edwards’ life here in one article. Thus, I chose to see if I could breathe life into the man who was so vocally supportive of Frank and Jesse James and we could learn a little more about what made Edwards tick. ~ Liz Johnson

He’s been described as someone who loved solitude, yet loved an adrenalin rush. He was shy and timid, yet charged into battle and creat- ed a niche in the news business that earned him enough notori- setting in Front Royal. fields, sweet with ‘the breath of kind’ and the ety that he is well-re- “He was highly regarded as a 'boy of extraor- new-mown hay. He lingered in the dim vistas of membered 127 years after his death. dinary powers at the immature age of fourteen the woods and from out their slumberous shad- years,'” said Rev. George Plattenburg, of ows, dreamily watched the ceaseless swirl of the Who was this man of many contradic- 2 1 great river.” tions? He was John Newman Edwards, Dover, Mo. soldier, writer, author, newspaperman It was unknown why Edwards moved to This description of Edwards makes it and friend and advocate of Frank and Lexington, Mo., at the tender age of 16, difficult to believe this gentle, shy youth Jesse James. except that he had a relative, Thomas J. would emerge as a fierce soldier, defend- ing the Confederate cause, riding with Edwards was born Jan. 4, 1839, in War- Yerby, a fairly well off farmer, who was General Jo Shelby in the years to come. ren County, Va., about 85 miles from living there at the time. He was, in fact, a complex man. present-day Alexandria and near to the Yerby’s late wife was the sister of John bucolic town of Front Royal, nestled in Edwards’ father. In 1862, Shelby organized a regiment the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. He near Waverly. His unit, upon hearing of At the time Edwards moved to Lexing- was the second child of Mary Edwards the Battle of Lone Jack, began moving ton, a newspaper, The Expositor was in Newman. John’s father’s name is listed as his way south … a very dangerous move. operation. Edwards immediately began Samuel on ancestry.com, however that “Environed by almost indescribable difficulties working there as a printer, continuing to shows an inaccuracy as it lists Samuel’s and never at any time, were the experiences and cultivate the interest he had in the pub- date of death as 1863, yet in the 1850 dangers of this illustrious body of men greater lishing business. 3 census, John is listed as age 12 and living or graver.” with his mother, Mary, and her mother, His life in Lexington was rather unevent- At McKissock Springs, Ark., Shelby “was Catharine Edwards, 64, as well as an ful, yet the storm that would later become given the arduous and dangerous duty of watch- older brother and two younger siblings. the War Between the States was already ing and contesting, step by step, the Federal ad- Likely, John’s father was deceased by brewing in the Border Wars between vance from Fayetteville, Ark.” 4 1850. In tracing Edwards’ family his- Kansas and Missouri. These days were tory on ancestry.com via Edwards’ uncle rife with tension, strong opinions and the Only a soldier can understand the atroci- Thomas Yerby (see below), it is likely war that was to come was kindling be- ties of war, the hardship endured by both that his father was Thomas Jefferson Ed- neath the surface of the country. sides. “A sort of superhuman endurance in the form of military service, of such varied fortune wards, II, born 1804 – his date of death Newman’s childhood belied his propen- of defeat and victory.” 5 unknown. sity for writing prose. “As a boy he loved At a young age Edwards wanted to learn solitude – this peculiarity in manhood made him the newspaper business. He learned type- shy to the verge of girlish timidity. He loved the Continued on page 13 Friends of the James Farm • www.jessejames.org 5 JAMES FARM JOURNAL • VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2016

NORTHFIELD RETREAT Cont. from page 1 been quite an incentive – Butler was widely hated in the war. He was known as “Beast Butler” for his treatment of Yankee-occupied areas of the south. Regardless of their motivation, choosing Northfield’s bank proved to be a very bad idea. From the get-go, everything went wrong. The gang’s efforts to “hurrah” the town with gunfire and keep street traffic at bay failed to faze the good peo- ple of Northfield, and it wasn’t long be- fore they’d rounded up weapons of their own and began shooting back. Inside the bank, cashier Joseph Heywood was gunned-down when he refused to open the vault. Outside, things were no less chaotic. Within not much more than a beat, outlaws Bill Stiles and Clell Miller were dead. All three Younger brothers, Cole, Bob and Jim, were seriously shot- up, as was fellow Missourian Charlie Pitts. Frank James seems to have taken a bullet to the knee; Jesse may or may not have been wounded, too – reports vary. Thoroughly discombobulated, the gang wasn’t particular about which direction it chose to leave town. Southwestward, however, was the route they took. And although Northfield authorities mounted their own posses, and appeals went out to neighboring communities to do the same, there were nothing more than scattered, unsubstantiated reports of the outlaws’ whereabouts until some two weeks had passed. A farm boy near Madelia, per- Dakota Territory, St. Paul, Minn.: St. Paul Lithog. & Eng. Co., 1872. The area Frank and Jesse were in, is haps 50 miles southwest of Northfield, approximately in the lower right shaded area. (Courtesy of Library of Congress) told authorities that he’d seen five men, them? ter the robbery. Two well-dressed riders, on foot and on horseback, heading west- Remember, the Youngers were the only wearing goatskin gloves, no less, but obvi- ward through wet, boggy country near a witnesses, and they never once said that ously trail-weary, stopped a man leading spot known locally as Hanska’s Slough. the James brothers were even involved in a pair of horses in eastern Rock County, A gunfight soon raged, and bandit Char- the affair, but assuming they were, where Minn., about a hundred miles southwest lie Pitts (an alias) was killed. The Young- did they go? And how? Enter those old of where they’d parted ways with the er brothers had absorbed still more lead 1924 interviews in the Sioux Falls Argus Youngers. In talking to the man, they when Cole hollered-out that they’d had Leader. suggested in a non-confrontational way enough. They expected to be lynched. that he take their mounts as trade, plus Instead they soon began long stretches in It had long been suspected that the broth- cash, for his pair. He agreed, and the rid- Minnesota’s Stillwater Prison, where Bob ers James had been seen in southwest ers, afterwards assumed to have been the eventually died. Only Cole would ever Minnesota and southeast Dakota Ter- James brothers, again headed southwest, see Missouri again, and then it would be ritory shortly after the Northfield raid. but it must have been a humbling expe- as an old man. Accordingly, the newspaper sought to put rience. As Confederate guerrillas they’d some meat on those old bones. But what of Jesse and Frank, assuming ridden (and stolen) only the finest horses that they too had been in the neighbor- The first mention of anything concrete Missouri had to offer. Now, thanks to hood? Why hadn’t the posse captured is reported to have occurred on the af- ternoon of Sept. 15. It was 8 days af- Continued on page 8 6 Friends of the James Farm • www.jessejames.org JAMES FARM JOURNAL • VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2016

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND Cont. from page 4 explained was raised of fearless and daring men efits that could be had by inviting the rail- on the frontier who were accustomed to ride and road through the town. “Henry Clay Dean story, though essentially true, was adapt- shoot and was intended as a light horse attach- … came to Corydon in the summer of 1871 to ed to give Jesse James a more heroic part. ment of the Confederate army. Their recklessness make a railroad speech,” Corydon resident Whatever the case, Jesse and Lee shared led them into trouble with the leaders of the Con- E. A. Rea remembered, “Mr. Dean had a a common and memorable experience in federacy and before they were aware of it they good reputation as an orator, and also as a man the battle of Fayette and both, no mat- were declared outlaws and the hands of both the that hated soap and water and was generally ter how it was achieved, were lucky to get Federal and the Confederate governments were spoken of in the newspapers of that day as the away alive. against them. “I fought under the black flag for great unwashed. The railroad meeting was held On 8 January 1867, Lee married Cath- two years”, said McMurtry to a Telegram re- in the old frame Methodist Church that stood erine (Kate) Burns in Jackson County, porter last fall at Wichita Falls, “And I tell you back about thirty feet from the street.” Mr. Rea Mo. They had three daughters, Grizelle, it’s a mighty dangerous business.” recalled that the church was full and that Cossette and Avon, in the ensuing years $10,000 REWARD some folk were forced to stand outside at and it might have looked as though Lee’s OFFERED FOR HIM all the windows to listen. “Nearly all the connection with the Jameses had ended business houses were closed and the merchants with the War.10 This obituary, however, At one time the United States government placed had gone to the meeting,” he said. 12 suggests a different story. a reward of $10,000 upon McMurtry’s head. That was in the days directly following the As the four masked men entered the Lee McMurtry in Last Sleep Civil War and when the James gang was raid- Wayne County Treasurer’s Office they Fought With Quantrell and ing through Missouri and Kansas. His home may very well have known that the mon- Jesse James Dies Here was in Clay County, Missouri. Last fall when ey already raised for the new railroad was Fort Worth Telegram: started out with his show company safely held inside but when they asked for a hundred dollar bill to be changed, Lee B. McMurtry, 66 years old, died Sunday the meeting of the two men at Wichita Falls was touching. Younger had only a short time be- the junior clerk informed the leader that in Ft. Worth and with his passing one of the the safe was locked and that the treasur- most remarkable characters of the early days of fore been [sic] released from a long term in the penitentiary as a result of his many expeditions er, like so many others in the town, had the southwest goes to its final reward. McMurtry gone to the railroad meeting. Seeing the was a personal friend and long time associate of in the early days of bandit operations. The two men recognized each other after a separation of men’s disappointment, the clerk helpfully Jesse James in the days of his career in Missouri. explained that the banking concern of He has told many listeners how he was with Bill thirty six years and Younger was taken to Mc- Murtry’s home, where they spent hours in telling the Ocobock Brothers, one block west of Quantrell [sic] when he was shot toward the close the Treasurer’s Office, remained open for of the Civil War and last fall at Wichita Falls their reminiscences of the days when the only law was the law of the gun. The death of McMurtry business and, no doubt grateful, the rob- met Cole Younger for the first time in 36 years. bers went there next. McMurtry was present at the famous massacre came very suddenly Sunday. He was visiting at at Lawrence, Kansas when the entire city was the home of his daughter in this city at 1514 Only Ted Wock, the cashier, was inside shot up and burned. Once with a few comrades Lawrence avenue when he was suddenly stricken the bank. The owners had no interest in 11 when surrounded by Colorado troops he cut his and died. the railroad meeting and had made no way through the military cordon and in his flight An old guerrilla friend of the Jameses financial contribution to its cause. Wock that day had three horses shot from under him. and Youngers, accused of being involved later described the gun he found pointing When the James boys were broken up he fled to in the early James-Younger Gang rob- at him as a large Colt with an 8-to 10- Mexico and later returned to New Mexico. Here beries and remembered in an obituary inch barrel, held by a man he described he freighted for years, but later returned and stood that revolves around his guerrilla days. It as sunburned, thick-set, well-built but not trial, coming clear of all charges made against perhaps comes as no surprise that Lee B. very tall. The second man in the bank him. McMurtry has one more part to play in was described as about the same height the James story. as the first, but not so heavily built, with a MADE A FINE SHERIFF thinner face. The robbers had no trouble Next he appears as peace officer and was made On 3 June, 1871, four men rode into walking away with around $6,000.13 Corydon, Iowa, with every intention of sheriff of Wichita County. At Wichita Falls Exiting the bank, the leader couldn’t he made the best sheriff thereabouts had ever robbing their bank. The population was conveniently distracted by a local meet- help but ride over to the meeting and, known. He was absolutely fearless and enforced with gun drawn, addressed the men lis- the law to the letter. It is told of him that when ing intent on encouraging the people of Corydon to agree to pay the taxes needed tening to Dean’s speech from outside the a member of the Quantrell guerilla band during church – “Well, you’ve been having your fun the Civil War he once saved the life of the now towards the cost of building a new line of the M. I. and N. railroad through Coryd- and we’ve been having ours,” the leader has Senator Stephen B. Elkins, who was a school boy been recorded as saying. “You needn’t go friend of his. McMurtry who cast his lot with on, the Wayne County seat. Several thou- sand dollars had already been raised but into hysterics when I tell you that we’ve just been the Quantrell band, often told how he came to down to the bank and robbed it of every dollar in join that organization. The company he always more was needed and the town bustled with those intent on listening to the ben- Continued on page 10

Friends of the James Farm • www.jessejames.org 7 JAMES FARM JOURNAL • VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2016

NORTHFIELD RETREAT Cont. from page 6 unusual for a man to be carrying a hol- making a noisy ruckus at being separated stered revolver. If a man was armed, it from their mothers. They were released Northfield, they found themselves riding was usually with a long-barreled shotgun. unharmed a short distance down the a couple of Minnesota nags they’d actu- So, the odds are good that the men sitting road. ally paid-for. at the Rolph family’s table that morning Shortly after midnight that same eve- People wonder why Jesse and Frank were Jesse and Frank James. ning – a night that was long and busy if would have headed southwest on their At Rolph’s notice to lawmen in Luverne various reports are to be believed – two way home. Well, maybe it was because in that suspicious strangers were in the area, men stopped at the John Samuelson farm the eyes of their pursuers, it was the least a posse was raised. They tracked two some two miles south of Nelson’s place. expected route, thus the safest. From riders across the Minnesota border in a They asked for directions to Sioux Falls, Northfield, they could have gotten to the southwesterly direction across timbered even then Dakota Territory’s largest city. Mississippi River in fairly short order, but ridges and through wooded, almost can- It’s doubtful they wanted to visit; they the authorities would have been looking yon-like, ravines. It was on this leg of the probably wanted to avoid it. Two hours for them there. And going southward, trip that Jesse was said to have jumped later (around 2 or 3 a.m.) they showed towards Iowa, would have been nearly his horse across what’s now called Devil’s up at the Homen farm, just south of suicidal – too many towns and people, Gulch – a chasm some 70-feet deep and Sioux Falls, and told Homen they were too little cover and too many lawmen. 18-feet across. As for Frank? He was members of a posse looking for Jesse and Heading southwest toward the Missouri reported to have taken a different route Frank James! With thanks for a quick River, on the other hand, gave them a that carried him safely past the posse with bite to eat, they got back on their horses fighting chance of making it home. far less drama. and headed southwest. Some two hours Still in Rock County, the brothers’ next That same evening, Sept. 17, two men later (it would have been sun-up by then) stop was at the homestead of a man hailed-up at a “soddy” halfway between they “traded” their horses for two others, named Rolph. Years later he would re- today’s Garretson and Valley Springs, presumably with better eyesight. And by member that it was a Sunday morning S.D. A settler named Nelson was in his still another report, published in the Ar- – they hailed the house and asked for barnyard tending to his livestock when gus Leader, two men stopped a stagecoach breakfast. the strangers rode-up requesting water near Sioux Falls that same day. Robbery, Frontier farmers usually accommodated for themselves and their thirsty mounts. however, was apparently not the motive. strangers, and accordingly he invited The stage was headed west for Yank- From his well, Nelson drew a bucket of ton, then the territorial capitol; if it had them to take a seat at the table while his water. One of the horses drank. Nel- wife prepared food. Rolph thought it was been heading south, perhaps they’d have son meant to swab-out the bucket and fill climbed aboard. odd that the strangers insisted on taking it anew before offering it to the horse’s seats facing the open door so as to better rider, but the man stopped him, saying, In the afternoon of that same day, the observe anyone approaching. Explaining “Never mind. I’d rather drink after a James brothers apparently crossed into that he had chores to do, farmer Rolph horse than some of the men I’ve known.” Union County, Dakota Territory, near said he’d need to go to the barn to milk the now-vanished hamlet of Patten’s Mill. his cows. At that, one of the guests or- Nelson might have been forgiven if he’d Still farther south, they stopped at the dered him to, “Sit down and eat.” felt a little edgy around the two men, Rongstad farm near tiny Klondike and but nevertheless he offered them supper, asked to spend the night. Rongstad told Rolph protested. He said the milking which would be served out of doors. To couldn’t wait, but one of strangers, prob- a reporter that one of the men was carry- keep mosquitos at-bay, he built a large, ing a revolver and the other was bleeding. ably Jesse (the more talkative of the two), smoky fire. He’d noticed that one of the unholstered his revolver, set it atop the With word of the Northfield raid and its riders hadn’t dismounted since they’d ar- aftermath all the talk of the area, he sus- table and told him in no uncertain terms, rived, and he seemed to be in pain. Was “Sit down!” Rolph got the message; his pected he was looking at Frank and Jesse, it Frank? Carrying lead from Northfield? but he hid his concern. The two strang- cows could wait. When the strangers had As the evening wore-on, Nelson’s guests finished eating, they told him it might be ers left the following morning without grew tired – and grumpy. He later told incident. wise to forget the direction they took in an Argus Leader reporter that one of them leaving. But, said the Argus Leader, “He asked him if the whole family planned Five miles south of Rongstad’s place, didn’t.” Instead, he quickly reported the to stay up all night gabbing. That sent Peter Wahl and Andrew Sheldon, were incident to lawmen in nearby Luverne, the Nelsons to their beds, and soon their watering their horses when two men rode Minn. stranger-guests hit the road. Shortly af- up at a gallop and said, “Saddle up, boys There’s no proof that Rolph’s visitors terward they were back, though, to make and help us chase the Northfield rob- were the James Boys of course, but at that an unauthorized exchange – their two bers!” The young farmers were game, time and place it was unusual for men to horses for a pair of Nelson’s – and two but once they had their mounts ready to travel on horseback; they usually drove colts. Both the mares were nearly blind. Continued on page 9 buggies or wagons, and it was even more The colts were taken to keep them from 8 Friends of the James Farm • www.jessejames.org JAMES FARM JOURNAL • VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2016

NORTHFIELD RETREAT Cont. from page 8 of Reverend A.D. Krogness, a Lutheran southward bound Missouri River steam- pastor in nearby Canton, Dakota Terri- boat. They might have felt they were far ride, one of the “posse” riders ordered tory. His farm was on the west bank of enough from Northfield to safely board them to trade. Wahl didn’t like the terms the Big Sioux. Perhaps out of respect for a train … of the deal and said-so, but when one of the memory of their father, the Reverend In a larger sense, Northfield also marked the strangers pulled his pistol and “turned Robert James, they politely asked to be the crank,” he thought better of it. the end of the trail for the formidable fed dinner, then they stayed for the night outfit that the James/Younger gang had Credit young Wahl for grit if nothing in a bed that Krogness found stained once been. Cole, Bob and Jim Younger else. He rounded-up another horse and with blood the following morning. After were done with the business. Frank and took-out after the two strangers. In what breakfast the next morning, they pre- Jesse separated and drifted south to try must have looked like a scene from a pared to leave, but not without one of their hands at living normal lives with movie, he was riding hard and closing the them telling the pastor, “I’m sorry, but their families. Jesse and Frank would pull gap. It’s unknown if he was armed – that I have to take your horse,” (or words to a few more robberies, but the men they might have been a detail he’d overlooked. that effect). Krogness later recovered the recruited to help were clueless amateurs But as he gained ground, Jesse and Frank horse. compared to the grizzly old Quantrill warned him with gestures to keep his As was the case with other outlaws who veterans who had ridden alongside them distance, but when he got too close, one managed to gain a measure of public in the early days. of them reined-in his horse (Wahl’s, acclaim – John Dillinger, Bonnie Parker technically), took careful aim and put a Do the recollections of those early Min- and Clyde Barrow, “Babyface” Nelson – nesota and Dakota Territory settlers slug through the neck of Wahl’s speedy Jesse and Frank James were remembered mount. prove that they’d once crossed trails with fondly by at least some of the people the notorious James brothers? After Fortune finally smiled on Jesse and Frank with whom they crossed paths. Reverend all, when the newspaper collected those later that day. In Plymouth County, Krogness might have been among them. memories they were more than 40 years Iowa, they spotted a man in a buggy. He must have been grateful that they’d old. And couldn’t it have been just a hap- They stopped him and they must have treated him kindly and with respect. Af- penstance series of encounters of sepa- been delighted to learn that he was a doc- ter all, they could have murdered him – rate pairs of strangers asking for food, tor – just what (presumably) Frank need- and he knew it. lodging, water, direction, horses …? ed most at that very time. Dr. Mosher There’s just one final account of a pos- later reported that the two men treated Sure. But men carrying revolvers and sible James sighting in what is now South shedding blood didn’t darken the door- him with greater deference than he Dakota. One day after they’d been host- would have expected from outlaws on the ways of too many settlers back then. The ed by pastor Krogness, two dapper men fact that they remembered those encoun- run, only asking that they adjourn to a in a buckboard showed up 30 or so miles roadside thicket where he could bandage ters so many years later gives evidence of south in tiny Spink, near the larger city that. Frank’s wound without being spotted by of Vermillion. Witnesses recalled them passers-by. They also forced him to trade as a talkative pair who delighted children Something made those encounters mem- his clothes for the blood-soaked items by passing out handfuls of candy. Is it orable; something about those two men Frank had been wearing since Northfield. just me, or does that seem a little too far that left deep and lasting impressions. The Big Sioux River separates Iowa from out of character for a couple of hard- Since no physical descriptions of the two South Dakota near where the encounter bitten Missouri outlaws? were recorded, they must have looked ordinary enough. It must have been an with Dr. Mosher took place on its east From Spink, if indeed they were ever side. But the river isn’t always big. In aura they projected, one that left those there, the trail of Jesse and Frank across old Dakota farmers feeling they were in low-water years it would have been easy Minnesota, South Dakota and Iowa to ford, and apparently that’s what the the presence of power, of authority – and grows cold. They could have made it to of danger. Sounds like the James Boys to James brothers did, because that same Sioux City, Iowa, and caught a ride on a evening they arrived at the country home me. 

FOJF GIFTS GRANT TO WILLIAM JEWELL STUDENT The Friends of the James “Your support will help opportunity,” said Tanna Farm has gifted $2,000 in us provide a personal and Campbell, Director of De- a Journey Grant to William transforming journey for velopment at William Jewell. Jewell College for a student one of our students and We’ll keep you posted as a to expand on what is known we look forward to work- student is chosen and that about Rev. Robert S. James. ing with you to create this student’s progress.

Friends of the James Farm • www.jessejames.org 9 JAMES FARM JOURNAL • VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2016

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND Continued from page 7 view of the prevalence of crime, and the frequency of attacks by robbers on neighboring towns, and the till. If you’ll go down there now you’ll find the obvious necessity for preparing for self-defence, the cashier tied and then if you want any of us, hereby agree to provide ourselves with arms and why, just come down and take us. Thank you ammunition, and to keep the same at our places for your attention.”14 Thinking the speech of business, in good order and ready for use at a was meant merely to disrupt the meeting, moment’s notice; and we further agree that in case many ignored it, until some more curious of attack on the city, or any part thereof, that we citizens decided to check on the bank. will promptly and mutually support and defend A posse was formed and the robbers each other in such defence of said city. Signed by chased. On 5 June, they were discov- 140 citizens. ered at the Civil Bend school where a lo- The reporters of Trenton believed it was cal farmer, John Corbit, agreed to assist a step in the right direction. the posse in trying to catch the robbers Two months after the robbery, Agent then holed up in a stable some 80 steps Westfall (or Westphall by some accounts), southwest of the school. At one point, the a Pinkerton operative, arrested Clell outlaws were given the chance to surren- Miller and took him back to Corydon to der but replied stoically, “We cannot see it,” stand trial. On 8 March, 1872, a Liberty before mounting their horses and making resident, in a letter to his sister reported their escape in a flurry of bullets. One Lee B. McMurtry: “Confederate Guerrilla Sue that “old Moses Miller’s son Clell was hung horse, belonging to a member of the pos- Mundy: A Biography of Kentucky Soldier Jerome a few days since for robbing a bank in Iowa. se, was killed and a shotgun blast at least Clarke.” By Thomas Shelby Watson and Perry A. Brantle. They caught him and he acknowledged the crime, partially hit one of the robbers, causing and they hung him on the spot.”17 This was him to drop his coat, later recovered no- Unlike the earlier robberies, there was incorrect. Clell Miller appeared for the ticeably bloodstained. no long list of ex-guerrillas suspected of participation in the crime. There were start of his week long trial on 22 Octo- Two and a half miles further down the no reports of ex-guerrillas being mobbed ber 1872, unharmed and defended by no road, the outlaws were again come upon, after proving an alibi. The only names less than three lawyers, one of whom was but an accidental shot informed them of linked to the crime were provided by the ex-Union army captain, Jon W. McCla- the posse’s approach and they once again Hamilton News on 16 June, 1871. “From nahan. By that time the James brothers escaped. The last time the posse met the a description of the robbers,” the newspaper were well known; robberies at Columbia, outlaws was at Freeland’s Well but by reported, “it is believed that the James boys, Ky., on 29 April 1872, and the Kansas now the posse was tired, while the out- the Gallatin bank robbers, are of the party” – a City Fairground Gates, on 26 September laws had somehow obtained fresh horses party that included Clell Miller and Cole of the same year had been added to their and a renewed spirit that meant they Younger. Another change was the sudden growing list of misdemeanors, as had the were prepared to fight. The posse turned familiarity the robbers had with their sur- killing of a cashier and the wounding of a and retreated. roundings – after the Gallatin robbery, young girl. It didn’t take long before local Shortly thereafter, on 12 June, a second it had been noted that the perpetrators, opinion reasoned that, despite Clell Mill- posse was formed and led by none other believed to be the James brothers, had re- er’s acquittal for his part in the Corydon than Robert Pinkerton of the famous quired the local knowledge of Reverend robbery, his guilt could be measured by Pinkerton Detective Agency. But al- Helm to guide them around their own the cost of his impressive defence team, though determined they found no trace state of Missouri, but after the Corydon, no doubt paid for by the citizens of Co- of the robbers. William A. Pinkerton, son Iowa, robbery those same perpetrators lumbia and the patrons of the Kansas of founder Allan Pinkerton, stated that “seemed to know every inch of the ground and City Fair. the Pinkerton Detective Agency was first to be familiar with the names of parties along Certainties regarding Frank James’ in- retained after the Corydon bank robbery the road.” volvement in the Corydon robbery seem 15 of 1871. Others joined in until newspa- In the wake of the attack on Corydon, linked to the notion that he was one of per reports noted that “the pursuing party is towns in the vicinity seemed to agree the Gallatin robbers. At Frank’s trial, J. now very large, it having been constantly added with the residents of Chillicothe about O. Shelby made a comment to the effect to its number since it left the town in which the what needed to happen next. In an ar- that Frank James had been at his home depredation was committed, and it is to be hoped ticle dated 13 July 1871 and titled, Defen- in 1872, “bleeding at the lungs,” and since that the miscreants will soon be captured. The sive League, the Grand River Republican, of then it has been suggested that Frank bank offers one thousand dollars reward for their Trenton, Mo., printed the following in an was the Corydon robber wounded dur- 16 apprehension and arrest.” Despite this, the effort to rouse its own population: ing the fight at the stable near the Civil robbers eventually escaped and in their Bend schoolhouse. He was acquitted of wake came an interesting turn of events. We, the undersigned citizens of Chillicothe, in the county of Livingston, and State of Missouri, in Continued on page 11 10 Friends of the James Farm • www.jessejames.org JAMES FARM JOURNAL • VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2016

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND Continued from page 10 Cemetery. McKnight was appointed a detective cemetery in which is buried Jesse and

18 in this city in 1874 and was re-appointed six Frank’s sister, Susan.  all charges. years later. On account of poor health, he soon As would become his custom, Jesse de- after resigned the position. He was a cooper by nied the charges against him, saying that trade and at the time of his death was living at Notes & Sources the idea of “Frank and I robbing a bank in 1248 Liberty St, West Kansas. He was a vic- 1. Missouri Pioneer Families History 1876, ancestry.com; Iowa or anywhere else, is as base a falsehood as tim of consumption for years, but it was in his Susan Ormesher, Missouri Marriages Before 1840, reprinted ever was uttered from human lips.” Initially, he for Clearfield Co. Inc. by the Genealogical Publications Inc., case aggravated since last summer. Owing to his Baltimore, 2001, p147. held back the names of those “best citizens illness, his family are in straitened circumstances, 2. www.ourberryfamily.com. Barba was born in Tennessee on of Missouri” who could prove he was in- and the cooper’s associations of the two Kansas 27 July 1793. 3. Online genealogy; Callaway County Gazette, 8 August 1879; nocent of the Corydon robbery, reason- cities, together with the police, are arranging to 1850 census; 1860 census; Nancy McMurtry married William ing that it was now “pointless” for him give a benefit for the family. McKnight was H. Morris on 27 October 1853; correspondence with Gay to do so. “One year ago,” he explained, “I taken worse yesterday morning until he became Mathis. 4. Hamp Watts, The Babe of the Company, originally published proved an alibi by some of the best citizens in the too weak to cough and death ensued at the late by the Fayette Democrat-Leader Press in 1913, republished in state, and proved enough to satisfy every honest hour last night.22 1996 by Oak Hills Publishing, Springfield Missouri, pp 10-11. man that I was innocent of the killing of Cap- 5. Hamp Watts, op.cit., pp 14-19. With Jesse James still wanted for robbery 6. John Newman Edwards, Noted Guerillas; or the Warfare of tain Sheets, at Gallatin, but the degraded Radical and murder at Gallatin, it is difficult to the Border, Morningside Edition, 1976, pp291-2. party criticized my alibi and insinuated that I 7. Hamp Watts, op.cit., pp 14-19. imagine that he could have met such men 8. Albert Castel, William Clarke Quantrill His Life and Times, had bribed my witnesses. And just so it would be University of Oklahoma Press, 1999, p186. 19 in Kansas City without a certain amount in this case if I was to prove an alibi.” How- of masquerading. Still, the unlikely trio’s 9. John McCorkle, Three Years With Quantrill – A TRUE STORY ever, two years later, within a special in- Told by His Scout John McCorkle, University of Oklahoma Press, discussion about the “depots in the bot- 1992, p161. terview for the St. Louis Dispatch, Jesse had tom” was an entirely feasible one. Home 10. Their first child, Grizelle, was born on 16 September, 1868, married Joe W. Houston at Salt Lake City, Utah, and passed a change of heart and offered further de- to both Policeman McKnight and the tails regarding his alleged whereabouts, away 21 March 1943, while their second daughter, Avon, various railroad depots, including Union married D. W. Harcrow and passed away in Los Angeles, and the whereabouts of his brother, at the station, the West Bottoms area was prone California, on 16 December 1930. Correspondence with Gay time of the Corydon robbery. “Frank was Mathis. to severe flooding and finding a solution 11. Wichita Daily Times (Wichita Falls, Texas) 23 June, 1908. home in bed with a severe attack of intermittent was a local priority.23 12. John Koblas, Jesse James in Iowa, North Star Press of St fever,” he claimed, and perhaps explain- Cloud, Minnesota, 2006, p68. For his part, Jesse was right – very few 13. John Koblas, op. cit. pp68-9; James P. Muehlberger, The ing the illness witnessed by J.O Shelby, Lost Cause – The Trials of Frank and Jesse James, Westholme “and I was in West Kansas City, at the house of people, perhaps none, believe he was in- Publishing, 2013, pp79, 89. Mr. Lee B. McMurtry. Mr. McMurtry,” Jesse nocent of the Corydon robbery. Stories 14. J. W. Buell, The Border Outlaws, online version, p 157. have been passed down through genera- 15. William A. Settle, Jesse James Was His Name, Bison Books, continued, “was living then in the same house 1966, p58. with Policeman McKnight, of the patrol force. tions of Iowa residents. “I remember my fa- 16. Liberty Tribune, 16 June, 1871. I conversed freely with these two gentlemen, and ther telling me a story that his grandfather had 17. T. J. Stiles, Jesse James – Last Rebel of the Civil War, Alfred A. told him about Jesse James robbing a bank at Co- Knopf, 2001, p218, quoting letter Brother to Darling sister, 8 with many others, about the depots in the bottom. March 1872. Watkins Mill. Also with a reporter from the Times by the name rydon, Iowa,” local resident John Caldwell 18. The Wide Awake Library, The Life and Trial of Frank James. 28 of Timlin [sic].” 20 In fact H. D. Timblin reminisced to author and historian John September, 1883, p15. 24 19. Kansas City Times, 8 July, 1871. was then working as their Commercial Koblas in 2004. He retold the story, like 20. A Terrible Quintette, special supplement to the St. Louis Editor.21 so many others have, of Jesse stopping at Dispatch, 22 November 1873. the church to tell the locals that he had 21. Kansas City Directory, 1871; correspondence with Gay Mathis. It is unclear as to why Lee McMurtry, just robbed the bank and how they had who appears on the 1870 census living in 22. Kansas City Star, 19 February, 1884. stopped at a relative’s house during their 23. Correspondence with Chuck Rabas. Independence, was, by June 1871, living escape, taken their leave before breakfast, 24. John Caldwell letter to John Koblas, 9 December 2004. with Officer McKnight, but it is certainly making sure they left a few ill-gotten coins not an impossibility. James D. McKnight to thank the gentle folk for their kindness. was then living at West Liberty Street The stuff of legends! in Kansas City, Mo., and, as Jesse had WHERE TO DONATE stated, was employed there as a police- It is unclear as to whether anyone asked man. James McKnight had immigrated Lee McMurtry about his meeting that A donation can be sent directly to the United States from Ireland and day with Jesse James and that omission, to the FOJF, P.O. Box 404, Liberty, had made the police force something of in turn, makes it unclear as to whether MO 64069 (We are a 501(c)3) a career until poor health determined a Jesse was telling the truth or if he, like change of employment. his brother, could merely count on old WANT TO JOIN THE FRIENDS? friends to bend the truth to help them out Fill out the form on the back Death of Detective McKnight a little. Jas D. McKnight will be buried tomorrow by page of this newsletter. Lee McMurtry is buried in the Riverside – www.jessejames.org Undertaker Carlat, at the Wyandotte Catholic cemetery, Wichita Falls, Texas, the same Friends of the James Farm • www.jessejames.org 11 JAMES FARM JOURNAL • VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2016

SAVE THE DATE FOJF REUNION SATURDAY, OCT. 1

We’re changing up things a bit this year for our bi-an- nual Friends of the James Farm Reunion. We may even change the name ... but not yet! We’ve decided to move the date to the first Saturday in October - this year it’s Oct. 1. And, we’re moving the location to the CLAYBROOK SHELTER located di- rectly across the street from the Jesse James Farm & Mu- seum in Kearney. The shelter offers nine picnic tables, several grills, elec- tricity and restrooms. We’re still in the planning stages, but for sure we hope to have music, food, drink and more, including our annual meeting. Look for more information in a future edition of the Friends of the James Farm Journal. And ... SAVE THE DATE!

New Exhibit THE LATER YEARS The James Farm from 1911 to 1980

The farm's new exhibit, “The Later Years: The James Farm from 1911 to 1980” is now on display in the museum’s third gallery. Come check it out!

12 Friends of the James Farm • www.jessejames.org JAMES FARM JOURNAL • VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2016

of radiance was pouring over against Herron. Though the battle ended the mountains and silvering even as a stalemate, nightfall saw Hindman’s the hoary white beard of the force retreating to Van Buren, establish- moss clustering about the blank, ing Federal control of northwest Arkan- bare faces of the precipices. The sas. shadows contracted finally. The Edwards was described as “brave and fear- moon seemed on fire and burned less, and wise in council, but gentle, tender, cour- itself to ashes. The gigantic teous to the humblest soldier beneath him. As he buckler of the heavens, studded was whole-hearted in the cause he spoused, so all over with star-diamonds, dealt he kindly with the men that shared his con- had for its boss a bloomy, yel- victions and the fortunes of a common cause.” 7 lowish, struggling moon. Like a wounded king, it seemed to bleed The Battle of Prairie Grove was only one royally over the nearest cloud, of many battles in which Edwards fought. and then wrap its dark mantle On July 4, 1865, with the war ending in about its face, even as Caesar defeat for the Confederates, Shelby led did and sink gradually into ex- the last of his horsemen numbering sev- tinction. There was a hollow eral hundred, across the Rio Grande on grief of the winds among the a makeshift bridge into Mexico. trees and the snowy phantasm Edwards was a 27-year-old man who had of the frost crinkled and rustled seen far too much for his tender years and its gauze robes under foot. The was already chronicling about Shelby’s men talked in subdued voices exploits in his usual poetic prose. around their camp-fires, and By moving into Mexico, the beleaguered were anxious to draw from the soldiers crossed over into yet another eclipse some happy augury. Re- boiling pot of controversy. Namely, the lief exhibited itself on every face Gen. Jo Shelby was a local Confederate general, who lived in Wa- invasion of French forces led by Napo- when the moon at least shone verly, Mo. John Newman Edwards served under Shelby throughout leon Bonaparte’s nephew, Louis Napo- out broad and good and the dark the Civil War, even exiling with the general in Mexico after the war. leon. This new regime had quietly sup- shadows were again lit up with ported the Confederacy, which likely was EDWARDS Continued from page 5 tremulous rays of light.” 6 the reason Shelby and his fleeing fellow These events led to the Battle of Prairie On a frosty December morning – Dec. 7, compatriots, generals Hindman, Jubal Grove, Ark., a battle that has held great 1862, the battle began. With the desire to Early and Sterling Price, among others, interest for me since my own maternal destroy Brig. Gen. Francis Herron’s and to enter Mexico. great-grandfather participated in that Brig. Gen. James Blunt’s divisions before Juaristas, who were supporters of the de- battle. William Elgin Watson was just 15 they joined forces, Confederate Maj. posed Mexican president Benito Juarez, when he joined the 11th Missouri Infan- Gen. Thomas C. Hindman placed his were gaining strength in their struggle try, Company F. Watson was shot in both large force between the two Union divi- against the French regime. The Juaristas thighs, captured and taken prisoner by sions, turning on Herron first and rout- ambushed the Confederates just a few the Federals at the tender age of 15. He ing his cavalry. As Hindman pursued the weeks after they moved into Mexico on was sent to a Union prison in Shreveport, cavalry, he met Herron’s infantry, which July 28, 1865 – guerrilla style. La., where he was paroled June 8, 1865. pushed him back. Shelby and his men battled their way out It is amazing to me that my great-great- The Rebels then established their line of of the ambush and headed to Mexico grandfather Watson fought on the battle- battle on a wooded high ridge northeast City, which was not without its own prob- field at Prairie Grove with Shelby,- Ed of Prairie Grove Church. After the fail- lems. Along the way they battled with wards and Frank James, among other ure of two Federal assaults, a spirited ar- French soldiers as well. After Shelby and notable Confederate soldiers. tillery duel kept the opposing forces from his men reached Mexico City, Emperor gaining any advantage. Edwards described the impending battle Maximilian and Empress Carlota gave the night before it began, “The moon this Hearing the cannon fire from Herron’s them audience, which included adjutant night had been eclipsed, too, and upon many of fight, Blunt moved his division toward Edwards. the soldiers the weird, mysterious appearance of the sound of the fighting and assailed the John Newman Edwards became rather the sky, the pale, ghost-like phantom of a cloud left flank of the Confederates. smitten with Empress Carlota. What across its crimson disc, had much of superstitious Hindman parried Blunt’s advance, but occurred with that longing is unknown. influence. At first, when the glowing camp fires was unable to make any further progress had burned low and comfortable, a great flood Continued on page 14 Friends of the James Farm • www.jessejames.org 13 JAMES FARM JOURNAL • VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2016

book on Shelby’s wartime exploits, “Shelby and His Men.” “Believing that the Confederate War was a grand panorama of heroic endurance and devot- ed courage, I bring this picture as an offering and lay it upon the altar of Southern glory and renown. I have written of Shelby and his Division be- cause I served with them, and because I desire, if possible, to hang another garland upon the brow of one who gathered his laurels from the close and serried ranks of his enemies. To the memory of my dead comrades of Shelby’s Mis- souri Cavalry Division – to the It has been written that Edwards was smitten with young and the brave who fell Empress Carlota of Mexico, above. Indeed she fighting manfully for the proud, was a beautiful woman and there were rumors of affairs during her time in Mexico, but nothing imperial South – this monu- ever proven. Nevertheless, Edwards, right, would ment is erected by the unskilled return to Missouri where he would eventually hands of the Author.” 10 co-found The Kansas City Times, author books, It is believed that by this marry and become the written benefactor of Frank war and a year in exile, he was looking time Edwards had be- and Jesse James. for something to change. come a heavy drinker. He eventually EDWARDS Continued from page 13 He would get his wish. quit the Republican and headed west to Kansas City where he and Col. John The Juaristas began to gain ground as Was it unrequited? Or not. C. Moore founded The Kansas City Times 1866 got underway. They attacked the with the financial backing of R.B. Drury Meanwhile, Maximillian seemed per- Confederate colonies and drew them into & Company. fectly happy to take homes and property battle. Shelby was under fire constantly. from legitimate Mexican owners to gift to The Juaristas drove the French troops The paper was a daily in a town that was the Confederate stragglers. with full attacks all the way to the coast. growing by leaps and bounds. Edwards They captured Emperor Maximilian and and his notorious opinions quickly gar- Under the protection of French troops, executed him June 19, 1867 and took nered him attention. He wrote opinion Shelby and his group began building large Mexico City July 4. piece after opinion piece about Shelby’s plantations and settled into a comfortable exploits, the Confederates and “continu- life. Edwards himself received 500 acres Where was Empress Carlota while this ously stressed the righteousness of the rebel strug- of land he called “magnificent.” He even was going on? "In a desperate attempt to save gle.” 11 found a newspaper, the Mexican Times, her husband's throne, Carlota returned to Europe that was written in English, in which he (prior to the capture of her husband), Meanwhile, Edwards managed to find could work. seeking assistance for her husband in Paris, Vi- himself a wife. He married Mary Virginia enna, and finally in Rome from Pope Pius IX. Pattenburg, of Dover, Lafayette County, Despite the somewhat idyllic life, the Her efforts failed; she manifested symptoms of Mo., March 28, 1871, at Shelby’s home Confederate men were restless and paranoia, suffered a profound cognitive and emo- near Aullville, Mo. missed their homeland. “I’m here as an ex- tional collapse, and never returned to Mexico.9 ile,” said Shelby on Nov. 1, 1865, “defeated By 1870, Jesse James had allegedly ex- by the acts of the southern people themselves.” 8 Shelby decided it was time to turn tail and tracted revenge of Bloody Bill Ander- return to Missouri, which he did, return- son’s murder in Gallatin, attracting the Edwards had become used to a soldier’s ing to his plantation in Lafayette County. attention of Edwards. Since the James life, the rush of battle and intrigue and Edwards took a job with the St. Louis- brothers were acquainted with Shelby was already growing weary of the lan- based newspaper, The Republican (also from the war, it is likely Edwards knew of guishing lifestyle of a plantation owner. known as the Daily Missouri Republican). He’d now been through four years of During that time, Edwards published his Continued on page 15 14 Friends of the James Farm • www.jessejames.org JAMES FARM JOURNAL • VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2016 EDWARDS Continued from page 14 HAVE YOU RENEWED the brothers, if he didn’t in fact know the brothers prior to their outlaw days. The bloodshed of the Gallatin killing YOUR FOJF MEMBERSHIP? would likely have been attractive to Ed- wards whose reputation in war was one Dear FOJF Member: bership application at the bottom of of fierceness in battle and who enjoyed the main page. the rush that came with war. hy did you join the Friends of the James Farm? Likely it's be- We look forward to seeing you at our The aftermath of the war in Missouri cause you have a passion for reunion later this year! See page 12 for W more. brought its own challenges as it did in history, perhaps you are a family member! Maybe generations of your family come every other state, which likely provided We welcome your input. What would you fodder for Edwards’ columns for years – from Missouri and you savor being a part of the James family’s incredible history. like to see, experience, learn? We would the James brothers a centerpiece for Ed- love to hear from you. Have you been to wards to vent. No matter the reason you joined “The the farm? Share your photos with us. We Friends” – we hope you will continue your now have a very popular Facebook page In fact, Jesse James wrote a letter in June membership – to support and promote 1870 to the Kansas City Times pleading (Friends of the James Farm) and invite you the James Farm, often known simply as to “like” our page and please contribute! his innocence in the Gallatin murder of “the birthplace of Jesse James.” The his- John Sheets. tory is deep, from the old farmhouse, to Rev James’ ministry and travels to the James had garnered Edwards’ interest. California gold fields, to the Civil War, to It would later become an obsession with life after Jesse’s death. Edwards that would continue until well after Jesse’s death – in fact, it would link Your membership to the FOJF supports the two men for centuries.  the preservation of this history and helps to educate others. Visitors come to the farm from all over the world. It’s impor- YOU CAN SUPPORT FOJF WHEN Notes & Sources tant to keep this draw to Kearney, Mis- 1. John N. Edwards: Biography, Memoirs, Reminiscences and souri and the notorious guerrillas and YOU SHOP AT AMAZON! Recollections, edited by Jennie Edwards 1889; John Newman outlaws, Frank and Jesse James, to con- Some Amazon customers have chosen to Edwards Biographical Sketch, by Rev. Geo. Plattenburg, tinue for years to come. Dover, Mo. support the Friends of the James Farm 2. Ibid. when they shop at AmazonSmile, http:// 3. Ibid. Please fill out the renewal form 4. Ibid. found on the back page (16) of this smile.amazon.com. We are now registered 5. Ibid. newsletter and return it by Feb. 1 to as the FOTJF Organization on Amazon- 6. Ibid. continue your membership with the Smile, the link to our site is https://smile. 7. Ibid. Friends of the James Farm. Feel free amazon.com/ch/43-1254490. It is a way 8. T.J. Stiles, “Jesse James: The Last Rebel of the Civil War.” 9. Wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlota_of_Mexico. to invite your friends to join as well. to give back to the Friends of the James 10. John Newman Edwards, “Shelby and His Men,” 1867, preface. Visit our website at www.jesse- Farm and the contribution is from Ama- 11. John Newman Edwards, “Shelby and His Men,” 1867. james.org and click on the mem- zon.

Midwest Genealogy: http://www.mymcpl.org/genealogy LINKS Mid-Continent Public Library Woodneath Branch: http://www.mymcpl.org/about-us/woodneath-library-center Civil War Roundtable of Kansas City: http://cwrtkc.org/ Follow the Friends of the James Farm on Facebook The Jesse James Farm and Museum too and The Jesse James Bank Museum LINKS

Friends of the James Farm • www.jessejames.org 15 JAMES FARM JOURNAL • VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2016

Friends of the James Farm P.O. Box 404 Liberty, MO 64069 www.jessejames.org 816.736.8500

Return Service Requested

YES, I want to renew my membership with the Friends of the James Farm or begin a new membership. I have checked my level of membership in the box and enclosed a check or Membership Levels money order for the amount indicated. (Mark One) Name:  Border Ruffian...... $20 Mailing Address:  Bushwhacker...... $30  Clay County Irregular. . .$50 City/State/Zip: Country:  Road Agent...... $100 Telephone: Email:  Long Rider ...... $250  Home Guard...... $500

Please mail membership form and payment to: Is this a renewal?  Yes  No Friends of the James Farm P.O. Box 404 Liberty, MO 64069 You can also scan Outside the continental U.S., QR Code to visit our please add $5 to your membership website. contribution. www.jessejames.org Continued on page 11

16 Friends of the James Farm • www.jessejames.org