This is the last episode from the Jesse James family reunion of 2002. Among all the fourteen episodes, this is my favorite, because it represents the spirit of the reunion as we experienced it then, both simply and beautifully.
Please read the closing credits. The people who put this event together deserve every appreciation. The event could not have been as effective as it was without their advice, guidance, help, and support.
The music that accompanies this montage is performed by the gospel group Mountain Glory. This is a group brought to our attention by David Best. David’s grandfather baptized Jesse James’ daughter in the years before her passing.
One event that never made it into our video, due to technical difficulties, was the enactment by Mary Mimms of Zerelda, Frank & Jesse’s mother. If you ever have a chance to catch Mary in her performance again, don’t miss it.
On the morning when everyone was leaving the Paso Robles Inn, I stood outside saying goodbye. Charles Broomfield, who helped effect the donation of James farm in Kearney to Clay County, when he was a Clay County commissioner, asked me, “Why don’t we ever have something as good as this in Missouri?” I answered Charlie, saying, “Because no one has ever invited us.” I’m still waiting for that invitation.
Until then…Merry Christmas and best regards.
NOTE: If you think you missed Part 11, you haven’t. It just hasn’t been posted yet. Look for Part 11 and Part 13 after Christmas. OR…SUBSCRIBE ABOVE and be notified. Merry Christmas.
Paula Sartain, local historian of Paso Robles, California
Virginia Petersen, local historian, Paso Robles, California
Wallace V. Ohles, author of The Lands of Mission San Miguel
Mary Mimms, re-enactor of Zerelda Elizabeth Cole, the mother of Frank & Jesse James
Years later, yours truly still is quoted on my challenge to chopper celebrity Jesse Gregory James, aka Jesse James. I’m still waiting for his DNA profile. … See MoreSee Less
THE FIRST IMMIGRANT TO AMERICA OF OUR JAMES FAMILY . . .
Stray Leaves, our website below, now reaches back into the 17th century to bring you the story of our first immigrant, John James, in narrative form.
John’s story comes to us through original documents and seasoned source citations, which are also provided.
What John James Tells Us • He arrived at Jamestown. • He transported 10 indentured people. • He was rewarded with a land patent. • The location of his land can be visited today. • He and his neighbors comprised the important founding families of Virginia. • The location of origination of the James in the Old World, as Jesse James family historians say is Pembrokeshire, Wales is disputed and unproven. • The name identity of John’s wife as formerly stated by traditional genealogists is disproved. • John James arrived as an oligarch and royalist with no pretensions to democracy or self-rule. • Early James family wealth was accrued in the tobacco culture and by land speculation. • John and his family were followers of the Church of England. • His children and grandchildren remained savvy and street-wise, relating well with common people. • Generations beyond the grandchildren of John James produced significant diversity in America’s people and culture.
The first foothold of the James family in the New World was secured by John James, the Immigrant. John was born about 1623. Sometime before 1690, he died.