Jesse James Birthplace and Museum

 On our way to Minnesota, we drove past Kearney, MO and a sign for Jesse James' birthplace and museum. I told the boys we needed to make a mental reminder to try and explore it on our way back into town. Well, based on timing, we would be arriving back in that area 30 minutes before closing. Boo! So McKinley and I made a date to visit within the week and we did! This historical site was packed with information and I can't wait to share it all with you.

Jesse James was born in Kearney, MO. His homestead is still standing after nearly 175 years. He was born to Reverend Robert James and his wife Zerelda in 1847. His father traveled to California during the height of the Gold Rush to preach to those in that region, but died before ever returning home. Zerelda was left with nothing as a result of Robert not having a will, subsequently losing her home and her children Jesse, his brother Frank, and sister Susan. Zerelda married twice more and had four more children with her third and last husband, Dr. Reuben Samuel. Here, Jesse led a farming life, one yet filled with the drama and turmoil we historically know him for, but that all changed with the Civil War and his brother Frank's involvement when joining the war as a Confederate soldier in 1861.

When Frank returned home ill from the Battle of Wilson's Creek, he had been a part of a guerilla warfare effort in Missouri, and as a result, Union soldiers began their search for Frank and his group. The soldiers invaded the James homestead in their search and tortured Jesse and his stepfather Reuben in hopes they would provide information as to Frank's whereabouts. They briefly hanged Reuben from a tree in their front yard while beating and lashing Jesse. Neither caved. And at 16 years old, Jesse joined his brother and the Confederate army, fighting alongside Bloody Bill Anderson while Frank continued with the guerilla effort.

Post War, in 1866, Frank and Jesse were believed to be a part of the first successful daylight armed bank robbery in Liberty, MO. It is unclear if the brothers were truly part of this bank robbery, but due to their legendary robberies around the region years later, they were credited as taking part. The brothers most famous robbery took place in Gallatin, MO. Though they didn't take much money, it was believed that Jesse shot and killed the cashier Captain John Sheets. He mistakenly mistook Sheets for Samuel P. Cox who killed Bloody Bill Anderson during the Civil War. Jesse stated he was simply seeking revenge. This made the newspapers and put James on the map. 

This is Jesse James saddle.

This is Frank's.

The James brothers had a 16 year run before "retiring" in 1882. Jesse settled with his wife Zerelda, who was named after his mother and who was his first cousin, in St. Joseph, MO. Frank moved his family to Virginia. At the end of their careers, it was just the two of them in the gang. Jesse asked the Ford brothers, Charley and Robert, to live with him and his family for added protection. The Ford brothers were new to Jesse's gang, but it was believed that their sister aided in Jesse's recovery from a gun shot wound and he was smitten with her. However, the Ford's had begun secret negotiations with the Governor for the capture of Jesse and the small bounty was appealing. Jesse was shot in the back of the head by Bob Ford on April 3, 1882 as Jesse was dusting a photo. Though the brothers were tried and sentenced to death by hanging, the Governor gave them a full pardon. 

After his death, Jesse was buried in the front yard of his family home. His mother turned their living room into her bedroom, positioning her bed to face the grave, so she could keep an eye on her son. Grave robbing was a fear of Zerelda's. In addition, people came from all over to see the burial site of the notorious Jesse James. Zerelda charged 25 cents a visitor and provided a tour of the family home. After her death, Frank returned home and continued the tradition, but upped the price to 50 cents a tour. And after Frank's death, his son Robert continued the tours. Jesse's grandsons opened the home to the public until the house was sold to Clay County in 1978. 

His original gravesite was dug up and his body was moved to this final resting place next to his wife Zerelda.

Today, the home is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. The home is owned and run by the Department of Clay County Historic Sites. It is full of artifacts, chocked full of information surrounding the families, and a history lesson you won't find in books. After you complete your time in the museum, you take a small walking path to the home itself. The front portion of the home is new. It was purchased from a Sears and Roebucks type catalog. The back portion of the home is the original. Look through the windows and screened in doors to get a glimpse into the James family way of life. 

I am so glad we took the drive to this amazing spot. I learned so much during our time there and would love to take the additional driving tours that take place throughout Missouri. McKinley thoroughly enjoyed the museum as well. There's just something about visiting an outlaws property! Definitely a must-do for you and your family, especially if you find interest in local history.

XO,

Andrea