You know me as Monte Griffey,

Transcription

1 JAMES FARM JOURNAL Published by the VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4 FALL 2015 GENEALOGY RESEARCH: THE LITTLE STRINGS THAT CONNECT An interview with researcher Judith Tharp L ong before Ancestry.com and the Internet made investigating one s family history so easy, Judith Tharp had an epiphany after watching the TV miniseries, Roots. She became interested in author Alex Haley s arduous research into his family history. Ms. Tharp was inspired to begin a search for her own identity. Coming off a 20 year marriage, along with many other life-altering changes, she embraced searching for her genealogy with tenacity. Armed with a list of family history, she began her quest for more information. I was well aware of abundant family history on my mother s side of the family, she said, adding that they were on the winner s side Kansas and the Jayhawkers. Her father s side, the loser s side Missouri she added, was less well known. I grew up with the understanding that my father s people were simple farmers from Platte County, that had quaint southern sympathies little did I know, she said. Fifteen years later, Tharp has collected boxes and boxes of material, but as anyone who has researched family history knows, not much of the information was organized. This was a time before computers and the Internet. I can say what began as a pastime became a lively interest, and at times, a rapacious pursuit, added Tharp. farming. Because this farmland was some distance from where the family was actually living, John Settle sent his 18 slaves to live on and tend the land. They did their own cooking, farmed the land and were loyal to their master. In 1862, Settle s daughter married John Hammit Styne. As a wedding gift, John Settle bestowed 80 acres of his farmland to them. Even after all the years of research, one day she was looking at a family tree chart she d reviewed many times before, a piece of information jumped off the paper at her. I discovered that my dad s Uncle Jim Settle was actually Jesse James Settle, born in 1877 at Camden Point, said Tharp. She began investigating this tidbit of information, eventually writing to the National Archives and collecting whatever looked promising. John Jesse Settle was only 7 years old when the War Between the States broke out. He said he remembered a battle between the bushwhackers and the Federals that was fought in Camden Point. Several men were killed in this fight and are buried in the old cemetery north of town. Another battle he remembers was fought near what is now the old Ed Miller place. A soldier who was a Confederate was killed on the farm, which Jesse Peter Settle had moved from Culpepper County, Virginia with his family in the 1850s. His family owned slaves. He was the youngest of 10 children born to Mr. and Mrs. John J. Settle. The entire family moved from Virginia to Platte County in Jesse Peter Settle s mother, Augusta Miller Settle, (who was Judith s great-great-grandmother) had a brother, Jesse Miller. Miller married Margaret Jones Waller, a widow. She was Tharp s great-great-grandfather s sister. Since the Settle s arrived in Platte County too late in the fall to plant a crop for spring harvest, they lived with Miller until the following spring of Continued on page 6 I grew up with the understanding that my father s people were simple farmers from Platte County, that had quaint southern sympathies... little did I know. JUDITH THARP In the spring of 1854, John J. Settle bought 160 acres of farmland, of which Settle Station is now a part, and began IN THIS ISSUE President s Message My James Farm Memories Life in Post-War Missouri September 2015 Shoot The Murder of William Westfall.. 5 September Shoot Photos In Memoriam-Larry Butcher Pete Kingery Remembered Richmond s Outlaw Days James-Younger Reunion Renew Your Membership

2 JAMES FARM JOURNAL VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4 FALL 2015 FRIENDS OF THE JAMES FARM Executive Officers President (Term Expires 2016) Monte Griffey Vice-President (Term Expires 2017) Kevin Makel Secretary (Term Expires 2017) Linda Tarantino Treasurer (Term Expires 2017) Bryan Ivlow Board Members Class of 2016 Pam Banner Scott Cole To Be Determined Class of 2017 Martin McGrane Paul Weller To Be Determined Class of 2018 Liz Johnson Kimberly Howard To Be Determined Ex-Officio Beth Beckett Christie Kennard, Vivie Tison & Liz Johnson Honorary Members Betty Barr Janet Perry Michelle Pollard David Smith Newsletter Editors Linda Tarantino, Liaison Contributors: Michelle Pollard, Liz Johnson & Martin McGrane Contact editors at: Newsletter Design/Layout Liz Johnson ~ Jolly Hill Friends looking to 2016 events A look back at 2015 shows it has been a good year. The weather was a bit unique, we had three successful Old West Revolver shoots and the Royals won the World Series, a good year indeed. With your help and involvement, I trust 2016 will be another good year. Important dates to save in 2016 are: Old West Revolver Shoot April 9 Old West Revolver Shoot and Reunion June 11 Old West Revolver Shoot Sept. 24 Keep up to date with information and details on our website, JesseJames.org The Board members are currently planning the above events for 2016 and welcome any By Monte Griffey You know me as Monte Griffey, at present I am the Friends of the James Farm board president. Many of you see me as the scorekeeper at the Old West Revolver Shoots, as well. However, not everyone knows my connection to the James Farm, nor my family history. My great-grandmother was Fannie Quantrill Samuel, which makes Frank and Jesse s mother, Zerelda, and third husband, Reuben Samuel, my great-greatgrandparents. Although not fully understanding how, and growing up a kid in the 50s and 60s, I was very proud of my family connection to the famous outlaw brothers, Frank and Jesse James. I remember many physical confrontations with non-believers on the school playground. Just and all suggestions and comments. Other new items to look for in 2016 are interviews with people of interest and ties to the James and the era. Also look for changes to Friends of the James Farm member cards and certification. In closing, I wish to thank our current and past Board and Friends members. Without your interest, research, concern, curiosity and love for the farm we could not continue. Hope to see you at the farm, Monte Griffey montegriffey@yahoo.com Early Memories of the James Farm FANNIE QUANTRILL SAMUEL because my last name isn t James does not mean I m not related. For the most part, my maternal ancestors are all from the Kearney area and I grew up on a farm two miles south of the James Farm. Between the ages of about 8 and 13, (prior to girls and automobiles) I would spend most every, weather permitting, Sunday afternoon at the James Farm. I would saddle up my old buckskin quarter horse Goldie and ride the road banks up to JOE C. HALL the farm. This was before Clay County bought the farm and it was in terrible condition. During this time, Mae James, (Frank s son Robert s widow) was still living in Excelsior Springs Continued on page 11 2

3 JAMES FARM JOURNAL VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4 FALL 2015 What was life like in post-war Missouri for southern sympathizers? Is the War Over? was the headline that punctuated the front page of the Lexington Caucasian Jan. 9, The accompanying article referred to the indignities now being suffered by anyone who was a southern sympathizer during the war those who refused to take the new oath of loyalty. The editors spoke for the rebels, who counted the late Archie Clement (one of Bloody Bill Anderson s former lieutenants) as one of their own. The newspaper reported these sympathizers as the real targets of Gov. Fletcher s militia of secret vigilante squads, of grand juries that issued indictments for wartime crimes and perjury in taking the Oath. Just prior to the Hughes & Wasson robbery (allegedly committed by the James -Younger Gang, Thursday, May 23, 1867), bands of militia and other law enforcement were hot on the trail of anyone thought to be a southern sympathizer out of Missouri, often choosing to kill them first and ask questions later. (Frank and Jesse) James biographer William Settle has said, In all probability, boredom and an inability to adjust to the calm of postwar life drove them [former guerrillas] to crime. It seems that once the war had ended, things did not return to normal for anyone who fought for, or sided with the south. They were set apart, judged and punished and this included the James/ Samuel family. Were they bored? Maybe. These southern sympathizers were mostly farmers before the war and could have likely continued in that occupation. They were used to living off the land, on the run, hiding out and could continue that way of life. Was risking their lives to rob banks and trains as an alternative to COMMENTARY I recently began researching what life was like in Missouri for southern sympathizers after the Civil War. It has been repeatedly stated that the James brothers never could let go of the war and all their robberies were politically motivated. Having never read much on this subject before, I was appalled and grossly mis-informed as to how bad life was for anyone with southern proclivities after the war, in any southern state. If we thought the Ferguson riots were bad, look to what occurred here, in Memphis or in New Orleans for the types of violence that took place after the Civil War. Here, former guerrillas were often the victim of vigilante groups often caught on the rode and hung immediately. People panicked when robberies did occur, such as the robbery of Richmond s Hughes & Wasson Bank, Thursday, May 23, A frenzy took place outside of Richmond in which innocent people were killed as well as those who were likely guilty. Panicked, outraged people are not just a result of 21st century violence, it s been ongoing for thousands of years. While the Memphis and New Orleans riots just after the war ended were directed at African Americans, anyone who was sympathetic to them was slaughtered as well. Those first few years of reconstruction were some of the most difficult in our nation s history. Most unfortunate was the assassination of Pres. Abraham Lincoln, placing his vice-president Andrew Johnson in charge. Life did not go easy for anyone. The innocent and guilty were caught up in the times, and in many ways the war didn t end just because Lee surrendered to Grant April 9, farming a welcome choice? Or, was the 16-year outlaw career of Frank and Jesse James devoted to continuing the war against the Union and those who sought to oppress southern sympathizers afterward? Was each and every robbery politically motivated? The men who became guerrillas during the war were men with strong beliefs and convictions. This did not change simply because the war was over. What divides outlaws from guerrilla warfare? It was the political incentive of the guerrilla, according to the book Guerrilla Warfare: A Historical and Critical Study, by Walter Laquer, The Drake Constitution, completed April 8, 1865 in Missouri, imposed the following: It banned the practice of slavery without exception. Restricted the rights of former rebels and rebel sympathizers. Embodied the ironclad or Kucklebur oath, which required teachers, lawyers, clergy and all voters to promised they had not committed a long list of disloyal acts. Forced an evacuation of the offices of all judges, lawyers and sheriffs (who were southern sympathizers) and restricted the right to vote to only those who had been loyal to Missouri and the Union. The Drake Constitution is known officially as the Missouri Constitution of Many Union sympathizers found the Ironclad Oath too restrictive and tyrannical and refused to take it themselves. In the end, eastern and central parts of Missouri rejected the Drake Constitution. However, heavy support from the northwest and southwestern regions, where there had been heavy guerrilla activity during the war, provided the impetus needed to pass the constitution. 3

4 JAMES FARM JOURNAL VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4 FALL 2015 September Old West Revolver Shoot Results JESSE JAMES OLD WEST REVOLVER SHOOTS 2016 Saturday, April 9 Saturday, June 11 Saturday, Sept. 24 Registration 8 a.m. Shoot 9 a.m. James Farm, Jesse James Farm Rd. Kearney, MO Test your skills on the favorite targets of Buck & Dingus, aka Frank & Jesse, and win a prize! This ain t no tea dance so shooters are encouraged to dress accordingly. Participants in the Sept. 19 shoot pose in vintage clothing on the side porch of the James farmhouse. O ur fall shoot, held on Sept. 19, came off very well. The weather couldn t have been better. Our Park Ranger Rangemaster, Ranger Dave, enjoyed himself and did an excellent job. Even the people who shot after the match, really enjoyed their chance to shoot. We had 28 shooters and that included people who came from as far away as Colorado, Minnesota and Illinois, as well as our usual Missouri and Kansas shooters. A suggestion was made by Jerry Barr, that we have a bullseye target that we shoot at 12 times. Those who wanted to shoot it would have to use two revolovers one in each hand, alternating between the left and right hands with one minute to take the 12 shots. He suggested calling it the Bushwacker Challenge, charging an extra $5 for those who had two guns and wanted to participate. We could offer a special medallion for the winner of that event. The FOJF board is open to this new category. I would also like our shooter s comments on this. They may be ed to jollyhill@gmail.com or mailed to:, P.O. Box 4 404, Liberty, MO Anna James Cathy Simmons First Place Tori Diekhoff Second Place Mary Beth Van Buren Third Place Standard Course, Cartridge Guns Bruce Houston First Place Bob Foreman Second Place Terry Barr Third Place Cap and Ball Guns Paul Weller First Place Mike Clark Second Place Mike Cerra Third Place Special Target, Cartridge Bruce Houston First Place Bob Foreman Second Place Terry Barr, Randy Webber and Dave Triplett Three-way tie forthird Place Cartridge Revolver Cap & Ball Fixed sights and dueling stance only Cost is $25 per shooter and includes the special target, AND, a year s membership with the Friends of the James Farm PLUS, LADIES WE WELCOME YOU TO JOIN THE SHOOT... ANNA JAMES (FOR WOMEN) Cartridge Revolver & Cap & Ball Visit the website: and click on the link for the shoot for rules and regulations Sponsored by Clay County Parks, Recreation & Historic Sites and the BANDIT OR SPECTATOR? Special Target, Cap and Ball Paul Weller First Place Mike Clark Second Place Mike Cerra Third Place As you can see, we had plenty of prize winners, as well as six double prize winners. Dates for the 2016 shoots are at top right. See you all in April! Bryan Ivlow More Shoot photos on page 7 This raccoon climbed the roof of the James farmhouse and watched the shooters in September from the chimney.

5 JAMES FARM JOURNAL VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4 FALL 2015 The murder of William Westfall by the James Gang William Harrison Westfall, the conductor on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad shot and killed by Jesse James July 15, 1881, was Ruth Bartle s great-grandfather. Born in Leroy, McClean Co, Ill., Jan 9, 1843, to Levi and Susan (Clearwater) Westfall, he married Eliza J. Sweeney Sept. 29, 1867, in Daviess County, Mo. William and Eliza had two sons and a daughter born in Missouri: Daniel in 1869; Lewis in 1871 and Willie in Ruth is the daughter of William Westfall Bartle, granddaughter of Phillip Bartle and Willie Ann Westfall, the only daughter of Conductor William Westfall, shot and killed by the James brothers. The question remains was his death simply part of that train heist or was the train heist secondary to the murder of William Westfall as the family believes? Nationwide newspapers reported the incident. One of the boldest robberies six in number boarded the train under the leadership of Jesse James William Westfall, the conductor, was shot through the heart Thirty miles east of St. Joseph, Mo., the train was destined for Davenport, Iowa and was carrying several thousand dollars intended for the Farmer s Bank in Gallatin. Frank and Jesse took a seat in the smoking car. Wood Hite positioned himself on a rear platform of the baggage car. Conductor William Westfall would have checked his watch, at the appointed time giving the signal for the train to start, climbing aboard as the train slowly lurched forward. A few miles down the track on approach to Winston the train slowed and two more men, Clarence Hite and Dick Liddil ran from the treeline leaping undetected onto the back of the baggage car. Conductor Westfall was going about his job collecting tickets in the smoking car Great-granddaughter of Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Conductor William Harrison Westfall is Ruth Bartle Johnson. (Photo courtesy of Freda Cruse Hardison) when the glass in the forward door of the car broke as two bandits burst in with raised pistols yelling, Hand s up! Jesse and Frank stood up drawing their own guns. Some of the passengers reported having heard Jesse say, You re the man I want, looking directly at Conductor Westfall. Frank fired the first shot hitting the conductor in the arm. As Westfall turned to run for the rear door Frank fired two more shots, missing him. Jesse voiced his exasperation at Frank, took aim and fired, hitting Westfall, who fell dead to the floor. His lifeless body was dragged from the train to the platform by the robbers, who returned to finish the robbery. Somewhere in the melee Frank shot and killed another railroad employee, John McMillan. Westfall s body rolled from the platform to the ground beside the tracks and was not recovered until the following day. William Harrison Westfall was only 38 years old. He left behind his widow, Eliza Jane Sweeny, and three children between the ages of 3 and 12. The James brothers were the railroad s best customer and their worst nightmare. Frank and Jesse were known to ride a train for weeks before robbing it in order to become familiar with its schedule, its stops, what it might be carrying, and of course, the railroad employees. They studied who was honest, who wasn t, and more importantly, where did their loyalties lie. Therein is the question as to whether Jesse or Frank had ridden the train, recognized Westfall and intentionally planned the robbery to coincide with his work schedule, which is what Westfall s descendants contend. William Westfall was the conductor for the Pinkerton raid on the James farm Jan. 26, 1875, injuring the outlaw s mother and killing their little brother Archie. The conductor was not just a ticket-taker; he was responsible for the train and its crew. It moved when he said it moved and stopped when he said it stopped. Without a doubt, the conductor would have known Pinkerton s mission, but even so, it is unlikely he knew what Pinkerton would do at the Samuel s farm. To make matters worse, it immediately became apparent to Pinkerton that Frank and Jesse were not home. Pinkerton realized he might be in a bit of trouble himself. He ordered his men to return to the train, which was waiting for them just outside of Kearney. As the men climbed aboard the caboose, Westfall asked Pinkerton how it had gone. Pinkerton told him, Don t ask, and don t say anything about it. A public outcry arose against the Pinkerton agency. There were cries for Allen Pinkerton s head and charges of murder were filed against him and his men. However, Pinkerton s powerful allies were able to squash the charges. The James brothers vowed to kill anyone Continued on page 7 5

6 JAMES FARM JOURNAL VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4 FALL 2015 JUDITH THARP Continued from page 1 Settle would later own. Jesse Settle had two brothers, Joe and Jim, who fought in the war under General Price. Jim was killed at Springfield and Joe was taken prisoner and paroled shortly before the War ended. At this point, you are probably wondering how does this relate to the James Farm and how did Judith get involved with supporting the James farm? As she continued to conduct research into her father s family, she began to see a few little strings that connected her to the James farm. William Paxton, who was a rising attorney in Platte County prior to and during the Civil War, began keeping a journal of daily events in the area. He also kept genealogical notes. When Judith came across his book during the course of her research, she found that John James Settle is mentioned in his annals. Paxton s Annals gives an even-handed account of the daily and major events occurring in Clay and Platte counties prior to and during the Civil War. Jesse Miller had a large manor house where Kansas City International Airport is now located. Tharp has photos that show what is left of the house today. There is also a cemetery near the remains of the house where descendants of the original slaves who were brought to Missouri by Tharp s ancestors are buried. The slave graves are only marked with a round red rock. Between 2006 and 2007, through word of mouth, Judith heard there was a plan to move the cemetery. Many escaped slaves had settled in Parkville and were buried in the cemetery. An archaeological dig was done near the remains of the house. As Judith continued her research she noticed how many men in her family were named Jesse. She began to realize that this was a quiet and meaningful way for her father s family to continue to show their Southern sympathies. She doesn t think it was a coincidence that so many of her male ancestors had that particular name. She said that she discovered that her ancestors who had lived through the war didn t talk about their experiences, even to their children. Their motto was to keep their mouths shut and their elbows to the grindstone. They were simple farmers Four generation photo taken about Clockwise from rear: Sapronia Bell Harrington Settle, Achsah Miller Settle, Everett Ewing Settle and Jesse James Settle. (Photo courtesy of Judith Tharp) with quaint southern sympathies. In 1985, Judith received some information on the James Farm. She decided to join the Friends and has been a member ever since. At the time she joined, Milton Perry was the site administrator. Judith went to the bookstore and saw the William Settle book Jesse James Was His Name. She bought copies of the book for her family members. She wanted to locate him, so she called him. She found out they are cousins. He recommended other books to her to help in her research. She said she had wonderful talks with him that she will always treasure. One of the books he recommended was Black Flag by Donald Hale. The book contains information about the guerrillas who rode with William Quantrill. One name she saw in the book was Ortho Offut. He was quoted in Hale s book. Samuel R. Offut had come to Clay County in 1843 with his family. He married Sarah Settle who was Judith s greatgrandfather s (Settle) sister. Sallie Settle, daughter of John James Settle and Achsah Miller, married Ortho Offut. Unfortunately, Judith couldn t find anything on Ortho in the National Archives, so she is still trying to piece this together. She thinks she may be related to Clell Miller, but hasn t found anything to substantiate this. What is interesting to her throughout her research, she found out her parents were raised eight miles apart but there wasn t much socializing between the two families. One thing Judith is grateful for was the opportunity to meet her great-great-grandfather in She called him Uncle Jim. In addition to her genealogy research, Judith obtained a medical degree and worked as a prison doctor. She also has a masters degree in fine arts. She continues to be a generous supporter of the James Farm. She said her daughter and 12-year-old grandson are interested in continuing the genealogy work and have found more information on Ancestry.com. Tharp says she will continue to follow the little strings tying her family to the James family genealogy. In the words of Christian Mertz, let your heritage not be lost, bequeath it as a memory. 6

7 JAMES FARM JOURNAL VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4 WILLIAM WESTFALL Continued from page 5 FALL 2015 SEPTEMBER SHOOT associated with the raid on their family farm. After learning the name of the train conductor, he too became a marked man. Two weeks after the Gallatin train robbery, on July 28, 1881, the governor of Missouri, Thomas Crittenden, issued a proclamation offering an award of $5,000 for the capture of any of the gang members involved in the robbery and the killing of William Westfall and John McMillan. Jesse was killed by Bob Ford before he could be caught. Later in October of 1882 Frank turned himself in. He was indicted for McMillan s death, brought to Gallatin and in the fall of 1883 a most sensational trial ensued, in which after deliberating for three and one half hours, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. History is not simply history. It is a reflection of the lives that were touched by the actions of others, good or bad. No one ever faced a jury for the murder of William Westfall. A LOVE AFFAIR WITH OLD WEST GUNS Or was shooting at Jim Lane s pic the draw? Ruth Bartle wants the world to know. William Westfall was a good man and my great grandfather. Our lives remain impacted by the James brothers. Photos courtesy of Beth Beckett, Jesse James Farm & Museum. Freda Cruse Hardison is the author of Frank and Jesse James: Friends and Family, 2015; Vanishing Ozarks series; Voices of our People and Places of our People. For more information, visit Even spectators will dress in vintage clothing for our Old West shoots. It s a serious sport whether loading your gun or cleaning it. Cole Younger, above, and Frank James, left, rarely miss a shoot. 7

8 JAMES FARM JOURNAL VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4 IN MEMORIAM I FALL and Robe. Following law school graduation, Larry moved to Washington, D.C., where he qualified for the Honor Graduate Program as a trial attorney in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. In his three years at the Justice Dept., Larry prosecuted and won over 20 federal felony cases from San Diego to Miami, argued appeals in several of the United States Courts of Appeal, and worked on several briefs for filing in the United States Supreme Court. Larry Butcher came on the Friends of the James Farm board in early One of the first people I became friendly with was Larry Butcher, known as The Judge. I didn t know much about Larry, but one thing that became immediately apparent was his kindness, compassion, integrity and quiet honesty. Larry became my champion through my short tenure as board president. He always stood behind and beside me in all decisions I made. He defended me when it was needed and supported me always. I knew I could depend upon him, as did the entire board, for the huge gift he brought to the board his legal advice. He kept us on the straight and narrow and was always quick to respond whether it was by or physical presence. He attended the revolver shoots, reunions and most of the events we held, whenever he could. Larry even got out of a sick bed to attend his last board meeting in October. Early on Nov. 19th, we lost Larry after a difficult battle with pancreatic cancer. While his wife, children and family have lost a husband, father, grandfather, brother we ve lost the firm presence and strength that was Larry. In the words of board president, Monte Griffey, there will never be another Larry Butcher. We thank Larry for his years of service to the FOJF. Earlier this year, with great optimism, he d agreed to serve another three years and it grieved me to remove his name from our board list in preparing this newsletter. The following is just a portion of Larry s obituary his accomplishments are astounding. ~ Liz Johnson, FOJF Board Larry E. Butcher, 73, of Kearney, died Nov. 19, 2015, at Kansas City Hospice House. Larry was born in Kansas City, Kan., in 1942 to Albert E. Butcher and Dorothy C. Butcher. Larry is survived by his wife of 32 years, Julie A. Butcher, of the home; sons, Brent A. Butcher (Sylvia), San Diego; 8 Larry Butcher, left, at the FOJF 2013 reunion. (Photo by Liz Johnson) Blaine E. Butcher (Rebecca), San Diego; and Brandon G. Butcher (Shelly), Kansas City; younger sister, Nancy L. Thompson, of Denver; three grandchildren, Matthew, Aidan and Maia Butcher, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Larry graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1960, and from Kansas University in 1964 with a B.S. in Business Administration. Following graduation from K.U. Larry became a sales representative for Black & Decker, selling industrial power tools to the automotive, aircraft and construction industries in Kansas and western Missouri. After two years in sales Larry entered UMKC Law School in While at UMKC he served on, and was a twice published member of the UMKC Law Review staff. He was elected president of the Student Bar Association, was a member of Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity, and was a member of the law school s three-student national moot court team. Larry graduated from law school in 1969, standing fourth in his class. His academic performance at UMKC earned him membership in that school s honor society, The Order of Bench He was admitted to practice in Missouri and Florida, and before the United States Supreme Court. In 1972 Larry returned to Kansas City to go into private practice. Larry later served as corporate counsel for Southwestern Bell and did some railroad injury work. During the 1980s Larry served as Vice President and General Counsel for Cameron Mutual Insurance Co., and was in private practice in Kearney from 1990 until his retirement in In that year the Clay County Bar Association recognized him with its award honoring him as Outstanding Member of the Clay County Bar for his many years of distinguished legal service to the community. Larry served as the Municipal Judge for the City of Kearney from 1994 until his death. During that time he held membership on several boards of directors, including Jesse James Festival, Inc.; Friends of the James Farm; INNOVATION, a Planned Business Community in Kearney; and the Missouri Municipal and Associate Circuit Judges Association. He served as president of that statewide judicial association in , and was the recipient of the group s highest honor in 2013, The George Pittman Award. He was only the sixth judge in the 20-year history of the award to receive it. He was also appointed by the Supreme Court of Missouri in 2007 to serve on that court s Municipal Judge Education Committee. Larry served for several years on that committee, teaching judicial basics to new incoming judges. He also taught many courses in judicial ethics and current case law for the state judges association. Larry was a fellow of several talents, Continued on page 9

9 JAMES FARM JOURNAL VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4 FALL 2015 LARRY BUTCHER Continued from page 8 especially when working with his hands. He was an accomplished draftsman, and he designed and drew the plans for his country home and its related out buildings in Kearney. Larry was an enthusiastic auto mechanic repairing and replacing the engines and drive trains in several of his boats, trucks and cars. Yardwork on his acreage was always a favorite pastime, utilizing one of the two old Ford tractors he had fully restored. With a wide assortment of tools, trailers and vehicles, Larry was often helping friends and neighbors with projects of theirs as well. In addition to caring greatly about his family, clients and friends, Larry enjoyed NAS- CAR and he always rooted for the consistently steady Kearney Bulldogs, the Chiefs, the Royals, and his beloved Kansas Jayhawks. He was a member of the Kearney Lions Club, the Clay County and Missouri Bar Associations and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Kearney. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Kansas City Hospice House & Palliative Care, Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO Condolences and memories may be left at Frank James, Cole Younger join Richmond s Outlaw Days Every year in early September Richmond holds Outlaw Days, which is themed after the alleged robbery of the Hughes and Wasson Bank by the James Gang, May 23, A few reenactments are held throughout the day, many people come dressed in period clothing and there are plenty of vendors scattered around Richmond Square offering food, music, wares and history, including the Friends of the James Farm, who had a table at the daylong event. This year, Frank James (AKA Greg Higginbotham) and Cole Younger (AKA David Bears) joined the festivities. Frank and Cole were not only dressed in their period clothing, but remained in character throughout the day, greeting festival-goers, holding an intimate chat with a few and participating in the reenactments as spectators, because, as Cole said, this is my first bank robbery, you see. I ve never robbed a bank before. Kingery remembered KINGERY On Thursday, March 5, 2015, Pete Kingery, 81, of Kearney, passed away. Kingery was wellknown to the James Farm community and historians. In keeping with his long-time dedication to the farm and knowledge of history, a tree was dedicated to Pete during the June revolver shoot. Pete s son, Drew and his wife came, along with Pete s daughter, Laura Jo and her significant other for the dedication. Top: Robbers shoot it out with townfolk in the reenactment of the Hughes & Wasson bank robbery. Left: Cole and Frank chat with a festival-goer in front of the Hughes & Wasson Bank (used for the day s event, the real building burned in 2008). Above: Frank and Cole held an intimate chat with festival-goers later in the day. (Photos by Liz Johnson) 9

10 JAMES FARM JOURNAL VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4 T FALL 2015 The 2015 James-Younger Gang Reunion he James-Younger Gang came to Kansas City for its annual reunion the first weekend in October. They took several field trips that included the Jesse James Bank Museum in Liberty and the James Country Mercantile, in addition to the James farm. Alan Soellner of Chisholm s Trail Old West Leather, Newnan, Ga., gave a presentation, The Friends of the James Farm s own Bryan Ivlow presented a talk on antique guns and Betty Barr put in an appearance, greeting and welcoming guests. Betty had a surprise up her sleeve, however. She presented three wonderful gifts to the museum, which are now on display: A pocket watch that belonged to her great-great-grandfather, Robert Sallee James (who died in 1850); and a copper collar button and tie tack that belonged to her great-grandfather Jesse James. Betty Barr, great-granddaughter of Jesse James, presented a pocket watch, above right, belonging to Jesse s father, Rev. Robert Sallee James; a tie tack, inset top right; and copper collar button, above, that belonged to Jesse James, to the Jesse James Museum at the James-Younger reunion. All three are now on exhibit. (Photos by Beth Beckett/Jesse James Museum) FOJF Board member and antique gun enthusiast Bryan Ivlow, above, gave an informative talk on antique guns to the James-Younger Gang visitors. Betty Barr met James painter, Harlan Ray Bonar, with a print of his work (detailed close-up at right), during the James-Younger reunion. 10

11 JAMES FARM JOURNAL VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4 EARLY MEMORIES FALL 2015 Continued from page 2 and the James farm was run and tended to by close friends, Mr. and Mrs. Milligan. They would greet tourists and conduct tours of the old house. I guess I was around so much that I started giving tours myself. Years later at a joint reunion of the James-Younger Gang and the Friends of the James Farm in St. Joseph, I shared this story to the group. After the panel discussion was over a man and wife couple came up to me and said that they had toured the James farm back in the 60s and this young boy gave them a tour and he really knew his stuff. What a wonderful memory that made. Back then you couldn t go into the old part of the house because it was in such poor condition. There was a glass window in the top of the door between the new part and old part, and I had to stand on a chair to get a glimpse of all the old mysteries that lay on the other side. This was prior to the James Farm Museum and it seems there were more items in the house to view. I specifically remember a belt that hung by the west doorway to the porch that was supposed to belong to Frank. It had some beading on it and fit a 28 waist. Many years have passed by since Goldie Pictured are Joe C. Hall and Fannie Samuel Hall, great-grandparents of Monte Griffey. Fannie was the daughter of Zerelda and Reuben Samuel, half-sister of Frank and Jesse James. In the background are Sara Jean Race and Lawson Race. Lawson Race married Fannie and Joe s daughter, Susan. (Photo courtesy of Monte Griffey) died but I will always cherish the memories that old horse and the James Farm have given me. looking forward to the new memories yet to come. In the end, that is all we wind up with. I am proud of the families and ancestors on both sides of my family and I m most thankful for all the old memories. I am Do you have memories of the James Farm? me with your memories: montegriffey@yahoo.com IT S TIME TO RENEW YOUR FOJF MEMBERSHIP Dear FOJF Member: A ren t the statements above the reason why you joined the Friends of the James Farm? You have a passion for history, perhaps you are a family member! Maybe generations of your family come from Missouri and you savor being a part of the James family s incredible history. No matter the reason you joined The Friends we hope you will continue your membership to support and promote the James Farm, often known simply as the birthplace of Jesse James. The history is deep, from the old farmhouse, to Rev James ministry and travels to the California gold fields, to the Civil War, to life after Jesse s death. Your membership to the FOJF supports the preservation of this history and helps to educate others. Visitors come to the farm from all over the world. It s important to keep this draw to Kearney, Missouri and the notorious guerrillas and outlaws, Frank and Jesse James, to continue for years to come. Please fill out the renewal form found on the back page (12) of this newsletter and return it by Feb. 1 to continue your membership with the Friends of the James Farm. Feel free to invite your friends to join as well. Visit our website at and click on the membership application at the bottom of the main page. We look forward to seeing you in 2016! We welcome your input. What would you like to see, experience, learn? We would love to hear from you. Have you been to the farm? Share your photos with us. We now have a very popular Facebook page () and invite you to like our page and please contribute! YOU CAN SUPPORT FOJF WHEN YOU SHOP AT AMAZON! Some Amazon customers have chosen to support the when they shop at AmazonSmile, smile.amazon.com. We are now registered as the FOTJF Organization on AmazonSmile, the link to our site is amazon.com/ch/ It is a way to give back to the Friends of the James Farm and the contribution is from Amazon. 11

12 JAMES FARM JOURNAL VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4 FALL 2015 P.O. Box 404 Liberty, MO Return Service Requested YES, I want to renew my membership with the or begin a new membership. I have checked my level of membership in the box and enclosed a check or money order for the amount indicated. Name: Mailing Address: City/State/Zip: Telephone: Country: Membership Levels (Mark One) Border Ruffian...$20 Bushwhacker...$30 Clay County Irregular...$50 Road Agent...$100 Long Rider...$250 Home Guard...$500 Please mail membership form and payment to: P.O. Box 404 Liberty, MO You can also scan QR Code to visit our website. Is this a renewal? Yes No Outside the continental U.S., please add $5 to your membership contribution. Continued on page 11 12