Original Photograph Of Zerelda James Samuel, Mother Of Frank And Jesse James

J. T. HICKS-PHOTOGRAPHER

Other works by J. T. HICKS-PHOTOGRAPHER

Publication: J T Hicks, 1891, Liberty, Missouri

Original Photograph of the Mother of outlaws Frank and Jesse James, taken 9 years after Jesse's death. Cabinet Card. Image: 4" x 5.875". Mount: 4.25" x 6.5". One of the most infamous events in the lives of the James Boys was a raid on the Samuel homestead by the Pinkerton's, where the James boys frequently stayed. On January 25, 1875, Allan Pinkerton staged a raid on the homestead in which Pinkerton detectives threw multiple incendiary devices into the house. The device(s) exploded, killing Archie, their 9 year old half-brother, and blowing-off much of Zerelda's right arm. Afterward Allan Pinkerton claimed it was a tragic accident, but biographers located a Pinkerton letter in the Library of Congress in which Allan Pinkerton declared his intention was to "burn the house down!" In this image Zerelda is seated, wearing a fancy black dress, and obviously missing the lower part of her right arm. A clean, sharp image in near fine condition. Scalloped edges to mount. Printed at the bottom edge of the mount is: J. T. Hicks, 1891. Liberty, Mo. On verso is hand-written: Zerelda James Samuel. A strong Southern Sympathizer, and mother of the outlaw James Boys. A rare image. Provenance: Robert G. McCubbin Collection.

Inventory Number: 54596