Dr. Reuben Samuel was born on January 12, 1828; he married Zerelda James, the mother of Frank and Jesse James, becoming her third husband. Samuel left a medical practice and took up farming, raising tobacco, and acquired slaves. In 1863, Samuel’s step-son, Frank James, a veteran of the Missouri State Guard, joined William Clarke Quantrill’s guerrilla band. Soon after, Federal militiamen raided the Samuel farm looking for Frank James and Quantrill’s camp; they briefly tortured Samuel, causing brain damage. Both Zerelda and Reuben were arrested by the Federals and confined in St. Joseph, but were soon released.

Samuel died on March 1, 1908.

Carte-de-Visite by Unknown Photographer

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30207