Dusty Trails of The Old West Issue #1

 

Issue#1 

Today I picked up the proof copies of Dusty Trails of the Old West. Issue #1 is dedicated to my home state of Iowa and tells the tales of American Settlement and hero's of the wild west. Iowa is filled the history of the American west.  Issue#1 will be available in early September 2024.

Custers Last Fight; Scout Charles Reynolds

 

                                       Photo courtesy Emory Cantey from the Cantey Collection 

            *Note this photo is confirmed and appears in James Donavan's book "A Terrible Glory   

 Charles Reynolds was named the "Lucky Man" by the Arikara's because of his extraordinary hunting ability. He may have been the best hunter on the northern plains.

 "Lonesome" Charles Alexander Reynolds.   After the Civil War he was engaged in a trading expedition in New Mexico.    He became a buffalo hunter on the Republican River for a few years.    In 1872, he was a member of the Yellowstone Expedition and the 1874 Black Hills Expedition.    In 1875 he was back in the Yellowstone survey expedition.  He rode through 150 miles through Indian country to tell Custer of the gold that laid in the Black Hills.   He became a civil guide for the 7th Cavalry Quartermaster in 1876.   He was with Lieut. Charles Varnum on the trip to Crow's Nest and was killed the afternoon of June 25, 1876.   Reynolds had a premonition of his own death before the battle at the Little Bighorn, before the 7th deployed, Charley was giving away his personal belongings, and though he never touched alcohol, he had asked for a drink of whiskey before the engagement, and he was apparently ill and stated that he was depressed and feeling low. He was also suffering from an infection in his left hand, and despite being urged to stay behind, he deployed with the column anyway. He is listed as being one of General Custer's scouts at the Little Big Horn fight.    The above photo is a published photograph.   

Ref;  Cantey collections,  and A Terrible Glory by James Donavan 2008

Growing the organization

Over the last few months, we have grown quite a following. And we are creating new ways to collaborate with people who have spent their lives in the pursuit of truth, through their passions for reading, writing, collecting and reenacting western history. This is really an exciting time for us. I'd like to announce that the historians from "History Delights" Kevin Schmitt and Tom Hall have officially accepted roles as Historic Advisers for the Central States Lawman and Outlaws Historic Association.  You can also check out Kevin and Toms youtube channel "History Delights" at; History Delights - YouTube

Wild West. The hanging of Dr. Reuben Samuels

The Hanging of Dr. Reuben Samuels courtesy of the Guttenberg Project

Dr. Rueben Samuels was the Stepfather of Frank and Jesse James. Stories told of Dr. Samuels, painted a picture of fair man who supported his step sons, and seemed to have no issues with their activities. As hostilities began to heat up in western Missouri, union militiamen were desperatly searching for Frank James (who had joined the South as a guerilla) raided the Samuel farm. They seized Frank and Jesse's step father, Mr. Samuels, and briefly (though not fatally) hanged Dr. Samuel, in an effort torture him and to reveal the location of the guerrillas. He survived the ordeal, but was unfortunately present at the later during the famed Pinkerton raid on the James Farm, when the over zealous private agents threw an explosive device into the James private home, during a unlawful sneak attack. The agents thought that Frank and Jesse were present at their parent’s home in Kearny Missouri. The Pinkerton "Detectives" attacked  the Samuel home at night time and launched an explosive device into the domicile, killing Frank and Jesse’s eight year old, half-brother, Archie. The explosion also seriously injured Zerelda Cole-James, severely wounding her arm, resulting in their mother’s arm to be amputated. Poor Dr. Samuel was also seriously injured. He suffered a permanent injury which resulted in brain damage and eventually caused him to be placed in a mental hospital.             

When the tocsin of war sounded, and the feverish thrill of excitement ran through the nation, boys though they were, Jesse and Frank James were electrified with the ominous news and longed to participate in the affray where human blood might be drawn until, like a fountain, it would swell into a gory river. Soon the unmerciful Quantrell, that terrible wraith of slaughter, came trooping through Missouri upon an errand of destruction, and attracted to his banner many impetuous youths of the West, among whom was Frank James; Jesse being the junior brother, and but little more than fourteen years of age, was rejected by Quantrell, and returned home to his farm labors with sorrow. But he did not remain inactive. The family being intensely Southern in their political predilections, all  possible aid and sympathy were given to Quantrell. Many dark nights Jesse would mount his best horse and ride through the gloomy wilderness of Western Missouri until he gained the guerrilla haunts, where he would deliver important information concerning the movements of Federal troops.

The part played by Jesse and the open and decided expressions frequently made by Dr. Samuels and his decidedly demonstrative wife, greatly excited the Federal soldiers, and it was determined to make an example of the family. Accordingly, in June, 1862, a company of Missouri militia approached the Samuels' homestead, which is near Kearney, in Clay county, and first meeting Dr. Samuels, they soon gave him to understand that their visit was made for a purpose decidedly unpleasant to him.

A strong rope was produced with which he was securely pinioned and then led away from the house a distance of about one hundred yards. Here the rope was fastened in a noose around his neck, while the other end was thrown over the limb of a tree, and several men hastily drew him up and left him suspended to choke to death. Mrs. Samuels, however, had followed stealthily, and the moment the militia had departed she rushed to the rescue of her husband, whom she hastily cut down, and by patient nursing saved his life. The enraged troops decided also to hang Jesse James, whom they found plowing in the field, but his youth saved him from  any other violence than a few cuffs and the production of a rope with a suspicious noose which they threatened to ornament his neck with if he again visited the guerrilla camp.    

-The Border Bandits J.W. Buell 1881                                                                                                                                  

The Following are various photos of Dr. Samuels. My research on this article revealed several photos of Dr, Samuels. Some of which are not cited, other exist in known collections. The sources I located  are cited in each photo. Further research is encouraged.                                                                                                                                                          

*Authors note; A check of the Missouri state historical society did not reveal a photo of Dr. Samuels, but did mention his connection of Zerelda Cole James 

Photo from ozarkcivilwar.org

Browse the Archive | Community and Conflict Photo Archive | Page 29 (ozarkscivilwar.org)

DR. Reuben Samuel's 

Step Father to

 Jesse and Frank James

Born; January 12, 1828

Owen County, Kentucky, U.S.

Died; March 1, 1908 (aged 80)

St. Joseph, Missouri, U.S.

Occupation(s) Doctor, farmer

Spouse; Zerelda James ​(m. 1855)​

Dr. Samuels Courtesy of Emory Cantey (Cantey Myers) collection

*This photo also appeared on the James Farm Facebook page

identified as Dr. Samuels on June 19th 2020

Photo Courtesy of the Cortino Collection date unk (c)

Side by side comparison(s) of the Cortino Photo and the Cantey Myers photo

                                                  Description from Historical Headstones Vol 1.

                                                     Another photo of Dr. Ruben Samuels 

                              Find a Grave Photos of Dr Reuben Samuel - Find a Grave Memorial

                                                                  Ref PW Butler collection

Obit Ref Newspaper.com

References; Guttenberg project 

Emory Cantey (Cantey-Myers Collection)

Home (canteymyerscollection.com)

Missouri State Historic Society

Zerelda Cole James Samuel - SHSMO Historic Missourians

Historical Headstones Vol 1.

Mark Cortino

True West Magazine

Sneak Attack on the James Farm - True West Magazine

Wikipedia

Reuben Samuel - Wikipedia

Find a Grave

Photos of Dr Reuben Samuel - Find a Grave Memorial

 

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Jesse and Frank James; Another Likely Widow Benton. By Karen Daye

 

Two repro tintypes of Frank and Jesse James 

from the collection of Gene Stevens

ANOTHER LIKELY WIDOW BENTON

There is a popular story about a poor widow that was about to lose her home until Frank and Jesse James helped her. She had made breakfast for the gang and while eating they noticed tears on her cheeks and asked her what was wrong. She told them the banker was on his way to collect the money owed on her mortgage or he would foreclose on her home. She did not have the money to give to the banker. Frank and Jesse gave her enough money to pay her mortgage and avoid foreclosure. They then told her to be sure and demand a receipt for her payment. One article about this story is from a True West Magazine article that Ralph Ganis wrote August 1, 2002. It was written about a possible widow Benton in Sumner County. The article was named “A Knight with the Widow Benton.” After breakfast, the James party left her home and then waited nearby for the banker to return to town with the money. When he came by they robbed him of the money they had given the widow to save her home.

There was another more likely Widow Benton that lived in Robertson County, TN during the time of this incident. Nancy Benton was the wife of James Benton of Robertson County, TN. He had served in the Confederacy.  He died a few years after the war in 1876, and he left his wife a widow with small children. The Benton home was north of White’s Creek on the direct route to Adairville, Kentucky.

The Benton family farm was between Whites Creek and Greenbrier, TN, in southern Robertson County. Greenbrier was home to the well-known Hinkle Hotel that was owned and operated by John Hite, one of Jesse’s cousins. There are other coincidences with this Benton family. They attended the same church near White’s Creek that was founded by the same Reverend that performed the marriage of Malvina & Frank James (alias Charles Morgan). This Reverend’s son (also a minister) was also married to Ms. Drake, a family name that was mentioned several times in relation to Frank James. Ms. Drake was the wife of Jesse’s ferrier, my GG-uncle. 

-Karen Daye

Frontier Fixed Blade Knives, by Gene Stevens, Video; by Tom Hall from Knife Delights

 The classic fixed blade knife was necessity on the American frontier. Every survival function on the great plains, in the forests, in the desert and on the mountain tops, made the fix blade knife a must have tool of every pioneer and hunting pioneer of the great American West. The two most famous weapons of the frontier were the 1873 Winchester rifle and the famous knife carried by the Alamo Defender and Frontiersman, Jim Bowie, his weapon of choice was called the Bowie Knife. It was the fix blade knife that gave Americans the real edge on the American frontier. Videographer Tom Hall, breaks down some of the fixed blade knives in his collection for our readers.

                               Bowie Knife (fixed blade) Photo from Wikipedia public domain

The Bowie Knife, was a fixed blade knife of great strength and size, that epitomized the style of edged combat weapons of the day. It was surely the grandfather of the famous Marine Kabar fighting knife. 

CSL&OH.A. Mission Statement

CENTRAL STATES LAWMAN AND OUTLAWS HISTORIC ASSN.

MISSION STATEMENT

Officers

President Gene Stevens

Vice President Patrick Meguiar

Historic Advisors

Kevin Schmitt

Tom Hall

In 2024 the Central States Lawman and Outlaws Historic Association was founded as an organization dedicated to the memory and history of the American west. The foundations of the CSL&OH.A., are based in an awareness of our heritage, and to shine a light on the contributions of all Americans who struggled to settle the west, and to honor those people who should never be forgotten. It is the mission of CSL&OH.A. to provide a free space in which to discuss all aspects of history without fear criticism or coercion. The discussion of fact, legend and speculation is welcome here. We recognize that these tenets are the crucial pillars of learning and knowledge where our history is concerned. We welcome all contributions and open discussion. We believe that many stories of both fact and fiction have yet to be told about the wild west and the settlement of the open country. 

- Gene Stevens

See You on the Dusty Trail

 

CSL&OH.A. Update; Moving Forward

President Gene Stevens                                                             Vice President Patrick Meguiar

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM

THE PRESIDENT OF

THE 

CENTRAL STATES LAWMAN AND OUTLAWS

HISTORIC ASSOCIATION

The Central States Lawman and Outlaws Historic Association is proud to announce that we have officially applied for Non-Profit status as an organization dedicated to historic preservation.  Historian and Antiquarian Patrick Meguiar has accepted the position of Vice President of the CSL&OH.A. Patrick is very dedicated and involved in the local history of his community. I know that he will be a great asset to this organization. I have also asked Kevin Schmitt and Tom Hall from History Delights to act as advisers. In the coming months, we will continue expand outreach other historic sites and reenacment groups.      

 -Gene Stevens

         President CSL&OH.A. 

SEE YOU ON THE DUSTY TRAIL!

  

                                                                                                                                                 

 

 

Wild West; The Way West, The Mormon Trail By Gene Stevens , Video Presenter Tom Hall

 

Introduction

The story of the Mormon people is very interesting, and one could argue that the story of the foundation of the Mormon Church, and subsequent migration to the great salt lake to the west, is a very American story of a devout people who risked all to seek Gods blessings in a new land. Their story is filled with political intrigue. And this blogpost only scratches the surface of what the Mormon experience was really about. Its worth mentioning that great Mormon migration that passed through Iowa, began in Nauvoo Illinois, and that there was a great amount of tension between the Mormons and locals in Illinois.                                                                                                                                          

    

"Joseph Smith, the founder and leader of the Latter Day Saint movement, and his brother, Hyrum Smith, were killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois, United States, on June 27, 1844, while awaiting trial in the town jail.As mayor of the city of Nauvoo, Illinois, Joseph Smith had ordered the destruction of the facilities used to print the Nauvoo Expositor, a newly-established newspaper created by a group of non-Mormons and others who had seceded from Smith's church, the Church of Christ. The newspaper's first (and only) issue was highly critical of Smith and other church leaders, reporting that Smith was practicing polygamy and claiming he intended to set himself up as a theocratic king. In response, a motion to declare the newspaper a public nuisance was passed by the Nauvoo City Council, and Smith consequently ordered its press destroyed.The destruction of the press led to public outrage, and the Smith brothers and other members of the Nauvoo City Council were charged with inciting a riot. Warrants for Joseph Smith's arrest were dismissed by Nauvoo courts. Smith declared martial law in Nauvoo and called on the Nauvoo Legion to protect the city. After briefly fleeing Illinois, Smith received a personal statement from Governor Ford, who "pledged his faith and the faith of the state to protect him while he underwent a legal and fair trial", which convinced Smith along with Hyrum to return voluntarily.[3] When the brothers arrived at the county seat of Carthage to surrender to authorities, they were charged with treason against Illinois for declaring martial law."

-Wikipedia

Full context

Nauvoo Legion

The Nauvoo Legion was a sanctioned para-military group that followed the traditional role of militia in American Society, presenting public entertainment through drills, parades and mock battles. But many saw the Legion as a conquering army of Zion, and they may have had some justification for such fears. Even by conservative numbers, the Nauvoo Legion employed over 2500 men, while the entire United States Army of the day, only had approximately 8500 soldiers in 1845. And those troops were scattered throughout the country, while the Nauvoo Legion was centered in Nauvoo. Joseph smith had also platted Nauvoo as a defensive position and also had Mormons in positions around Nauvoo in towns in Hancock County to be early warning posts, and the Mormon temple could also be used as a watch tower and a fortified block house in the event of an attack. 

                                            Tom from History Delights gives a tour, and some

                                               history of the Mormon, trail. Background 

                                                           The Great Migration

"The journey was taken by about 70,000 people, beginning with advance parties sent out by church leaders in March 1846 after the 1844 death of the church's leader Joseph Smith made it clear that the group could not remain in Nauvoo, Illinois—which the church had recently purchased, improved, renamed, and developed, because of the Missouri Mormon War, setting off the Illinois Mormon War. The well-organized wagon train migration began in earnest in April 1847, and the period (including the flight from Missouri in 1838 to Nauvoo), known as the Mormon Exodus is, by convention among social scientists, traditionally assumed to have ended with the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869. Not everyone could afford to transport a family by railroad, and the transcontinental railroad network only serviced limited main routes, so wagon train migrations to the far west continued sporadically until the 20th century."

Ref Wikipedia

References / Credits

1. Wikipedia articles on the Great migration and the death of Joseph Smith

2.Uniforms and  Equipment of the Black Hawk War and Mormon War by John Lee Allaman 

3. History Delights, by Videographer Kevin Schmitt and Presenter Tom Hall, The Mormon Trail In Iowa.