jesse james was married to his cousin, miss zerelda mimms, in the autumn of 1874, at the home of his mother in clay county. miss mimms was an orphan, who had lived with a married sister in kansas city. being of age there was no one to criticise her act, and she stepped across the threshold of prescribed citizenship to share the perils of an outlaw's life.

the peculiar profession followed by jesse and frank james has prevented them from having any permanent residence, and their wives have been compelled, in a measure, to lead a life of seclusion, traveling from place to place, concealing their identity and experiencing few pleasures because of the constant anxiety to which they are subjected. it is understood that frank is the father of two children, and jesse finds consolation in two little boys and a baby girl. the outlaw brothers make affectionate husbands and loving and indulgent fathers.