Robert S. James, Father of Jesse James

Robert Sallee James (17 July 1818 - 18 August 1850) was a Baptist preacher whose ancestor (John James) came to America (in the mid-seventeeth century) from a town in Wales. 

He married Zeralda Cole on 28 December 1841.  They had four children, including Frank and Jesse James.

In 1849, Rev. James was one of the founders of William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri.

Credits

Photo and information, courtesy Clay Platte Historical Society.