The daring exploits of Frank and Jesse James have fascinated America for more than a century. Myth and fact have meshed together to create a legend of monumental proportions. Anxious to bask in the reflected glory of the James clan, many people have claimed a family connection to these two famous outlaws. Now noted Western historian and folklorist Phillip W. Steele has penned an authoritative chronicle of the James family, drawing on sources newly discovered in the past two decades. Anecdotes, family stories, and complete genealogies of all members accurately document the James clan's history in this entertaining, readable volume, which includes more than forty rare photographs. Individuals who believe they may share a blood tie with the James brothers will find this book invaluable in authenticating their claim; those who are merely captivated by the romance and mystery of two of America's most wanted men will discover much to add to their understanding of these celebrated figures. Journey through the old West with Jesse and Frank James and trace the history and heritage of these American folk heroes. The late Philip Steele was the author of several books on the Ozarks and the Wild West including Ozark Tales and Superstitions, Civil War in the Ozarks, and The Last Cherokee Warriors, all published by Pelican. Phillip W. Steele passed away on November 8, 2007. "Anyone interested in Jesse and Frank James should buy this book." -True West "For anyone who wonders about the James clan, [this book] is essential." -Wild West The daring exploits of Frank and Jesse James have fascinated America for more than a century. Eager to bask in the reflected glory of the James clan, many people claim a family connection to these two famous outlaws. In response, notable historian, folklorist, and expert on the Ozarks Phillip W. Steele penned an authoritative chronicle of the James family, drawing on sources discovered in the past few decades. Anecdotes, family stories, and genealogies of all members, along with more than forty rare photographs, accurately document the James clan's history. Individuals who believe they share a blood tie with the James brothers will find this book an invaluable resource in authenticating their claim. Those who are merely captivated by the romance and mystery of two of America's most wanted men will discover startling facts about these celebrated figures. Phillip W. Steele (July 20, 1934-November 8, 2007) was a well-respected folklorist and historian. He was a member of the Western Writers of America, Jesse James Historical Society, and National Association for Outlaw and Lawman History. Steele is also the author of Pelican's Phillip Steele's Ozark Stories, Ozark Tales and Superstitions, Outlaws and Gunfighters of the Old West, The Last Cherokee Warriors, The Many Faces of Jesse James, Starr Tracks: Belle and Pearl Starr, The Family Story of Bonnie and Clyde, Civil War in the Ozarks, and Two Longs and a Short: An Ozark Boyhood Remembered. The late Phillip W. Steele became interested in Ozark and Old West history and folklore many years ago. He researched and wrote on several of these subjects. A successful columnist and historian, Steele had more than fifty articles published in magazines such as True West, Real West, Tombstone Epitaph, The Roundup, The Westerner, True Treasure, and other major newspapers and magazines throughout the nation. In fact, Steele's column, Hearth Tales of the Ozarks, appeared in the Ozarks Mountaineer magazine for ten years.   Also a successful author, Steele's books by Pelican Publishing Company include: The Last Cherokee Warriors; Ozark Tales and Superstitions; Jesse and Frank James: The Family History; Starr Tracks: Belle and Pearl Starr; Civil War in the Ozarks with coauthor Steve Cottrell; Outlaws and Gunfighters of the Old West; and The Many Faces of Jesse James written with George Warfel. His self-published works include The Butterfield Run, In Search of the Daltons, and Lost Treasures of the Ozarks.  Outside of his writing, Steele was the president of Good Old Days Food, Inc., of Springdale and Little Rock, Arkansas. He was also one of the owners and an executive producer of American Heritage Productions, Inc., a film company that produces documentary films on Old West, Civil War, and Ozark folklore subjects for the home video and television markets.  A former native of northwest Arkansas, Steele attended Kemper Military Academy in Columbia, Missouri, the University of California at Los Angeles, and the University of Arkansas. He was involved in a number of organizations: the Western Writers of America; the Jesse James Historical Society, of which he was president; the Friends of the James Farm and Museum; the National Outlaw and Lawman History Association, for which he served on the board of directors; the Ozarks Writers League; and the Ozarks Arts and Crafts Fair. He also served on the board of directors for the Arkansas History Commission, which is appointe