The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-01-24
A WOMAN'S. IMPOSITION.
STEALING A FAMOUS NAME TO AC-
QUIkE FAME AND FORTUNE.
"Mrs. Jesse James" Does Memphis in
Three Institutions. But Finally Sue
cumbs to Popular Disapproval of Her
Method,

The name Of Jesse James was, before his
death, valuable piece Of property, and
many ahustling manager would have paid
the owner literally for his time and atten-
ton as a travelling curiosity. Since the
wicked and daring Jesse has joined the
great caravan of immortals, however, the
only recourse was to his widow. 1t 80
happens that she, while loyal to her out
lawed husband in every emergency that
arose during his lifetime, was and is mod
est refined lady, shrinking from undue
notoriety of all kinds. At present she is
spending quiet, retired life with her rela-
tives in Rhea county NO., and doing a
mothers full duty toward her family Of
interesting children.
Sharpers who pit their wits against q
credulous public and generally emerge
with pockets full of thinking silver and
comforting greenbacks, scruple at few
tricks to escape anything like honest toll
This class Of human sharks is not confined
to the ranks OF the sterner sex. Occasion
ally female shows her hand, and the ma
jority OF them are good for the jackpot no
matter how formidable the opposition.
Sometimes this is won bymeril, frequently
by those essential elements OF the game,
bluff" and the universal latitude al
lowed womankind.
For months past the southwest, and per-
haps other sections OF the country, have
been imposed upon by heavy set woman,
low in stature and carrying face I'M
usually red and masculine for her sex, who
M ~ Gt.ut
pearance in Memphis WIS us feature OF a
ten-cent circus. So great was the attrac-
ton that the woman was given q wagon
for use in the street parade, on the side Of
which appeared in large letters, "Mrs.
Jesse James and her children" The ia
miliarity OF "Mrs. James" with all kinds
Of firearms and deadly weapons OF every
description, together with the ma
tional reputation OF her de-
funct husband, were her claims
on the public and worth 10 the manage
ment. Strange TO relate people flocked TO
see her, and never doubted that they were
gazing upon the genuine article. Dimes
flowed in upon the lusty-lungcd ticket
seller IN such shower that assistants were
detailed TO take a hand. The circus pulled
out rejoicing, with funds sufficient TO pay
weeks salary TO all the attaches.
IL 80 happened that gentleman who
lives in Kansas City and knows the where
abouts OF the real Mrs. James and her
characteristics, was visiting Memphis at
the time. Half the people Of Missouri
esteem Mrs. James highly, regarding her
somewhat in the light Of child Of the
State. The visitor, therefore, took II upon
himself 10 investigate the circus article,
and upon his authority The APPEAL venti-
lated the fraud. The night after the pub
LEGATION appeared there was a rustic OF cal
leo on the editorial-room floor, followed by
a savage inquiry in female voice, for the
imam who writ me up" That individual
meekly went forth TO receive the tongue
flashing he knew 10 DO In store. For five
minutes the reporters associates permitted
their pencils 10 remain idle, and gloatcd
over the miseries OF their companion. He
was obduratc, would not consent to pub
lie apology or explanation, and the visitor
departed with the sneering remark that
next time "rll fix you newspapers up with
s. bill"
The circus departed. and with Il "Mrs.
James" IL must have stranded, for n
few weeks ago the woman appeared at the
Dime Museum, again IA the real article.
bearing the government seal. Her success
there Is unknown, but must have been
meagcr, As she appeared at the shooting
gallery Of Mr.. Barrett, on upper Main
street, In a condition 10 excite sympathy.
Mr.. Barrett made her n feature Of his O..
adjustment for few days. "Mrs. Jesse
James" and her fcats with firearms aroused
a great deal OF comment among people in
the vicinity. Again those horrid' Mis-
sourians appeared on the scene, and ap.
pealed 10 TnE ArFEAL for protection 10 the
fair name OF their daughter, and Il was
given. The result was disastrous TO
the impostcr, and she IL again anoat
on the cold sea Of public reproach. Mr..
Barrett dissolved the copartncrship, up
braided her for the deception she had prac.
ticed, and noted with pleasure her pre-
partitions TO make herself seldom about
his premises.
The woman Is evidently conscicnccloss
imposter, with not the slightest regard for
fine scnsibilities. II is sincerely hoped that
Memphis will escape her visits In future,
even under the name ~ which she IA en-
titled.