Mahlon Jordan James is my very photogenic maternal 3xGreat-Grand Uncle. Son of John Abraham James (born Barren County, Virginia in 1790) and Rachael Anne Bray James (born 1794 Chatham County, North Carolina), Mahlon was the eighth of 12 (known) children. Word!
Hear me now, People! When in my dotage I'm asked what was the greatest achievement of the Twentieth Century? Two words: BIRTH CONTROL.
Allegedly born in Missouri 1828 (with only his grave marker as "proof"), Mahlon married Jane Campbell in 1860. They made a home in Moniteau County, Missouri for their ten children. Their last child was Jesse James (1877-1906). Pranksters that they were, I'm certain they named their youngest Jesse for one reason: to confuse descendants into believing they are related to the infamous bank robber. Not so. THAT Jesse lived in nearby Clay County.
Uncle Mahlon and Aunt Jane lived long. I hope they prospered. She died in 1914 at age 75, and Mahlon lived to be 96 years. They are both buried in the Highland Cemetery in Moniteau County. I appreciate Larry Hutchison for sharing Mr. James' marvelous photo.
NOTE TO COFFEE COUSINS: You too are related to Mr. James through John Willis Coffee's mother, Nancy James (wife of John Hanna Coffee).