"The Kansas City Daily Times" (Missouri) Tuesday, April 4, 1882 A MOTHER'S GRIEF. Kearney, April 3. --- There is great excitement here over the reported killing of Jesse JAMES. The subject is the sole topic of conversation, and the probabilities of its truth are discussed on all sides. Some believe it and others again doubt it. These latter, however, were put to confusion some little time after the report reached us by the arrival of Mrs. SAMUELS, the mother of the boys, in town, and her departure for St. Joseph. I had only time to catch the old lady just before her departure. She seemed greatly excited and manifested not only great concern, but gave signs of much distress. She was surrounded by numerous friends at the depot, and much excitement prevailed in town when her arrival became generally known. I had some difficulty in getting to her, and when my purpose was made known, she showed no desire to talk about the affair. On insisting, she blurted out in a most vehement kind of a way: "Mrs. SAMUELS had just this to say: If "The Times" wants to interview me, it can not do it unless I am paid for it, as I will need money to bury Jesse if he is killed." Do you believe he is killed, Mrs. SAMUELS? I persisted. "Well if he is, he has been hounded to this death by your newspapers." If you don't believe he is dead, that Jesse has not been killed in St. Joe, what are you going there for? "I am a going to see, young man." How did you learn he will killed? "How did you learn, she queried," and on saying by telegraph, she jerked out: "So did I." Well, Mrs. SAMUELS -----. "Well, sir, you just can't get any talk out of me without paying for it, as I have said." But I would like to know -----? "So would I, when the train is coming," and turning to a friend she asked: "How long will it be?" I don't wish to intrude on your grief, but I would like to know ----- "I know it is your business to know, but I have got nothing to tell you." When did you see Jesse last! "I am going to see him now." Do you know the FORD boys, who are said to have killed him? "I do." After all, do you believe it is Jesse who has been killed? Before a reply could be made, some one said: "Aunt Zerel, the train is coming," at which she turned and made for the door, accompanied by quite a concourse of people for our little town. On getting on the cars, she was visibly affected, but bore up under her grief very bravely and in a determined way. John SAMUELS, a step-brother of Jesse's, who was shot some time ago, is said to be very much affected by the news of Jesse's death, and is said to be much worse in consequence. The telegraph office is crowded with people anxious to learn the particulars of the tragedy. ====================================================== (I have no connection with this family.) johnobrien@kc.rr.com ======================================================