Saturday, Sept. 18. 1999 from Waco- Tribune- Herald Falls County Judge Mike Meyer ended another chapter in the battle among family members when he refused to allow the body of James Layafette Courtneyto be exhumed for DNA tests requested by his great Granddaughter Betty Dorsett Duke. She is the author of the relatively new book 'JESSE JAMES LIVED AND DIED IN TEXAS'. He is buried in Blevins cemetery off I-35 a few miles. This was the second hearing and all the family know the story but a grandson raised by Mr Courtney leads the move to just let the grave alone and let the man rest in peace. Betty Duke claims the family is comfortable with the story as a story but are ashamed to see it actually proved. She points out that there are other ways to prove it. The judge says the court believes in the sanctity of the grave and the evidence has not risen to the necessary level for him to grant opening the grave. Ms. Duke said "They think Jesse was a cold blooded killer and do not realize he was just a part of the Civil War " He did serve in the Confederate army, as I understand it. Duke's attorney is Jim Rodman of Austin, Texas. She spent 4 years researching the book in Missouri, Texas and elsewhere. Other relatives have also started researching. Wonder if any can produce an authentic DAR acceptable Courtney family history and tree back beyond James Lafayette Courtney?? Lisa Davis, reporter is at [email protected] or 254-757- 5735 Just thought someone with a lot of time might do or have a Courtney Family History to prove if his roots are Courtney or James. A Frank James had a ranch southeast of Blevins several miles past Westphalia. on the County line down Hwy 6. Just thought someone might be interested, Charles A. Wyly