Before moving to Kansas City, Thomas Martin James operated a store in Todd County, Kentucky, and was a parter in a trading company serving Sac and Fox Indians.
Upon arrival in Kansas City, he founded the T. M. James Co., built the James building, operated a warehouse and a retail store where he sold Queen's Ware, Wedgwood and Spode china and art objects. After his death, his two surviving sons, both graduates of Brown University, operated the company. Later the store was sold to Joyce Hall, founder of Hallmark Cards.

Queensware
The wholesale and retail queensware house of T. M. James, corner Main and Seventh, sold goods during the year ending 31 August, 1869, amounting to $75,000.
Mr. James is one of Kansas City's oldest citizens, and is in business since the incorporation of the city in 1858. He linked his fate to her destiny when young, rising and falling with her fortunes, till at length he came out triumphantly, and is now one of her wealthiest merchants. He keeps on hand every description of queensware, and does a very extensive business, both wholesale and retail. His integrity and uprightness in trade have won the confidence of the community.
From an article about business in Kansas City appearing in the 1870 City Directory, page 19

T.M. JAMES DEAD.
Was a Leading Business Man and the
Oldest Citizen of Kansas City.
T.M. James, founder and many years head of the queensware house of T.M. James & Sons and for more than 40 years a prominent factor in Kansas City affairs, died this afternoon at his home, 927 Harrison street. His health had been failing when he was injured by a cable car near Ninth and Grand avenue during February of the present year.
James was not only one of the wealthiest, best known and most prominent citizens of Kansas City, but he was also the oldest. He came here in March, 1851. The place was then known as Westport Landing, and had a population of a few hundred. So far as is known there is not now residing in Kansas City a single person who lived here at that times.
Mr. James was a native of Kentucky and was almost 79 years of age. Kansas City was known as Westport Landing when he came here and engaged in the milling business.
During the war Mr. James was a Union sympathizer, but he resolved to take no part in the hostilities, and to this adhered strictly, excepting upon one occasion. This was when Gen. Sterling Price was almost hourly expected to descend upon Kansas City with a Confederate army. Then Mr. James, with every other able-bodied citizen, was pressed into service by the Union officers for the town's protection. With tools in his hand and a gun by his side he helped to build a fort and fortify the east side of the hill on which the Coates house now stands.
His peaceful attitude during that turbulent time did not save him from trouble. His Union sentiments were well known and he was frequently threatened by Confederate soldiers and sympathizers. Many of the Union men, on the other hand, regarded him as lukewarm and were bitter toward him. But he had equal amounts of moral and physical courage and the threats of neither side were sufficient to swerve him from the course he had determined to follow. By his bravery he on one occasion saved the life of Maj. Ranson, of the Union army. A band of guerrillas, learning Maj. Ranson was here, came in search of him, sworn to kill him if they found him. They did find him at the corner of Seventh and Main streets and covered him with their guns. Mr. James ran between Maj. Ranson and his intended slayers and gave Ranson a chance to escape, which he very quickly took advantage of.
Mr. James amassed a fortune of nearly $1,000,000. He was prominent in Baptist affairs, having practically given every Baptist church in the city its start. His benefactions to the Calvary Baptist church alone exceeded $95,000.
Mr. James was uncle to Frank and Jesse James, but would never discuss them in any way. He leaves a widow and two sons.
The Kansas City Star
25 Dec 1901

From Missouri Record of Death Roster:
Jackson County, Page 64, #8862
• James, Thomas Martin
• 25 Dec 1901
• Male
• White
• Age: 78
• Married
• Born: Kentucky
• Place of death: 427 Harrison
• Cause of death: White cerebral softening
• Reporting physician: F W Rathbone

From cemetery records:
• James, T M
• Burial: 28 Dec 1901
• Undertaker: Stine
• Burial fee: $7
• Section 30 Lot 3

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With thanks to Phil & Kathi for the full name.
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