Bear with me as I wander about a bit. Assuming Jim Reed was with AI Baker, Leander Griffin and the Anderson's on their raid to Missouri / Jasper Co in 1861 could they have been familiar with John A Shirley and his fine horseflesh in Carthage? Clearly Myra (Belle Starr) knew Jim Reed from the war years. Bud Shirley was her brother. How soon in this process did Bud Shirley become involved? Was he a Reed/Anderson gang member or a Quantrill original? Anyway came across this interesting newspaper article and thought I'd pass it along.

https://www.newspapers.com/article/carthage-evening-press-bud-shirley-kille/153499625/
and
https://www.newspapers.com/article/carthage-evening-press-belle-starr-and-b/153500203/

JJR