Learn more about merges. Eddie Reed, Belle's son, was convicted of horse theft and receiving stolen property in July 1889. WebThe death of Belle Starr. However, her daughter allegedly financed her upscale Sporting House in Wichita with the money Belle had on her at the time of her death. Following Bud's death in 1864, Belle and her family moved to Texas, where she met outlaw Cole Younger. Her father, John Shirley, prospered raising wheat, corn, hogs and horses, though he was considered to be the "black sheep" of a well-to-do Virginia family which had moved west to Indiana, where he married and divorced twice. Try again later. After being released from prison, Hart had a brief stint in Buffalo Bills Wild West Show and later ran a cigar store in Kansas City. Try again later. WebBelle Starr: Directed by John A. Alonzo. She had a piano and knew how to play. cemeteries found in Porum, Muskogee County, Oklahoma, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Watson, who was killed in 1910, was tried for her murder, but was acquitted, and the ambush has entered Western lore as "unsolved". In addition to a number of works inspired by Belle's life, including the 1941 film Belle Star, starring Gene Tierney, a noted biography on the Western icon was written by Glenn Shirley Belle Star and Her Times: The Literature, the Facts, and the Legends. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. When Jim and Belle moved to Missouri, Reed was a wanted man, allegedly for murdering a man named Shannon. The relationship was particularly stormy. Oops, something didn't work. Belle was a relatively obscure figure outside of Texas for most of her life, but her legend gained attention due to the writings of Richard K. Fox who is best known for writing the National Police Gazette and dime novels. In 1869 Belle, Reed, and two other outlaws rode to the North Canadian River country, where they tortured an old Creek Indian until he told them where he had hidden $30,000 in gold. Other women in the wild west took to the gun as readily as any man and made lives for themselves apart from dignified society. But with no evidence, he was acquitted. HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. HistoryNet reports both men were ultimately killed in the shootout. Changing the day will navigate the page to that given day in history. Could be anywhere: Hunt for accused killer. While she did consort with infamous characters, historians suggest her renegade reputation surpasses her actual criminal activity. Who Is Suspected Pentagon Leaker Jack Teixeira? The 19th century American frontier provided an opportunity for female pioneers to turn to a life of law-breaking. This account has been disabled. Biography reports Belle was heavily influenced by Bud, who encouraged her to spend time outdoors. GREAT NEWS! Make sure that the file is a photo. Soon, Myra became smitten by Cole, quickly becoming a member of their gang.. HistoryNet reports Reed was killed in August of that year in Paris, Texas, where he had settled down with his family. As a teenager, Pearl became fascinated with the cowboy lifestyle and whilst operating a tent brothel near a local mine in Arizona, she developed a fondness for hard liquor, cigars and morphine. On top of the stone was carved an image of her favorite mare, Venus. On the stone was this inscription: Shed not for her the bitter tear The fascinating collection show some of these ladies of ill repute who a cowboy would not dare cross in an old west saloon. [8], Following the war, members of the Reed family also moved to Texas and, according to Collin County marriage records, James C. Reed and Mira [sic] M. Shirley were married there on November 1, 1866. Seemingly headed for an unexciting but respectable middle-class life, her fate was changed by the outbreak of the Civil War, which ruined her fathers business as a Carthage innkeeper and claimed the life of her brother Edwin. Later, he became a salesman for a Dallas saddle and bridle maker. Family descendants of Belle Starr still live in the area today. Belle Starr The Starrs were arraigned the following day before Judge Parker, but the hanging judge was forced to dismiss the charges for lack of evidence. Bass Reeves The group admired her skill at selling stolen goods and assisting their train robberies and she was nicknamed the Rose of the Wild Bunch by them. Watson was tried for the murder but was acquitted due to lack of evidence. Although little known today, some of these women were legendary during their lives and shocked society with their ruthless and unladylike behaviour such as the unflappable outlaw Laura Bullion who robbed trains with the Butch Cassidys Wild Bunch and Big Nose Kate who broke legendary gunfighter Doc Holliday out of jail. It was never certain who had shot Belle Starr. Marshal. Legend has it that Belle joined in on her husbands nefarious activities, but there is little evidence to suggest that she did. Etta Place was the companion of the American outlaws Butch Cassidy (real name Robert LeRoy Parker) and the Sundance Kid (Harry Alonzo Longabaugh), both members of the outlaw gang known as the Wild Bunch. Some thought her spirit was disturbed because justice for her murder had never been served. Belle Starr Famous Woman of the However, there are no verifiable records proving she committed any of those crimes. The story grew over the years. In 1880, Belle wed Sam Starr, who was Cherokee and part of the Starr gang. Belle Starr Jim July believed the murderer was a neighbor with whom the couple had been feuding, but no one was ever convicted of the crime. Belle Starr In 1880, she married a Cherokee man named Sam Starr and settled with the Starr family in the Indian Territory. She decided that outlaws were no longer welcome at her farm. After Sams death in a shootout in 1886, Belle married horse thief, Bill July. Frank Eaton had been the last person to dance with Belle Starr when Edgar J. Watson, one of her sharecroppers and clearly intoxicated, had asked to dance with her. Belle left her children with her mother while she rode the outlaw trail. On the morning of February 2, 1889, Belle and her husband Jim traveled out of town for Jim's trial for horse theft. Amid the Civil War, the entire Shirley family supported the Confederacy. Laura Bullion was released from prison in 1905 and lived the remainder of her life as a seamstress, dying in Memphis, Tennessee in 1961, the last of the Wild Bunch. In 1883, Belle and Sam were convicted of stealing horses. She survived all but two of these men. Yet he was eventually released as there were no witnesses to the crime. Her vivacious presence and inventive use of stage I regard myself as a woman who has seen much of life.. Belle was buried in the cabins front yard at Youngers Bend. Myra Belle Shirley, better know as Belle Starr earned her title as Queen of the Wild West. Hart served 18 months in jails before receiving a pardon. Belle proved to be a model prisoner and, during her time in jail, she won the respect of the prison matron. But in June 1864, Bud was killed in Sarcoxie, Missouri. Three Forks History: Murder of Belle Starr never solved Reach Jonita Mullins at jonita.mullins@gmail.com. Each spent nine months in jail in Detroit, then returned to Indian Territory. After she and Sam were caught rustling horses, she was sentenced to a year in prison. Low 43F. She associated with famous outlaws, like Frank and .css-47aoac{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#A00000;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-47aoac:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}Jesse James, and was arrested several times. Belle Starr - HistoryNet Web61 Belle Starr Premium High Res Photos Browse 61 belle starr photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. One version of the tale told around campfires for over a hundred years is that when the moon is full, Belles ghost comes riding down from the mountain on the north side of the river and gallops on the wind down into the river valley. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. He was the epitome of dedication to duty, Judge Parker's most trusted deputy and one of the greatest lawmen of the western frontier. This novel still is cited as a historical reference despite its artistic license and lack of historical accuracy. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected]com if you need help resetting your password. Please try again later. She had cultivated some enemies over the years including her son Eddie and daughter Pearl, with a farmland tenant being viewed as the murder's primary suspect. Belle Starr at Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1886. However, in the fall of 1882, Parker got lucky when Belle was caught red-handed as she attempted to steal a neighbors horse. However, she also liked to flaunt her status as a rich girl and liked having an audience. Belle Starr The Bandit Queen Legends of America WebOn the evening of December 17, 1886, Belle and Sam Starr were attending a Christmas party when Sam got into a shootout with an old enemy named Frank West. There she met a young Cherokee named Sam Starr, who eventually became her common-law husband and new criminal partner. Myra Maybelle "Belle" Shirley, who would later become known as the outlaw Belle Starr, was born in Carthage, Missouri, on February 5, 1848. Others believe there is nothing sinister in these legendary ghostly appearances. However, the Watsons had already paid the rent and refused to leave. However, her life changed dramatically when the Kansas-Missouri Border War broke out. HistoryNet also reports that Belle did not encourage fugitives to seek refuge in Cherokee land; she simply did not report it. There are no records that she was ever involved in murder, the robbery of trains, banks, stagecoaches or cattle rustling. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. She joined him in stealing cattle, horses, and money in the Dallas area. After she fell off her horse, she was shot again to make sure she was dead. However, Spaniard was convicted of murder and executed by hanging soon after they met. Edgar Watson, who rented land from Belle, was a fugitive wanted for murder whom she kicked off her land once she discovered his history. Belle Starr (1941 Failed to delete memorial. J. Frank Dalton claimed that Belle survived the shotgun assassination attempt and lived on under an alias. But when Jim was shot to death whilst the couple were on the run, Belle joined the Starr Clan and married a Cherokee man Samuel Starr giving her the name that would forever be associated with the legend of her life. John Shirley had become a respected member of the burgeoning county seat of Carthage. Upon release, they immediately returned to a life of rustling and bootlegging. Belle became the mastermind behind the gang who were unrivalled in the Wild West at stealing horses. Starrs life of crime ended when she was shot in the back as she returned from a general store to her ranch. One of these outlaw bands, seeking refuge, stayed at the Shirley house one night. WebBelle Starr was shot to death on February 3, 1889, near Fort Smith, Arkansas just before her 41st birthday. Tis but the casket that lies here, They eventually found her, but she was unresponsive and died shortly thereafter. In 1883, Belle and Sam were both arrested, charged, and convicted of horse theft in Michigan. WebShe didnt live to see it, mysteriously murdered on Feb. 3, 1889, two days shy of her 42nd birthday. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. Site contains certain content that is owned A&E Television Networks, LLC. She eventually obtained a presidential pardon in 1893. As reported by Legends of America, she essentially became a celebrity and even appeared in a Wild West show, where she portrayed an outlaw who overtook and robbed a stagecoach. WebBelle was devastated and apparently began a brief relationship with an outlaw named Jack Spaniard until he went on the run after murdering a U.S. In 1866, she married another outlaw, Jim Reed, and reportedly "became his partner in crime.". Ivan Mauger of New Zealand However, their time behind bars did nothing to change their lawless ways. Her parents moved into Carthage and her father became a prosperous innkeeper and slave holder. The big loop formed by the meandering Canadian River where Belle lived, was killed and buried was named Younger's Bend by her and the name has stuck. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. An Unsolved Murder. ). Which version is closer to the facts shall remain open until further evidence emerges. Belle Starr (1941) - Photo Gallery - IMDb If she thought this would be the end of her troubles, she was proven tragically wrong. Belle loved to play the piano and sing. Starr made her way along the road through Hoyt Bottom as dusk fell. WebBelle Starr, ne Myra Belle Shirley, (born Feb. 5, 1848, Washington County, Mo., U.S.died Feb. 3, 1889, near Briartown, Okla.), American outlaw of Texas and the Oklahoma Indian Legend says she dodged open fire and held off the marshals with her own rifle until he could get to safety. An investigation was made into her death and several suspects were questioned, including a neighbor she had quarreled with named Watson, her husband July, her son Ed, and even her daughter Pearl. As reported by Los Angeles Times, Belle Starr was only convicted of one crime, and it is entirely possible that her participation in criminal activities "was inflated by myth makers." Suspects with apparent motive included her new husband and both of her children as well as Edgar Watson, because he was afraid she was going to turn him in to the authorities as an escaped murderer from Florida with a price on his head. Jim continued his criminal career until he was shot dead by a lawman named John Morris in 1874. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? The family was popular and well off. [4] Reed turned to crime and was wanted for murder in Arkansas, which caused the family to move to California, where their second child, James Edwin (Eddie), was born in 1871.[10]. Belle Starr. Apparently, Belle had caught July fooling around with a young Cherokee girl, which had led to much discord in the marriage. No one was ever convicted for the crime, and it left an unsettled feeling in the area. .css-m6thd4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Gilroy,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:bold;color:#323232;text-transform:capitalize;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-m6thd4:hover{color:link-hover;}}G. Gordon Liddys Wild Career After Watergate. These rare images taken in the 19th century reveal the female outlaws who held their own when it came to criminal behaviour on the old American frontier. Belle Starr gained notoriety as an outlaw on the western edge of the United States in the mid-1800s. WebBelle Starr atop a horse in Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1886. [6] Soon after, sick at heart over Buds death and his business ruined by the theft and destruction, [John Shirley] disposed of his property, loaded his family and household goods into two Conestoga wagons, and set out for Texas Shirleys destination was Scyene, a small settlement ten miles southeast of Dallas. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. In 1856, they sold their land and moved to Carthage, Missouri, where they built an inn, a tavern, livery stable, and blacksmith shoptheir businesses taking up almost an entire city block. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. Belle was arrested twice more, but was never convicted again. It was here that Laura began a relationship with outlaw and member of Butch Cassidys Wild Bunch, William News Carver. Belle Looking to raise money, Pearl and an acquaintance known only as Joe Boot hatched a plan to rob a stagecoach that travelled between Glibe and Florence, Arizona in 1899. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. Her daughter erected a headstone with an engraved bell, a star, a horse and a poignant poem. There was an error deleting this problem. A close friend of Jesse James, Belle became wealthy from her criminal exploits and evaded sheriffs on the American Frontier for years. But growing up, Belle preferred learning to shoot a gun outdoors and the company of her childhood friends the infamous Jesse James and the Younger brothers. Although she had a number of older half-siblings, she was particularly close to her half-brother John, whose nickname was Bud. Belle was allegedly briefly married for three weeks to Charles Younger, uncle of Cole Younger in 1878, but this is not substantiated by any evidence. However, it is clear that she was part of the Starr gang and participated in various crimes. Rose eventually settled down with a local politician. Belle Starr murdered in Oklahoma - History Failed to delete flower. The two fled to California with their young daughter Pearl and before long, a second child came along, who they named Edward. They could run businesses, own land, and engage in politics or crime if they wanted. As the leader of the Starr Clain, Belle was arrested several times, but it seemed she was just as good at eluding sheriffs as she was at stealing horses they never had enough evidence to put her away for good and she was often able to bribe them with earnings from her lucrative horse-thieving and bootlegging enterprises. In 1889, July was arrested for robbery and summoned to Fort Smith, Arkansas, to face charges. But it was not just men who ruled the Wild West. This browser does not support getting your location. Perhaps the horse is Venus, said to be Belles favorite; its likeness was carved on her tombstone. His name was Jim Reed, and she had first met him back in Missouri, where the Reed and Shirley families had been friends. Thats the reason why he had to move to California, but the family had to flee once again when Jim was arrested for attempting to use counterfeit cash. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? However, when she arrived at the friends' home, her son had already left. However, she was a convicted horse thief. However, the nearby Younger Bend School stands today near Porum, Oklahoma and was constructed by Belle to ensure that her daughter and the Indians received an education. Folk Figure. Web36 Belle Starr Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO 36 Belle_starr Premium High Res Photos Browse 36 belle_starr photos and 1892-1897, December 16, 1896, Page 2, Image 2", "The San Francisco call. Although she was an obscure figure outside Texas throughout most of her life, Belle's story was picked up by the dime novel and National Police Gazette publisher Richard K. Fox, who made her name famous with his fictional novel Bella Starr, the Bandit Queen, or the Female Jesse James, published in 1889 (the year of her murder). Clayton. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). It got to the point that locals around the Whitefield area were hesitant to go hunting for possum across the Canadian River when there was a full moon out. For example, it was claimed that she was Jim Reeds partner in crime. Her death resulted from shotgun wounds to the back and neck and in the shoulder and face. Edit your search or learn more Arizona, U.S., County Coroner and Death Records, 1881-1971 Death, Burial, Cemetery & Obituaries View Name Bell Stan [ Belle Starr] For the last 2+ years of her life, gossips and scandal sheets linked her to a series of men with colorful names, including Jack Spaniard, Jim French and Blue Duck, after which, she married a relative of Sam Starr, Jim July, who later became Jim July Starr, who was some 15 years younger than she was. Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window), Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window), Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window), Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window), Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window), Current one is: February 3. Sam and Belle found the bandit life very lucrative. Belle is said to have had a flair for the dramatic, so it may be that on moonlit nights when Belle rides through the Canadian River valley, she is simply showing off. Although the Watsons eventually accepted a refund for their rent, and moved elsewhere, they simply were not willing to let the incident go. Belle Starr - Wikipedia Belle Starr from tree Maierson Family Juanita Belle Starr found in 3 trees View all. Atlas Obscura reports Belle was a "model prisoner" while she was incarcerated. G. Gordon Liddys Wild Career After Watergate, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Name: Belle Starr, Birth Year: 1848, Birth date: February 5, 1848, Birth State: Missouri, Birth Country: United States. WebMyra Maybelle Shirley Reed Starr (February 5, 1848 February 3, 1889), better known as Belle Starr, was an American outlaw who gained national notoriety after her violent death. She married outlaw Jim Reed and lived in the Oklahoma Indian Territory at the home of outlaw Tom Star, a Cherokee. Belle Starr stated to The Fort Smith Elevator about one year before her death. In 1886 Belle and Sam were again arrested by United States marshals, who brought them to Fort Smith on charges of robbery and horse stealing. May Shirley received a classical education and learned piano, while graduating from Missouri's Carthage Female Academy, a private institution that her father had helped to found.[4]. The Starrs managed to elude capture for nearly a decade, but in 1883 they were arrested for horse theft and both served five months in the Detroit federal prison. While living in the Choctaw Nation, near the Canadian River, an unknown assassin shot her from ambush with a shotgun. Starr responded by threatening to turn Edgar in to the authorities. Perhaps it was Belles charm that saved them from the gallows because Parker was uncharacteristically lenient and sentenced the couple to nine months in prison apiece. Most of her family members called her May. It was the first of many popular stories that used her name. She was arrested and convicted on a charge of stealing horses in 1883 along with Sam. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Byways & Historic Trails Great Drives in America, Soldiers and Officers in American History, Easy Travel Organization Tips You Will Love, Bidwell-Bartleson Party Blazing the California Trail. Drag images here or select from your computer for Belle Starr memorial. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Riding her mare, Venus, and sporting velvet skirts and plumed hats, Belle played the role of a bandit queen for several years. Belle attended Carthage Female Academy then Cravens a private school and had a talent for music. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. There, Belle met Jim Reed, marrying him in 1866. There was a problem getting your location. Belles son was arrested for horse theft in 1889 before becoming a Deputy in Fort Smith. Resend Activation Email. She died on February 3, 1889. Bass Reeves was a legend in his own time. [9] Two years later, she gave birth to her first child, Rosie Lee (nicknamed Pearl). (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, December 17, 1896, Image 2", "The Wichita daily eagle. Biography reports Belle and Sam had both gained a reputation as outlaws. As with the lives of other famous outlaws like Billy the Kid and Jesse James, fanciful accounts printed in newspapers and dime novels made Belle Starrs harsh and violent life appear far more romantic than it actually was. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Belle Starr was born Myra Maybelle Shirley on her father's farm near Carthage, Missouri, on February 5, 1848. Belle Starr Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. After escaping conviction on another charge of horse theft, Belle was aghast to learn that Sam had almost been killed in an altercation with his enemy, Officer Frank West. A man whose family was massacred has revealed the absurd reason his neighbour stormed the house and killed a child and four others. Starr Kate began the next several years acting as Hollidays sidekick and even broke him out of jail in 1877 by starting a fire and pulling a gun on the prison guard. Astrological Sign: Aquarius, Death Year: 1889, Death date: February 3, 1889, Death State: Oklahoma, Death City: Briartown, Death Country: United States, Article Title: Belle Starr Biography, Author: Biography.com Editors, Website Name: The Biography.com website, Url: https://www.biography.com/crime/belle-starr, Publisher: A&E; Television Networks, Last Updated: May 24, 2021, Original Published Date: April 2, 2014. By paying a small fee, one can visit both the school and her grave located on private property. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. based on information from your browser. The controversial photo of Belle Though Belle received her education from a girl's academy, Bud taught her to use guns and ride horses, and it is believed that she joined himunofficiallyas he tried to subvert the Unions efforts in Missouri. Shots rang out, and the woman known as the bandit queen was thrown from her horse. In reality, Belle Starr was tough, a necessity to survive in the Old West, but she wasnt the female Jesse James. Younger admitted that he did visit the Shirleys in Texas, but in 1864, not 1866. In Texas, Belle began her life-long pattern of associating with men of questionable character. After one fierce quarrel, July was reported to have offered an accomplice $200 to kill his wife. He came to a bad end himself as he was shot dead in 1910. Pearl Starr - Wikipedia [7], According to the book Belle Starr by Burton Rascoe (Random House, 1941), the "Shirleys were regarded as 'rather common,' because they had no slaves. She was never prosecuted for her involvement with the gang but her short outlaw life launched her to the level of western legend. The Untold Truth Of Outlaw Belle Starr - Grunge Belle's illegal enterprises proved lucrative enough for her to employ bribery to free her colleagues from the law whenever they were caught. Poole. Being the second woman to rob a stagecoach and the first one not to die while doing so, Hart instantly became the most famous woman in Arizona. A second child, Eddie, was born in 1871.
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