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. Shortly thereafter, Eddie left home and did not return. A system error has occurred. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate. Try again later. The infamous Belle Starr was born Myra Maybelle Shirley in 1848, though everyone just called her May. Because of his mother's death, Eddie's trial was postponed until July 1889. Apparently, Belle had caught July fooling around with a young Cherokee girl, which had led to much discord in the marriage. All times AEST (GMT +10). Enter a date in the format M/D (e.g., 1/1), https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/belle-starr-murdered-in-oklahoma, This Day In History: 02/03/2005 - Gonzales becomes first Hispanic U.S. attorney general, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper die in a plane crash, Jacques Cousteaus The Silent World is published, Alberto Gonzales becomes first Hispanic U.S. attorney general, New England Patriots win first Super Bowl, President Clinton ends trade embargo of Vietnam, Marine jet severs ski-lift cable in Italy, Early American mass murder changes common perceptions of crime, Klaus Fuchs arrested for passing atomic bomb information to Soviets. Upon release, they immediately returned to a life of rustling and bootlegging. An Unsolved Murder. Whilst for many female settlers who made the trek west with their families, their lot was in raising children, running a household, establishing schools and churches, and occasionally, warding off Indian attacks. In 1889, Belle was shot several times with a shotgun while riding home from a neighbours house in Oklahoma. In 1889, July was arrested for robbery and summoned to Fort Smith, Arkansas, to face charges. Reed and his family fled from the law numerous times before he was killed in 1874. Perhaps the horse is Venus, said to be Belles favorite; its likeness was carved on her tombstone. 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. As reported by Legends of America, Belle and Jim Reed were accused of committing robbery, theft, and even torturing a older Native American man to learn where he hid an estimated $30,000 worth of gold. Belle Starr stated to The Fort Smith Elevator about one year before her death. WebBelle Starr atop a horse in Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1886. The outlaw Belle Starr is killed when an unknown assailant fatally wounds the famous Bandit Queen with two shotgun blasts from behind. Yet he was eventually released as there were no witnesses to the crime. While riding sidesaddle on her mare, Venus, Bellealways wore long skirts, which were often made of black velvet. Myra Maybelle "Belle" Shirley, who later became known as Belle Starr upon her marriage to Sam Starr, was born on Feb. 5, 1848, in Carthage, Missouri. (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, December 16, 1896, Page 3, Image 3", "Stories of the Century: "Belle Starr", January 23, 1954", "Bandit/Queen Clemson University Press", Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, Social and economic stratification in Appalachia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Belle_Starr&oldid=1150861397, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Pages using infobox person with multiple criminal charges, Pages using infobox person with multiple spouses, Articles with trivia sections from August 2018, Articles needing additional references from August 2018, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, In 1975, Brooke Tucker appeared as Belle Starr alongside, In 1995, Belle Starr was portrayed in season 3 of, Amber Sweet plays Belle Starr in the 2019 film, The 'ghost of Belle Starr' is mentioned in ", The unsolved murder of Belle Starr is the basis for the, One of the more distinctive adaptations of the legend of Belle Starr was made by the Japanese manga artist, Belle Starr appeared as a caricature in the 1995, This page was last edited on 20 April 2023, at 14:07. The Bandit Queen Belle Starr True West Magazine. Try again. The Starrs were arraigned the following day before Judge Parker, but the hanging judge was forced to dismiss the charges for lack of evidence. Jasper County watched both armies pass through time and again, forcing residents to take sides and making neighbors into bitter enemies. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! WebFebruary 5, 1848February 3, 1889. Younger admitted that he did visit the Shirleys in Texas, but in 1864, not 1866. While Reed initially tried his hand at farming, he would grow restless and associated with the Starr clan, a Cherokee Indian family notorious for whiskey, cattle, and horse thievery in the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma), as well as the James and Younger gangs. There she met a young Cherokee named Sam Starr, who eventually became her common-law husband and new criminal partner. She had accompanied her third husband, Myra Belle Shirley, better know as Belle Starr earned her title as Queen of the Wild West. Dunn once saved Newcomb when he was wounded by U.S. marshals. Jim Reed was a notorious gambler, and it seems likely that he murdered the man who accidentally killed Reeds brother. When he was charged with murder, they hid out in Los Angeles. 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. Tis but the casket that lies here, Belle was apparently untroubled by her new husbands reputation and she had become his partner in crime by 1869. However, another story says that there were no witnesses and that no one ever was convicted of the murder. 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. Oops, something didn't work. 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. (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, December 16, 1896, Page 6, Image 6", "Kansas City daily journal. WebBlaze Starr(born Fannie Belle Fleming; April 10, 1932 June 15, 2015) was an American stripperand burlesquestar. The fascinating collection show some of these ladies of ill repute who a cowboy would not dare cross in an old west saloon. It was a grisly death because she was thrown from her horse by a shotgun blast to the back. Throughout her adult life, Belle regularly consorted with criminals. Eddie became a deputy in Fort Smith and[14] killed two outlaw brothers named Crittenden in 1895,[15][16] and was himself killed in a saloon in Claremore, Oklahoma on December 14, 1896. A paper flood resulted: embellished books, in the form of bibliography, biographies, many dime novels as well as featured magazine articles and then the ultimate in fiction, Hollywood movies. While she did consort with infamous characters, historians suggest her renegade reputation surpasses her actual criminal activity. However, she also liked to flaunt her status as a rich girl and liked having an audience. [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. HistoryNet says that Watson left the house shortly after Starr arrived. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. She was riding home from a neighbor's house when she was ambushed. Marshal. You may request to transfer up to 250,000 memorials managed by Find a Grave. The Shirleys had no objection to the marriage, as Jim Reed was not yet a wanted man. Following Bud's death in 1864, Belle and her family moved to Texas, where she met outlaw Cole Younger. based on information from your browser. [3] In the 1860s, Belle's father sold the farm and moved the family to Carthage, where he bought a livery stable and blacksmith shop on the town square. It was then that she submerged herself in outlawry. She was now known as Belle Starr, and it becomes difficult to distinguish between her legend and her actual deeds. WebThe illustrated National Police Gazette found Belle Starr to be a circulation booster after news of her death ran in the New York Times in 1889. He published a novel entitled: Belle Starr, the Bandit Queen, or the Female Jesse James in 1889. 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. Belle Starr was shot to death on February 3, 1889, near Fort Smith, Arkansas just before her 41st birthday. Myra Maybelle Shirley Reed Starr better known as Belle Starr, was a notorious American outlaw queen. 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 She survived all but two of these men. At first, Myra Belle lived the life of a spoiled, rich girl, attending the Carthage Female Academy, where she was taught music and classical languages in addition to the basics. Both men hit their marks and died of their wounds. After Belle 0 cemeteries found in Porum, Muskogee County, Oklahoma, USA. After Sams death in a shootout in 1886, Belle married horse thief, Bill July. As reported by History, the couple were reputed thieves, who reportedly traveled throughout Dallas and the surrounding region stealing livestock and cash. "[8] While in school, Myra was "irregular in attendence" and was regarded as "rather wild" by teacher Mrs. WebFind a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/975/belle-starr: accessed ), memorial page for Belle Starr (5 Feb 18483 Feb 1889), Find a Grave In the popular imagination, unlawful cowboys and bandits dominated the rugged landscape of the Wild West. In 1866 the James-Younger Gang robbed their first bank in Liberty, Missouri, and fled with $6,000 in cash and bonds. 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. Either way, no one wants to be caught out there at midnight when the wind moans through the river valley and the moon is full. With Elizabeth Montgomery, Cliff Potts, Michael Cavanaugh, Gary Combs. Some authors insist this denial was the response of a Southern gentleman, but a manuscript compiled by Richard Reed, younger brother of Belles husband, supports Youngers story. Watson, who was killed in 1910, was tried for her murder, but was acquitted, and the ambush has entered Western lore as "unsolved". Menudo Star Says Jos Menendez Assaulted Him. For example, it was claimed that she was Jim Reeds partner in crime. However, Bud was specifically passionate about undermining the Union's efforts within the state of Missouri. 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." Perhaps it is no surprise that Belle became a hardened criminal since she was surrounded by outlaws for her entire adult life. She was a bright student with polite manners and a talent for playing the piano. Atlas Obscura reports Belle was a "model prisoner" while she was incarcerated. Dunn participated in the gang by providing them with ammunition and supplies when members could not go to town. Her elder brother John Addisoncalled Budinfluenced her greatly, as did the fact that she grew up in the years leading up to the Civil War in the contested Missouri territory. I regard myself as a woman who has seen much of life.. Her daughter erected a headstone with an engraved bell, a star, a horse and a poignant poem. Rosie Reed, Belle's daughter, also known as Pearl Starr, became a prostitute to raise funds for Eddie's release. Pearl hired a stonecutter to mount a monument over her mothers grave months later. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. A man whose family was massacred has revealed the absurd reason his neighbour stormed the house and killed a child and four others. This account has been disabled. Starrs life of crime ended when she was shot in the back as she returned from a general store to her ranch. 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. ). In 1880, Belle married a Cherokee man named Sam Starr, who was a member of the notorious Starr gang. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona in 1881 which is generally regarded as the most famous shootout in Wild West history. WebStarr herself was murdered February 3, 1889, at the age of 40, close to her Oklahoma cabin in the Cherokee Nation. Belle's illegal enterprises proved lucrative enough for her to employ bribery to free her colleagues from the law whenever they were caught. Jim and Belle moved to Indian Territory in Texas in 1873 and here, Jim was involved in the torture of a farmer and his wife. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Clear skies. All Rights Reserved. While no official record exists, pictures of a Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. May's brother, John A. M. "Bud" Shirley, six years older than she, was active in Jasper County among the irregular forces known as bushwhackers, guerilla bands organized to resist the federal troops who had been sent to compel Missouri to join the war against the Confederacy. A murderer was walking free. - . Parker became determined to put Belle Starr behind bars. WebA Texas outlaw in the 19th century, Belle Starr (born Myra Belle Shirley) lived a bandits life, associating with unsavory folk such as Jesse James. Myra [May], a dutiful daughter, drove one of the wagons. Starr responded by threatening to turn Edgar in to the authorities. Belle threatened to reveal his whereabouts to the Florida authorities if he refused to leave. Her vivacious presence and inventive use of stage By David Farris. Later returning to Texas, Reed was involved with several criminal gangs. Neighbors then passed by the coffin while each Indian dropped a crumb of cornbread in the coffin in traditional tribal custom. She was 41 years of age. Belle lived up to her new name and quickly took several lovers, Jim Starr, Blue Duck, Jack Spaniard and Jim French. Family descendants of Belle Starr still live in the area today. The nearest settlement to the Starr gangs operation was Fort Smith, Arkansas. 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. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. However, her life changed dramatically when the Kansas-Missouri Border War broke out. A few weeks after Belles death, a deputy on Julys trail mortally wounded him. Jim moved into the Shirley household near Scyene and shared the farm chores. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. It was claimed that after Will Bills death, unruly Jane went after his murderer with a meat cleaver. It is suggested that Belle accompanied Jim on many of his criminal pursuits dressed as a man and in 1874, she was wanted in connection with a stagecoach robbery. Belle Starr at Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1886. This browser does not support getting your location. Amid the Civil War, the entire Shirley family supported the Confederacy. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Although Watson was arrested and charged in the murder, he was acquitted due to a lack of evidence. The controversial photo of Belle WebA few days later On February 3, 1889, Belle Starr was shot to death from an ambush on a lonely country road. If she thought this would be the end of her troubles, she was proven tragically wrong. There was a problem getting your location. She managed to remain on the land, however, when she married her late husband's adopted son, Jim Starr. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Other suspects include both of Belles children and her husband Bill July. Although she did not face any further criminal charges, Belle had a number of issues with her children and her husband. However, in the fall of 1882, Parker got lucky when Belle was caught red-handed as she attempted to steal a neighbors horse. You can always change this later in your Account settings. [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. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. This version too has a problem in that the killer would have surely found the $2,500.00 in gold she was carrying. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. She decided that outlaws were no longer welcome at her farm. 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. We have set your language to To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Best Known For: Belle Starr gained notoriety as an outlaw on the western edge of the United States in the mid-1800s. GREAT NEWS! Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Belle Starr (975)? On her way home, someone ambushed and fatally wounded her with two shotgun blasts to her back. Failed to delete flower. Instead, she found Edgar Watson, who was still angry about her threats to turn him in. But the frontier was also home to female outlaws who were very different to the helpless dames typically portrayed in the standard Hollywood Western film. When son Bud joined QuantrillsRaiders, John Shirley was a proud father. Belle's daughter, Pearl, was impregnated by a man she was not married to, and who her mother did not approve of. 2023, A&E Television Networks, LLC. He was the epitome of dedication to duty, Judge Parker's most trusted deputy and one of the greatest lawmen of the western frontier. Etta went on the run and fled the two outlaws to Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1901. Edgar Watson, who rented land from Belle, was a fugitive wanted for murder whom she kicked off her land once she discovered his history. 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. Although Carver initially denied Lauras pleas to join the gang at first, he eventually relented. Her parents moved into Carthage and her father became a prosperous innkeeper and slave holder. Clayton. In 1886, she eluded conviction on another theft charge, but, on December 17, Sam Starr was involved in a gunfight with his cousin Law Officer Frank West. Another belief about Belles ghost is that she is not searching for lost gold but rather is seeking revenge for her unsolved murder. Her mother Eliza was Johns third wife. On February 3, 1889, two days before her 41st birthday, Belle was killed. 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. Oops, we were unable to send the email. According to this story, her ghost would be coming from Hoyt Bottom where she had been shot. Belle Starr was known as an infamous outlaw in the Wild West the western edge of the expanding United States in the second half of the 1800s. In 1866, she met Cole Younger, a member of the James-Younger gang that was gaining notoriety for a series of daring bank and train robberies. Briartown, Muskogee County, Oklahoma, USA. However, there are few records, with the exception of the conviction on charges of horse theft, linking Belle Starr to any crime. At the time of her death, Belle was virtually unknown outside of the Oklahoma Indian Territory. She rented acreage to farmers but discovered that one of them, Edgar A. Watson, was wanted for murder in Florida. Eventually, the hard life and her alcoholism caught up with her and Jane died at age 51. The rest of Ettas life and identity is shrouded in mystery. Studio portrait of Belle Starr, "Queen of the Oklahoma Outlaws". Three Forks History: Murder of Belle Starr never solved, Muskogee Phoenix Readers' Choice Businesses, Man kills 5 in Texas after family complained ab, Neighbors Building Neighborhoods honor volunteers, Eastern Oklahoma Spelling Bee ends in a tie, Trivia Challenge benefits Education Foundation. Many of the women taking advantage of this freedom found their livelihoods through unladylike ventures like gambling, larceny or prostitution, professions that brought them in close contact with gangs that roamed the frontier. In addition to gaining a reputation for her criminal activity, Belle was known for her elegant sense of style. For the robbery, Pearl cut her hair and dressed as a man and stole over $400 from the stagecoach passengers a small fortune at the time. Picture: News Dog Media/australscope. The Shirleys lived in Missouri, where Mays father John owned a successful farm on the outskirts of Carthage. 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. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? Sam and Belle found the bandit life very lucrative. As a result, when Belles body was discovered at her farm on February 3, 1889, Watson was the prime suspect. The bandit couple formed a gang around themselves and, from their hide-away on the Canadian River, entered upon a life of rustling, horse stealing, and bootlegging whiskey to Indians. When July (whom she called July Starr) was arrested for horse theft, she did not defend him. Belle later stated that it was there that she became reacquainted with the first man she ever loved. 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. Regardless, Belles relationship with Younger was short-lived, and in 1866 she became Reeds wife. Frank and Jessie James and the Younger brothers were customers. Shotgun blasts to her back, neck, shoulder and face left her dead on an
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