She was 41 years of age. Atlas Obscura reports Belle was a "model prisoner" while she was incarcerated. Try again. Whatever her intentions, Belle seemed to have a preference for men who were either known or rumored outlaws, and she was often implicated in assisting or participating in their nefarious endeavors. He stated that the next time he saw Belle was at the Reed residence in Missouri in 1868. Belle was estranged from her son Ed and rumors speculated she may have had an incestuous relationship with him and routinely beat him with a bullwhip. In 1886, her beloved husband Samuel Starr was killed in a gun fight and for the last two-plus years of her life, gossips and scandal sheets linked Belle to a series of men with colourful reputations, including Jack Spaniard, Jim French and Blue Duck. However, there are no verifiable records proving she committed any of those crimes. Bill Caldwell: Belle Starr was her own woman - Joplin Globe She was convicted of horse theft in 1883. The Wild Bunch, also known as the Oklahombres, were known for robbing banks and holding up trains. Belle Rosie Reed, Belle's daughter, also known as Pearl Starr, became a prostitute to raise funds for Eddie's release. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. In 1880, she married a Cherokee man named Sam Starr and settled with the Starr family in the Indian Territory. [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]. Regardless, Belles relationship with Younger was short-lived, and in 1866 she became Reeds wife. Upon release, they immediately returned to a life of rustling and bootlegging. This horse was shot and killed when a posse was chasing her husband Sam Starr through a cornfield so, of course, the horse is a ghost, too. When Jim and Belle moved to Missouri, Reed was a wanted man, allegedly for murdering a man named Shannon. Dunn participated in the gang by providing them with ammunition and supplies when members could not go to town. However, the Watsons had already paid the rent and refused to leave. 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. Starr was suspicious of the cold and silent man, but Belle told him he was an old friend from Missouri. Sam Starr never knew the blinking blue-eyed man was Jesse James. Biography reports she attended a girl's academy, and excelled at playing the piano. ", Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. By late 1867, though, he and Belle lived on the Reed homestead in Missouri. The fascinating collection show some of these ladies of ill repute who a cowboy would not dare cross in an old west saloon. His third wife, Eliza, was on the Hatfield side of the feuding Hatfield and McCoy families. The movie Son of Belle Starr was released in 1953, starring Kieth Larson as Eddie Reed, or as they called him in the movie, The Kid. It was about a young man struggling to build his own life, in the shadow of his notorious mother. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected]com if you need help resetting your password. Myra 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.[1]. After serving their time, Belle and Sam returned to Youngers Bend. She was riding home from a neighbor's house when she was ambushed. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. However, all was not well with the marriage, and Belle left Jim when she discovered his affair with Rosa McCommas. Authorities found tracks from the site where Starr was killed leading toward Watson's home. While she did consort with infamous characters, historians suggest her renegade reputation surpasses her actual criminal activity. The nearest settlement to the Starr gangs operation was Fort Smith, Arkansas. Belle Starr Famous Woman of the Belle's daughter, Pearl, was impregnated by a man she was not married to, and who her mother did not approve of. Likewise, there was a suggestion that she bedded a number of outlaws and even married Charles Younger in 1878, but there is no evidence that she shared a bed with different men. After her release from prison, Belle Starr resumed her outlaw ways, and Judge Isaac Parker resumed his quest to put her out of business. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Clear skies. The Starrs were arraigned the following day before Judge Parker, but the hanging judge was forced to dismiss the charges for lack of evidence. 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] Year should not be greater than current year. She was six months pregnant with her first child. Nationwide News Pty Ltd 2023. In addition to being referred to as the "Bandit Queen," she was often referred to as "a female Robin Hood." Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. Belle lived up to her new name and quickly took several lovers, Jim Starr, Blue Duck, Jack Spaniard and Jim French. In 1883, Belle and Sam were both arrested, charged, and convicted of horse theft in Michigan. Edit your search or learn more. 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. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. 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. (The Shirley family supported the Confederacy.). The relationship was particularly stormy. 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. As a result, when Belles body was discovered at her farm on February 3, 1889, Watson was the prime suspect. Failed to report flower. Shotgun blasts to her back, neck, shoulder and face left her dead on an Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. She eventually obtained a presidential pardon in 1893. It was also during this time that Jane started adopting a male persona and in 1875, she travelled with an US Army troop into the Black Hills of South Dakota where she fought in several campaigns in the long-running military conflicts against the Native Americans and got the moniker Calamity Jane. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Belle herself told a story of how a slim man with blinking eyes once visited her and Sam at Youngers Bend. Menu. Journalists came from all over to interview and photograph Hart with her gun. 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]. Jim July believed the murderer was a neighbor with whom the couple had been feuding, but no one was ever convicted of the crime. While riding sidesaddle on her mare, Venus, Bellealways wore long skirts, which were often made of black velvet. J. Frank Dalton claimed that Belle survived the shotgun assassination attempt and lived on under an alias. WebBelle Starr atop a horse in Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1886. 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. She soon drifted to the lawless town of Deadwood, South Dakota where she survived as gun-toting prostitute and befriended outlaw Wild Bill Hickok. Rather, some historians suggest that she wanted to live a life of quiet domesticity. Her mother Eliza was Johns third wife. 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. Dec 8, 2019 When Belle Starr, the infamous Bandit Queen was shot and killed in 1889, her son Eddie Reed was 18 years old. Some suspect her son, Ed Reed, whom the Texas State Historical You can always change this later in your Account settings. They were each subsequently sentenced to nine months in jail. We strive for accuracy and fairness. The rest of Ettas life and identity is shrouded in mystery. Kate was a key witness and watched the gunfight which was the result of a long simmering feud between cowboys and politicians and has been portrayed in numerous Western films from the window of a boarding house. Biography and associated logos are trademarks of A+E Networksprotected in the US and other countries around the globe. WebThe death of Belle Starr. 5 Legendary Wild West Outlaws - History Belle Starrs murder officially unsolved, with a long list of suspects 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. Picture: News Dog Media/australscope. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. Her murderer is still unknown. Although she was not officially involved, Biography reports Belle joined her brother in his defense of the Confederacy. Pearl Starr - Wikipedia 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. Irregular bands of Jayhawkers and Red Legs laid waste to Missouri communities in support of the Union. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. GREAT NEWS! A crack shot, she used to ride sidesaddle while dressed in a black velvet riding habit and a plumed hat, carrying two pistols, with cartridge belts across her hips. When Jim July reached Fort Smith a telegram was waiting for him with the news of Belles death. [2] Her mother, Elizabeth "Eliza" Hatfield Shirley, was John Shirley's third wife and a distant relative to the Hatfields of the famous family feud. Belle later became associated with their crew, the James-Younger gang who became legendary for their robberies of banks, trains and stagecoaches in at least ten different states. Resend Activation Email. The myths, and the 1941 film with Gene Tierney paint Belle as a rough, tough criminal who still displayed a genteel feminine side. Although Carver initially denied Lauras pleas to join the gang at first, he eventually relented. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. On 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. A pearl-handled Colt 45, which was a gift from Cole Younger was cradled in her hands. Wikipedia Reach Jonita Mullins at jonita.mullins@gmail.com. Starr responded by threatening to turn Edgar in to the authorities. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. WebWhen Jim died, she married Sam Starr, whose Cherokee family were bootleggers, cattle, and horse thieves. Belle threatened to reveal his whereabouts to the Florida authorities if he refused to leave. But it was not just men who ruled the Wild West. Younger admitted that he did visit the Shirleys in Texas, but in 1864, not 1866. At the time of her death, Belle was virtually unknown outside of the Oklahoma Indian Territory. 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. Indeed, Belles family didnt have much luck. Early in September 1868, Belle gave birth to her first child, Rosie Lee. While no official record exists, pictures of a In 1874, a member of his own gang killed Reed, and Belle was suddenly on her own. As reported by Biography, the Starr gang was infamous for providing refuge for accused criminals on Cherokee land. Articles with the HISTORY.com Editors byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan and Matt Mullen. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. 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. Frank and Jessie James and the Younger brothers were customers. At the start of the Civil War, her parents were southern sympathizers and supporters of Confederate troops in Missouri and continued with Raider William Clarke Quantrill. [14][16][17][18] Drag images here or select from your computer for Belle Starr memorial. While living in the Choctaw Nation, near the Canadian River, an unknown assassin shot her from ambush with a shotgun. Dave Farris. Theories circulated for years after her death, and a neighbor named Edgar Watson was charged and tried. Pearl and her neighbors buried Belle in the yard of her cabin. Sams horse was killed, and another bullet narrowly grazed Sams head. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Belle became the mastermind behind the gang who were unrivalled All Rights Reserved. Some thought her spirit was disturbed because justice for her murder had never been served. There is a problem with your email/password. It was the first of many popular stories that used her name. 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. 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). 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. Belle Starr was born Myra Belle Shirley in a log cabin near Carthage, Missouri, on February 5, 1848, to Judge John Shirley and his third wife, Elizabeth Pennington. This is a carousel with slides. There was a problem getting your location. Belle Starr Photos The Shirleys had no objection to the marriage, as Jim Reed was not yet a wanted man. Riding her mare, Venus, and sporting velvet skirts and plumed hats, Belle played the role of a bandit queen for several years. Belle Starr The Bandit Queen Richard Foxs Police Gazette had turned her into a western folk hero, a female Robin Hood and a Jesse James. She was dubbed the Bandit Queen. After she left prison, Belle briefly worked in a Wild West show playing the part of an outlaw bandit who held up a stagecoach. Try again later. They got into trouble soon after their release which led to a downward spiral that ultimately cost Belle her life. [10] Belle always harbored a strong sense of style, which fed into her later legend. Female outlaws of the Wild West: photos - News.com.au Rumor had it that Younger fathered Belles first child, Pearl, though the father might have actually been another outlaw, Jim Reed. Sam and Belle found the bandit life very lucrative. a story of her supposed exploits. Other stories say she rides from the site of her grave in Youngers Bend and heads southward looking for gold hidden in a hollow tree. On one occasion Bass Reeves was given the warrant for Belle Starr, it was the one time she turned herself in at the Fort Smith Federal Court. Belle Starr (1848-1889) - Find a Grave Memorial Belle Starr | Humanities Texas Belle Starr Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Calamity Janes fame grew even more in 1895 when she joined Buffalo Bills Wild West Show performing sharpshooting skills astride a horse and immortalising her as one of the most colourful characters of the American Frontier. By all accounts, her relationship with Sam was the happiest time in Belles life, but it would end in tragedy. Her killer was never identified. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Belle Starr murdered in Oklahoma - History Bass Reeves was a legend in his own time. Belle was apparently untroubled by her new husbands reputation and she had become his partner in crime by 1869. (Kansas City, Mo.) On her way home, someone ambushed and fatally wounded her with two shotgun blasts to her back. Belles children have also been mentioned as suspects. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. A pianist, Belle grew up in a household with her parents and their other children, including much older half-siblings from her fathers first marriages. In 1866 the James-Younger Gang robbed their first bank in Liberty, Missouri, and fled with $6,000 in cash and bonds. The Shirleys were a successful and wealthy family who owned a blacksmith shop, an inn, a livery stable, and a tavern. One of Tom Starrs Belle Starr Jesse James Photo Album Several times his Deputies had brought Belle in to face various charges like rustling or bootlegging. He published a novel entitled: Belle Starr, the Bandit Queen, or the Female Jesse James in 1889. 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. Learn more about managing a memorial . All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. There, Belle met Jim Reed, marrying him in 1866. Who Is Suspected Pentagon Leaker Jack Teixeira? His name was Jim Reed, and she had first met him back in Missouri, where the Reed and Shirley families had been friends. 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. However, as reported by Biography, Belle left her husband and moved back to her parents' farm shortly before his death in 1874. Biography reports Belle was heavily influenced by Bud, who encouraged her to spend time outdoors. All Rights Reserved. Her vivacious presence and inventive use of stage Bell Starrs Grave An investigation was 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. Reed and his family fled from the law numerous times before he was killed in 1874. She was arrested and convicted on a charge of stealing horses in 1883 along with Sam. The assailant then shot her again once she hit the ground. 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. 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. Riding on a horse from her neighbors house Belle was ambushed and killed. She also loved the outdoors, where she spent many a day roaming the countryside with her older brother Bud, who taught her how to ride a horse and handle a gun.

What Is Keypregentask, Noticias Locales De San Antonio, Texas, Who Is The Managing Director Of Toolstation?, What Is Joshua Ledet Doing Now 2020, Look Who Got Busted Wilson County Texas, Articles B