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. Legends of America reports Reed was ultimately shot to death by a member of his own gang. HistoryNet reports both men were ultimately killed in the shootout. 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. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, December 16, 1896, Page 6, Image 6", "Kansas City daily journal. This account has been disabled. 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 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. Belle loved to play the piano and sing. 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. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. She soon drifted to the lawless town of Deadwood, South Dakota where she survived as gun-toting prostitute and befriended outlaw Wild Bill Hickok. In 1866, Belle married horse thief and murderer, Jim Reed. WebBelle Starr (1941) photos, including production stills, premiere photos and other event photos, publicity photos, behind-the-scenes, and more. As a result, when Belles body was discovered at her farm on February 3, 1889, Watson was the prime suspect. Jim Reed was killed by a deputy sheriff at Paris, Texas. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Belle Star, a true London Legend, Maestro of the Electric Ballroom, incredible drummer, cool gentleman, DJ, and beautiful person, has passed away in his sleep, on April 1st, 2023. No one was ever convicted for the crime, and it left an unsettled feeling in the area. The Bandit Queen Belle Starr True West Magazine. Instead, she found Edgar Watson, who was still angry about her threats to turn him in. Menudo Star Says Jos Menendez Assaulted Him. After she and Sam were caught rustling horses, she was sentenced to a year in prison. Devastated, the Shirley family abandoned Missouri to try to make a fresh start in Texas. 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. Dunn participated in the gang by providing them with ammunition and supplies when members could not go to town. BELLE STARRBorn in Carthage, MissouriFebruary 5, 1848DiedFebruary 3, 1889"Shed not for her the bitter tear,Nor give the heart to vain regret,Tis but the casket that lies here,The gem that filled it sparkles yet. Bud died in 1864, and the Shirley family moved to the Scyene area of Texas. Before Reed's death, Belle had returned to her parent's farm, leaving the marriage. 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. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. In 1883, Belle and Sam were both arrested, charged, and convicted of horse theft in Michigan. Apparently, Belle had caught July fooling around with a young Cherokee girl, which had led to much discord in the marriage. She and her husband, a Cherokee Indian named Sam Starr, were known for housing outlaws on their ranch in the Oklahoma Indian Territory and for preying on travelers and cowboys passing through. "[8] While in school, Myra was "irregular in attendence" and was regarded as "rather wild" by teacher Mrs. 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. 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. Her daughter became a prostitute although she eventually opened a string of bordellos and married a German musician. The Shirleys were a successful and wealthy family who owned a blacksmith shop, an inn, a livery stable, and a tavern. Legends of America reports Belle and Sam soon returned to their life of crime, including bootlegging and theft. WebBelle Starr died of her wounds on Sunday, February 3, 1889, two days before her forty-first birthday. Born in Knickerbocker, Texas, Laura Bullion worked as a prostitute in Fannie Porters famed brothel in nearby San Antonio. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Marshal. 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. 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. 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]. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Jim continued his criminal career until he was shot dead by a lawman named John Morris in 1874. ", Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. Amid the Civil War, the entire Shirley family supported the Confederacy. The Shirleys lived in Missouri, where Mays father John owned a successful farm on the outskirts of Carthage. Belle became the mastermind behind the gang who were unrivalled Dec 8, 2019 When Belle Starr, the infamous Bandit Queen was shot and killed in 1889, her son Eddie Reed was 18 years old. 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. Bell Starrs Grave An investigation was WebBelle Starr murdered in Oklahoma The outlaw Belle Starr is killed when an unknown assailant fatally wounds the famous Bandit Queen with two shotgun blasts from behind. 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 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. They soon had visitors. Belle reportedly had a romantic relationship with another outlaw, Jack Spaniard, shortly following Sam's death. When Jim July reached Fort Smith a telegram was waiting for him with the news of Belles death. Clayton. Later, he became a salesman for a Dallas saddle and bridle maker. From 1875 to 1880, Belle was the undisputed leader of a band of cattle and horse thieves who made their headquarters in the Oklahoma Territory. Thanks for your help! Failed to report flower. After burning and widespread destruction in Carthage during Civil War battles, the family migrated to Scyene, Texas again establishing a hotel and tavern. In 1886, the dangerous bandit queen narrowly avoided another conviction, this time on robbery in addition to horse theft charges, but it However, authorities believe he waited outside and ambushed Starr when she was on her way home. WebBlaze Starr(born Fannie Belle Fleming; April 10, 1932 June 15, 2015) was an American stripperand burlesquestar. Myra Belle Shirley / RJ Pastore Collection. She had accompanied her third husband, Jim July, on a trip to Fort Smith, but had turned back before reaching that town. The women in the area dressed her in her finest black velvet riding attire with boots and adorned her with her expensive jewelry. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. 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. You have permission to edit this article. All Rights Reserved. Sam Starr was killed in 1886, and Belle went on to live with Bill July on Cherokee land. Jasper County watched both armies pass through time and again, forcing residents to take sides and making neighbors into bitter enemies. The photographs show hard-drinking and gun-slinging women like Pearl Hart who became one of the most infamous characters in the Wild West when she robbed a stagecoach in Arizona in 1899. In 1889, a man named Edgar A. Watson and his wife approached Belle to rent a parcel of land she owned on the Cherokee reservation. 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. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Please reset your password. After Sams death in a shootout in 1886, Belle married horse thief, Bill July. Free from the conventions of traditional city life, women experienced a lot more social and economic freedom on the American Frontier. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Try again later. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. He was shot dead in an Oklahoma saloon in 1896. In addition to being referred to as the "Bandit Queen," she was often referred to as "a female Robin Hood." [9] Two years later, she gave birth to her first child, Rosie Lee (nicknamed Pearl). She had cultivated some enemies over the years including her son Eddie Another belief about Belles ghost is that she is not searching for lost gold but rather is seeking revenge for her unsolved murder. 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. After Belle died, her daughter Flossy moved to Wichita and opened the finest brothel in town. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. The story grew over the years. 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. After one fierce quarrel, July was reported to have offered an accomplice $200 to kill his wife. WebBelle Starr (1941) photos, including production stills, premiere photos and other event photos, publicity photos, behind-the-scenes, and more. Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds. In 1866 the James-Younger Gang robbed their first bank in Liberty, Missouri, and fled with $6,000 in cash and bonds. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. Try again. She also enjoyed cooking and often "traded recipes with neighbors.". In 1883, Belle and Sam were convicted of stealing horses. We will probably never know the truth, especially since Bill was shot dead by a deputy just a few weeks later. Belle Starr was born February 5, 1848 to John and Elizabeth Shirley of Carthage, Missouri. Marshal. Early in September 1868, Belle gave birth to her first child, Rosie Lee. Reed and his family fled from the law numerous times before he was killed in 1874. 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. By this time, Belle had become a celebrity. 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. When he was charged with murder, they hid out in Los Angeles. 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. Together, they lived on Cherokee land, harboring criminals like Frank and Jesse James at their home. The many maple trees gracing the area were all planted by Belle Starr. They could run businesses, own land, and engage in politics or crime if they wanted. As reported by HistoryNet, Belle Starr returned to her home on the Cherokee reservation, but her claim to the land was dissolved with her husband's death. However, the Watsons had already paid the rent and refused to leave. WebBelle Starr was shot and killed Feb. 3, 1889 as she rode toward her log cabin at Youngers Bend on the north side of the Canadian River. The Mystery Novelist Who Committed a Real Murder, Boston Marathon Bombings Survivors, 10 Years Later, A Complete Timeline of Adnan Syeds Trial, Release. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. As reported by HistoryNet, legend suggests Belle Starr participated in numerous armed robberies and even burned down a store. Because of his mother's death, Eddie's trial was postponed until July 1889. Changing the day will navigate the page to that given day in history. 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. In 1889 Belle entered into her third marriage with a much younger bandit by the name of Jim July. In Texas, Belle began her life-long pattern of associating with men of questionable character. Perhaps it is no surprise that Belle became a hardened criminal since she was surrounded by outlaws for her entire adult life. 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. Folk Figure. However, when she arrived at the friends' home, her son had already left. Although the Watsons eventually accepted a refund for their rent, and moved elsewhere, they simply were not willing to let the incident go. 0 cemeteries found in Porum, Muskogee County, Oklahoma, USA. Picture: News Dog Media/australscope. Belle Starr from tree Maierson Family Juanita Belle Starr found in 3 trees View all. Could be anywhere: Hunt for accused killer. [5] Bud Shirley was killed by federal troops in late June 1864. The local Magistrate was the famed Judge Isaac Parker the hanging Judge. Rumors about Belle's involvement in criminal activity seemed to stop after Sam was killed. The gem that fills it sparkles yet. She would use her money liberally to bribe the freedom of any gang members who were captured. Belle Star is a bandit with an itch to ride with the outlaw legends, Jim moved into the Shirley household near Scyene and shared the farm chores. The next in line was the Cherokee Sam Starr. In 1883, Belle and Sam were convicted of larceny, and both served time. Belle became the mastermind behind the gang who were unrivalled in the Wild West at stealing horses. 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. HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. You can always change this later in your Account settings. 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. All times AEST (GMT +10). Nor give the heart to vain regret, Etta assisted Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in certain heists and her name was strewn across Wanted posters in the Old West. Several times his Deputies had brought Belle in to face various charges like rustling or bootlegging. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. The assailant then shot her again once she hit the ground. 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. Pearl Hart was a Canadian-born outlaw of the American Old West who committed one of the last recorded stagecoach robberies in the United States and became notorious for the shocking heist. Where Is Acquitted Murderer Candy Montgomery Now? Some historians believe there is more evidence suggesting she sought "to live a life of quiet domesticity." You have chosen this person to be their own family member. Etta went on the run and fled the two outlaws to Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1901. Soon after her death a story began to circulate about folks in the area seeing a ghost in the exact likeness of Belle Starr. Shots rang out, and the woman known as the bandit queen was thrown from her horse. Her daughter erected a headstone with an engraved bell, a star, a horse and a poignant poem. Both men hit their marks and died of their wounds. 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. Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated May 2022. Belle adored the baby and referred to her as her Pearl. The nickname stuck. We strive for accuracy and fairness.If you see something that doesn't look right,contact us! Although she initially agreed, HistoryNet reports she learned some disturbing things about Watson as she got to know his wife including the fact that he was wanted for murder in Florida. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. All of its members eventually met a bloody end. Oops, we were unable to send the email. 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. When July (whom she called July Starr) was arrested for horse theft, she did not defend him. 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. Her killer then finished her off, and Belles body had shotgun wounds to the neck, back, shoulder, and face. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Clear skies. 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. However, in the fall of 1882, Parker got lucky when Belle was caught red-handed as she attempted to steal a neighbors horse. In addition to gaining a reputation for her criminal activity, Belle was known for her elegant sense of style. Alas, the Belle Starr cabin was razed in 1933. 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. - . Verify and try again. Oops, something didn't work. There are no records that she was ever involved in murder, the robbery of trains, banks, stagecoaches or cattle rustling. Low 43F. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Biography and associated logos are trademarks of A+E Networksprotected in the US and other countries around the globe. Watson, who was killed in 1910, was tried for her murder, but was acquitted, and the ambush has entered Western lore as "unsolved". 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. Originally from Hungary, Mary Katharine Haroney more commonly known as Big Nose Kate to her clients travelled to Kansas at age sixteen to seek her fortune as a prostitute. 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]. Pursued by the law, she drifted into Oklahoma Indian Territory, where she led a band of cattle and horse thieves. The outlaw Belle Starr is killed when an unknown assailant fatally wounds the famous Bandit Queen with two shotgun blasts from behind. She survived all but two of these men. Rumor had it that Younger fathered Belles first child, Pearl, though the father might have actually been another outlaw, Jim Reed. Belle's daughter, Pearl, was impregnated by a man she was not married to, and who her mother did not approve of. With their share of the loot, Jim and Belle returned to Texas, where she played the role of Bandit Queen to the hilt. 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. Dave Farris. 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. Authorities believed that Watson might have ambushed Belle and he was thus arrested on suspicion that he'd committed the act. This is a carousel with slides. John Shirley had become a respected member of the burgeoning county seat of Carthage. Her parents moved into Carthage and her father became a prosperous innkeeper and slave holder. Shotgun blasts to her back, neck, shoulder and face left her dead on an Try again later. She was 41 years of age. Her walls were covered with shelves full of books and her large mantel over the fireplace had trophies linked to her marksmanship. 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. She had accompanied her third husband, As reported by History, the couple were reputed thieves, who reportedly traveled throughout Dallas and the surrounding region stealing livestock and cash. based on information from your browser. 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. When Belle Starr declined, he later followed her. 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. 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. On December 17, 1886, Sam found out that West was outside a neighbors house where he and Belle were dancing. As reported by HistoryNet, Starr attempted to renege on the rental agreement. Belle Starr's reputation as an outlaw gained national attention when she was featured in the Police Gazette. 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. Theories circulated for years after her death, and a neighbor named Edgar Watson was charged and tried. Search above to list available cemeteries. Authorities found tracks from the site where Starr was killed leading toward Watson's home. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. 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 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. He stated that the next time he saw Belle was at the Reed residence in Missouri in 1868. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. While riding sidesaddle on her mare, Venus, Bellealways wore long skirts, which were often made of black velvet. During her incarceration, Sam Starr was killed by an Indian policeman on the Reservation. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Reach Jonita Mullins at jonita.mullins@gmail.com. When she stopped to give her horse a drink at a creek on the way home, he shot and killed her. Even Pearl might have killed her mother because Belle had interfered with Pearls marriage to the father of her child. Pearl operated several bordellos in Van Buren and Fort Smith, Arkansas, from the 1890s to World War I. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Belle's illegal enterprises proved lucrative enough for her to employ bribery to free her colleagues from the law whenever they were caught. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. By paying a small fee, one can visit both the school and her grave located on private property. Year should not be greater than current year. She managed to remain on the land, however, when she married her late husband's adopted son, Jim Starr. 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. It was claimed that after Will Bills death, unruly Jane went after his murderer with a meat cleaver. Though suspects included an outlaw with whom she was feuding, a former lover, her husband, and her own son, the killer of Belle Starr was never identified. He published a novel entitled: Belle Starr, the Bandit Queen, or the Female Jesse James in 1889. However, Spaniard was convicted of murder and executed by hanging soon after they met. [14][16][17][18] Newspapers reporting on the story dubbed her "The Bandit Queen." (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.
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