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Belle Starr

By Richard D. Arnott | Wild West  | 80 comments  | Print This Post  | Email This Post

Just before Christmas 1884, handsome young John Middleton knocked on the Starrs’ door. Middleton, who had probably met Belle earlier in Arkansas, was on the run for horse theft and murder. A pursuing posse lost his trail in the vicinity of Younger’s Bend. The fugitive hid out in the neighborhood for the next few months. By then, Sam Starr was spending considerable time away from home, returning only at irregular intervals. During these absences, Belle entertained casual guests, particularly Middleton.

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Early in the spring of 1885, the treasuries of the Seminole and Creek Indians were robbed. The Starrs and Middleton were suspected, but there was no evidence. A posse raided the Starr home that spring, but found only Belle. The raid caused Middleton to reconsider remaining in the area. He and the Starrs planned his escape. Belle and Sam, along with daughter Pearl and son Eddie, were to take a trip. They were to depart with their saddle horses tied to their wagon, with Middleton hidden under canvas. At an opportune time, he was to take Pearl’s horse and flee. A problem arose, however, while they were camped for the night. Middleton somehow offended Pearl, and she refused to let him use her mount. Belle, likewise, would not part with her favorite steed. The next day, Belle and Eddie purchased a sorry mare for Middleton, who then departed with Pearl’s saddle and Belle’s Colt .45.

Several days later, others spotted the mare, muddy and with Pearl’s saddle on its back. A search turned up the body of John Middleton, who had apparently drowned while crossing a swollen river. When the Starrs got the news, they also learned that the person who had sold them the mare had not been the owner. Belle headed for home certain that she would be charged with larceny. She was correct. A writ was issued for her arrest in January 1886. She surrendered to the U.S. marshal at Fort Smith and was indicted, with trial set for September.

Meanwhile, Sam began having his own problems. He and two others were charged with the holdup of a U.S. mail hack. The case never came to court, but additional charges were filed against him for the robbery of a store and a U.S. post office. Sam went into hiding, becoming a fugitive just like the late John Middleton. Sam still made intermittent visits home, though; his friends and relatives made it easy for him to stay a step ahead of the law.

Several farm settlements were robbed in February 1886 by three bandits, one of whom was a woman dressed as a man. An eyewitness identified this person as Belle Starr. Subsequently, a posse raided the Starr home. Only Belle was present, and she was not immediately arrested. In April, however, a warrant for her arrest was issued. One evening in mid-May, two officers approached the Bend. Pearl spotted them and warned Sam, who slipped away. Belle greeted the men only to learn that she, too, was wanted.

Belle returned with the officers to Fort Smith, where she entered a not guilty plea. After making bail, she spent several days shopping and socializing. She had her photo taken on Saturday, May 23, 1886. The next day, she had another photo taken, this time with a convicted murderer named Blue Duck. She did it at the request of Blue Duck’s attorney, who apparently thought it would help his client in his pending appeal of a death sentence. This was the first and last time Belle saw Blue Duck. The picture, however, gave biographers fuel for yet another legend. Many portray her as having been Blue Duck’s mistress long before their meeting in Fort Smith. They also credit her with retaining attorney J. Warren Reed to plead Blue Duck’s case. The outlaw’s sentence was commuted to life, but without the help of attorney Reed, who was practicing in California in 1886.

Belle’s trial for the alleged February robberies was held in June 1886. None of the witnesses could identify her. Most witnesses, in fact, said that the three bandits had been ‘good sized men.’ She was discharged on June 29. Three months later, Belle returned to Fort Smith to stand trial for horse theft. On September 30, a jury handed down a ‘not guilty’ verdict. She hastened home, only to learn that Sam had been badly wounded.

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  1. 80 Comments to “Belle Starr”

  2. Belle Starr had a son when she was sixteen. His name was Charles Acton. His daughter Mabel Acton lived in Panama, OK. Charles died in Williams, OK, a few miles from Ft. Smith, AR. His death certificate lists Belle as his mother. According to the book by Glen Shirley, Charles was living in the home with Belle at Younger’s Bend at the time of her murder. He and Pearl picked her up out of the road the day she was murdered. How come none of the books talk about her son?

    By Connie ay on Jun 24, 2008 at 1:30 am

  3. Charles Acton was born in 1865. He can be found in the 1900 and 1910 Census in Sebastian Co., AR. Can someone tell me is this the child of Cole Younger’s? This definately fits if she and Cole had an affair in 1864.

    By Connie Ray on Jun 24, 2008 at 1:39 am

  4. I’m realated to her an I’m 13 and I want to know more.can u help??

    By lindsey on Jul 7, 2008 at 1:08 pm

  5. I sometimes perform a one-woman show on the life of Belle Starr……in costume or not! After a lot of research, I realize not many facts to draw on. Why have we created such a legend around this story….hm…outlaw women always get attention?? My book on the women of Texas music alludes to this idea. http://www.kathleenhudson.net

    By kathleen hudson on Jul 10, 2008 at 12:57 pm

  6. If you are related to her then you are related to me! Where do you live? We’re in Okla.

    By Lisa on Jul 11, 2008 at 11:02 pm

  7. The man that shot Sam starr was his cousin Franklin Peirce West. Belle was killed in Hoyt, Oklahoma and her home is near “Eufaula” Oklahoma get you spelling correct!

    By Cindy on Jul 14, 2008 at 2:22 pm

  8. I was born and raised in a small town called Shirley, Mo. I was told that this is were Belle was from. Is there any truth to this statement because the area I am from was not mentioned.

    By josh isgriggs on Jul 17, 2008 at 12:45 am

  9. I am a descendent of Myra Maybelle Shirley AKA Belle Starr.. If you are also related , please email me. As I am trying to update a family tree etc. and would love to add any and all information you can provide… Thanks ! Stacey Kokomo , Indiana TruckDriver1972@aol.com

    By Stacey Tyler-Newton on Jul 30, 2008 at 4:52 am

  10. oren and mami rorgers are my great grand parents gradndma mami madin name is callison i dont know how close of relaion the starr are but let me know if you know anymore than i do i can get more info if need
    thanks

    By doug noe on Aug 10, 2008 at 8:38 pm

  11. I am not sure how old this is or anything like that. But I know for a fact that I am related My grandmother, great grandmother and my own mother told me stories of Belle Starr’s time with Jesse James, the infamous Western bandit and of how she met her demise. I know that I am related through my Grandmother, Joy and her mother, Velma who all are descendants of Crescent, Oklahoma. I have not been successful in tracking down my family tree that would link me to her because most of the websites cost money (that I don’t have) but I would love to fill in the gaps. Thank you and good luck to you as well!

    By Joy on Aug 25, 2008 at 11:18 pm

  12. I too am related to Belle, she is in my family tree, but as I have just begun, I have no knowledge of exactly where. My grandmothers cousins have completely done the family tree on that side a number of years ago, since then my grandmother has passed away and my mother has had a stroke leaving her unable (so far) to communicate with me. I am researching Belle for a women’s history class and I will be impersonating her for a report. Any help ful hints or other information would be appreciated.I will check this site often for any info. Thanks

    By Kori on Aug 30, 2008 at 11:21 am

  13. I am a decendent of Sam Starr. My grandfather is Jack Starr, but I dont know much about our family history. If any know anything about the Starrs please contact me.

    By Randy on Sep 4, 2008 at 3:13 pm

  14. I am a direct blood line decendant of Belle Starr. If you would like, you can send me your email address’ and I can send you what geneology I have. My information was collected through countless hours of research by Phillip Steele. Jckson300@aol.com

    By Jackson on Sep 12, 2008 at 3:04 pm

  15. Im just curious for years I lived in a house in NY and have always been told that Belle Star had once lived there..kinda like a summer place I guess you would say… any one know of any truth to this?? just wondering Thanks!

    By Lois Lane on Sep 14, 2008 at 4:34 pm

  16. I’m doing a report on Belle Starr and i don’t know how to start my report. If anyone is willing to help me I would appreciate it alot.

    By Jen on Sep 23, 2008 at 7:55 pm

  17. my wife and in laws are relatives her father beverly shirley was as mean as the rest,i remember her great aunt calling on the phone and saying kiss my as- she was 70 years old when my wife visited the family they were not allowed to go in the house and would not talk about belle starr, like they were hiding a secret, believe me theres some meanness in that family and my wifes dad was bull whip by henry shirley, i heard belle bull whip her bim, so i think henry was belles son in alias true story,

    By wtk48@comcast.net on Sep 25, 2008 at 9:03 am

  18. My grandmother who passed away a few years ago was Hazel Pauline Shirley and Belle Starr was a cousin of hers, I think like 2nd cousins.

    By Julie on Oct 5, 2008 at 5:42 pm

  19. Hi There . Not sure when yur report is due. But, I found a 44 page report on Belle the other day Dallas western outlaws. I am a cousin through my great x2 grandmother. Good luck Tm……

    If I can help drop me a line.

    By terry mcdonald on Oct 9, 2008 at 2:07 am

  20. im related to belle!!!

    By julie on Oct 12, 2008 at 2:35 pm

  21. well i am a desendent from jesse james. my great grandmothe is
    his 2nd cousin. if you have any other info let me know!
    thank you!!

    By JoJo on Oct 29, 2008 at 9:33 pm

  22. i hope that you can help!

    By JoJo on Oct 29, 2008 at 9:34 pm

  23. i am a descendent of belle starr from my dad’s mothers side. i dont
    know much more than that. i live in a little town called willard
    in missouri and my grandmother always is trying to get me to do
    reports on her so i can learn some family history. if you could
    help me find out some things on how i am related to her it would
    be greatly appreciated. my email is msmith@mowisp.net.
    thanks. see ya

    mikaela :)
    p.s. if you dont know anything please dont send me messages

    By mikaela smith on Nov 5, 2008 at 3:32 pm

  24. My great-aunt told me I was related to Belle Starr, that she used to come
    and stay at the Cunningham household, Missouri. The Cunninghams are
    related to the Shirley’s through the Quick’s. I am told just trying to verify
    if anyone has any more info please let me know. sam_starr@yahoo.com

    Does anyone also know if Sam Starr was her pimp?

    By Sam Ferguson on Nov 10, 2008 at 3:14 am

  25. I would like to know when Jack Starr died?

    By Misty on Nov 13, 2008 at 8:17 pm

  26. The reason I am asking of this is because I have a letter signed by
    a Notary in Kansas. That says Jack Starr sold a 10 gauge double
    barrel shotgun that Charlie and Bell Starr owned. I also have the
    gun!

    By Misty on Nov 14, 2008 at 4:07 pm

  27. Hello,
    I am A 7th grade student and need more info on Belle Starr Plz
    help me out???!!!!!

    By Brittany Rogers on Nov 17, 2008 at 12:02 pm

  28. /i am in 8th gradeband im doing a report on Belle starr and if anyone could help me out i would really appreciate it! its part of my homework!

    thanks!

    kATiE L!

    By kATiE on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:43 am

  29. This is so interesting to me because I have always loved Loius lamore & now I find out that I’m a desendant of belle starr. The family name is Lyons and we live in Nebraska, which is odd because everyone else is from Oklahoma or Missouri? Help me find out where the connection between the Lyons & Belle are?

    By Erin Evans on Dec 1, 2008 at 1:20 pm

  30. so if you people say that you are related to Belle Starr the you can answer a lot of my qustions for me because in this little article it doesnt talk about her son until the very end and how did she become the bandit queen
    and about her brother how come it says that he was under as Belles son

    By hope kilbourne on Dec 5, 2008 at 1:06 pm

  31. Hello my name is Myra and my grandmother told me that Belle Starr was in our family. I know alot of interesting facts about Belle and sadly her old hideout was torn down and the house she used to stay at in Fort Smith Arkansas was blown away by a tornado. My uncle still has her spit can though. I would really like for someone to help me trace. My grandmother married a Casey and I don’t know what her maiden name was.

    On the Frank and Jesse James heritage I would like to inform the people who believe they were related that I did a research on the brothers and found direct blood line relatives of theirs in Oklahoma. The property even has Frank and Jesses old hideout on it.

    I don’t know how this site works but I will include my e-mail address windynights@hotmail.com

    By Myra Turner on Dec 8, 2008 at 3:35 pm

  32. I AM A STARR,MY GREAT GRANDMOTHERS LAST NAME WAS STARR, I FIND IT CRAZY THAT I HAVE A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE A MALE,THAT HE IS RELATED TO JESSE JAMES WHO AS WE KNOW BELLE RAN WITH,MY FRIEND AND I FEEL THERE IS A REASON WE HAVE CROSSED PATHS LIKE OUR ANCESTORES DID BUT WE DONT DO THE CRAZY THINGS THAT THEY DID,WE DOD FIND IN AMAZING WE TO OUR SUCH GOOD FRIENDS. THANX MICHELLE

    By MICHELLE STARR on Dec 26, 2008 at 1:51 pm

  33. My name is Tonya and I am the great great granddaughter of Belle Starr. My grandmother who is still living today has told my sister about her. We do not have all the information but would love to find out more.

    By Tonya Driskill on Dec 26, 2008 at 10:14 pm

  34. we are also related to belle starr. i found out when my daughter had to do a report on her.my mother would tell me about my grandmother telling her stories when she was younger.my grandmother did are family tree on her last days.when she past at an young age are family history went with her.all we have is what my mother remebers from those stories as a kid

    By trina on Dec 29, 2008 at 9:53 pm

  35. Hello, I was wondering if anyone that is either kin or has done research on Belle Starr ever came across the name of Martha Thunderberk ? She was half Cherokee and the grandmother of a close friend of mine, She has handed down a colt derringer that she said was given to her by Belle Starr. Said they were close friends. Since it has been said that Belle knew Blue Duck , I’m thinking this is very possible. I now own the gun and just out of total curiosty would like to know if anyone has come across that name anywhere or her married name was Meade. any info would be appreciated. Thank You
    Sue Johnson email lostgambler1@att.net

    By sue johnson on Dec 29, 2008 at 10:34 pm

  36. Hi! Theres info on different sites: Eric James.org, is one people can look for Jesse James kin. Also Rootsweb.com/ ~daisy/jamesged.com. I’m looking too! I’m kin to Belle Starr thru my Grandmother Vinnie Sage and Palestine Best..From the Muskogee, Ok. side. My husband is kin to Jesse James on his Moms side Catherine Weis and the Wallaces and Armstrongs. Thanks, Sandy

    By Sandy Armstrong on Jan 9, 2009 at 4:33 pm

  37. I too am related to Belle Starr. I know it comes from my father’s side of the family. The last name is Phillips. From what I know my father’s grandmother was most likely the niece of Belle

    By Rosemary on Jan 28, 2009 at 9:05 pm

  38. my name a jessica and I am related to belle Starr. I don’t know how or what she is too me. I would really love to learn. I don’t know much. My mother said to me once that she is related to us. We live with the shirley last name. If anyone soul help me out learning how she is related to me please contact me at. Cheesecake9111@aol.com. Thank you

    By jessica on Feb 8, 2009 at 4:30 am

  39. i was told i am related by my granddad. i am wondering if any of the srarr clan can be traced to wynona .ok

    By bobby jack on Feb 13, 2009 at 2:56 am

  40. WHEN I WAS YOUNG BACK IN THE FIFTYS DEVILS DEN BY TISHOMINGO OKLAHOMA HAD A CABIN WAS SAID TO BE BELLE STARS ON THE PENNINGTON CREEK NORTH OF TOWN MIGHT BE WORTH CHECKING OUT ! LOTS OF LUCK
    TONY DEE BYERS TX

    By TONY DEE on Feb 28, 2009 at 6:14 pm

  41. Finally, someone who did not repeat oll tall tales. Thank you.
    I am doubly related to Belle Starr’s first, and legal, husband, James C. “Jim” Reed. Sisters Susan Brock and Fatima Jane “Tima” Brock married first cousins. Susan to Solomon Reed, Fatima to David Reed.
    Soon after the beginning of th Civil War, Jim’s parents joined his mother’s paeents and some of her siblins who had earlier moved to near present day Rhome, Wise Co., TX. After the end of the war, the now widowed Susan moved with sister Fatima and David Reed to Collin Co., TX. Jim and Belle married in Collin Co. Nov 1, 1866.
    As Jim’s mother’s first cousin was the doctor in Carthage, MO and the widow of Fatima’s son married a Pennington (Belle’s mother was a Pennington), iut seems likely that Jim and Belle had know each other in Missouri.
    When the Reeds returned from California, they did not move to Dallas, but lived on Coon Creek in Bosque Co., TX. This short creek empties into the Brazos River just south of Laguna Park..
    While there, they would visit his cousin Louisa Ellen “louella” eed Gaston, daughter of Fatima Brock and David Reed who lived an adjoining Coryell Co. My great-grandmother, “Louella” told her children and grandchileen about vists by her “bad guy” cousin Jim and his wife , but she, a minister’s wife, was nervous to have her bad guy cousin around. She said the wife was very nice. None knew her name until my research revealed she was best known as Belle Starr.

    I do not have the names of Jim and Belle’s daugher Rosa Lee “Pearl”’s descendants, but she was married several times. At one point, Rosa was sent to Benton Co. AR where some of Susan Brock Reed’s siblings moved from Texas. Supposedly the child born to her there was sent to Solomon Reed’s sister in Kansas who put it out for adoption without Pearl’s knowledge.
    Do not have the names of Pearls children, but she married 4 times – she married an Erbach, and Epple, Charles Kaigler and lastly, an Andews. Rosa died July 6, 1925 in Douglas, Cochise Co., AZ and buried in the Douglas Cemetery.
    Would appreciate any inormation on her descendants.

    By Shelba Davis on Mar 2, 2009 at 4:51 pm

  42. Would like to correspond with descendants of James C. “Jim” Reed and Myra Maybelle Shirley aka Belle Starr.
    Jim Reed’s grandfather Samuel Reed was one of three brothers who came to Missouri from Knox Co, KY (the part now Whjitney Co.). Solomon Reed led the way in 1818, settling in what is now Pettis Co., MO Jim’s grandfather Samuel Reed came to MO about 1820, settling first in Lafayette Co., but later moving to newly formed Bates Co. MO (the part now in Vernon Co.). Last to come, about 1830, was Mathias Reed, who settled near Independence, Jackson Co. MO.
    Descendants of these three Reed brothers are working together to compile data on the family.

    Shelba Davis
    skddavis1932@valonet.com (note the dd in e-mail address)

    By Shelba Davis on Mar 2, 2009 at 5:57 pm

  43. This message is for KORI. She wrote on Aug 30, 2008 that she was descendant of Sam Starr. Her grandfather was Jack Starr. I am also a descendant of Sam Starr. I would like for her to email me. She wanted more info on her family. I have traced out family back a long ways.

    KORI E-MAIL ME

    sageview@earthlink.net

    By Sue on Mar 6, 2009 at 2:26 am

  44. im related to belle starr on my dads moms side. my grandmother was a smith, she told my mom who told me. i am in 9th grade and im useing an english asignment to find out more about her. i am also related to doc holiday,on my moms side. my sister looks just like belle starr. hello belle relitives!!!

    By mariah ihrig on Mar 13, 2009 at 3:33 pm

  45. i fogot to mention i live in modest, i go to downey high, does brains (smartness, whatever its called) run in the family? i think i got my smarts from her!

    By mariah ihrig on Mar 13, 2009 at 3:37 pm

  46. I’m doing a report on Belle Starr and (this is to the first comment on here) Charles Acton wasn’t her son (at least this is the first place i have seen anyone say that) charles acton was a basketball player!!!

    By Kim on Mar 21, 2009 at 3:55 pm

  47. if any one can send me any info on belle starr could you e mail me?

    twilightmoon22@gmail.com

    By mariah ihrig on Mar 22, 2009 at 9:02 pm

  48. Ok i’m doing a paper on Belle Starr can anyone help me? There are a lot of people saying they are family to her i think they are wrong but whatever . My email is mizzcrazy11@gmail.com if you know anything about belle starr and her life plz email me by the 6th of March 09 thanks!!!this would really help!

    By Carina on Mar 30, 2009 at 6:20 pm

  49. I’m related to Belle Starr ,Daniel Boone and the man who shot Clyde’s mother’s eye out.

    By Windy April Dill on Apr 8, 2009 at 5:41 am

  50. My Grandmother on my father’s side was a Smith. She told us for years that Belle Starr was a relative. I believe that my granmother’s grandmother was a Starr. I don’t have all of the details either. My family has visited the burial site of Belle in Arkansas. We have pictures of the burial spot. Anyway…looks like she has a long line of decendants. My grandmother was raised in Harleton Texas. If you have any info of relation, please email me. cochranlisa@harletonisd.net

    By Lisa Cochran on Apr 23, 2009 at 11:13 am

  51. hi my name is Antoinette I am doing a report on Belle Starr so I could really need some info!! plus i’m lot like her so could someone give me a little push please!!!! i might die if i don’t finsh it i’m begging you if your realatid to her please HELP ME !!!!!!!!!!!!

    By Antoinette hui on Apr 28, 2009 at 1:21 am

  52. Hello im Courtney and im very intersted in Belle Starr! im working at Arbroath High school in Scotland and im doing some writen work on her becaue our class got to choose who we would want to do some work on and Belle Starr just caught my eye straight away!! i think who she was and what she used to do was so amazing for a woman in those days to handle.
    i would also like to no who her killer was and some info about him plzzz ??? soo i can add it to my work on her !
    thanks oo much plz get back to me soon. xx

    By Courtney. on May 1, 2009 at 6:44 am

  53. hi, im doing a character day project on belle starr, and i just want to say thanks this really hepled! so much info :)

    By Kayla on May 17, 2009 at 7:58 pm

  54. my grandpa was lawerace johnson his mom re marieeeed after her husband diecher name was bell star to the man she married trying to find out who is who

    By sheila word on May 24, 2009 at 5:41 am

  55. So was it the notorious Edgar J. Watson from Florida who shot and Killed Belle…or was it another Watson? I’ve heard a story passed down through my family of who the real killer was. I have family ancestry from Eufaula, Indian Territory and have always been intrigued by the family story of Belle Starr.

    By Martin Devine on May 26, 2009 at 1:04 am

  56. Hi! I’m back after months and still have no updates on my side of family of Belle Starr. Have looked on family certificates death and births. Only have info from my mother who was a married to Timothy Smith at that time. Palestine Best was Belle Starrs cousin, I presume, came to her house in Muskogee,Ok. The women folks did not like her, because of the trouble she was in. My grandmothers daughter was Vinnie Sage Smith. Smiths in Muskogee, Ok . They are part Cherokee Indian, like Belle was. Belle was from Carthage,Mo. Cherokees came from Tn.,Mo.,and all over the south, forced to locate in Ok. Others came afterward to be near relatives. Belle had family in Muskogee and Ft. Smith,Ar. along with Missouri. I found Aunts on Indian Territory births. Whites mixing with Indians weren’t always on the Cherokee rolls list. I’m still check for Indian ancestry and Belle Starrs family line. Only have family story. Women are hard to find in the past. onlt through census and birth certificates.

    By Sandy Armstrong on May 31, 2009 at 12:48 pm

  57. I confirm what randy has said below he is infact a direct decendant of belle and sam starr being that it is one of his great great grandmothers and grandfathers the research is solid.

    By jay on Jun 11, 2009 at 11:41 pm

  58. Belle was not part Cherokee. However, her children, who were fathered by Jim Reed, were part Cherokee. I am a descendant of Belle Starr and Jim Reed on my father’s father’s side. I am a Reed.

    By Carol on Jun 23, 2009 at 1:09 am

  59. Supposedly, Belle Atarr (Myra Maybelle Shirley) had brothers John and Edwin and two other brothers born in the 1860. Can anyone identify the names of the two younger brothers?
    Thanks, Bob

    By Bob on Jun 30, 2009 at 9:23 pm

  60. Sorry of the typo above.

    It should start: Supposedly, Belle Starr….. (not Atarr).

    By Bob on Jul 1, 2009 at 2:29 pm

  61. Helloo again. :) I would just like to say that i found info about Belle Starr’s killer and that my work at My school went very well. i got an A. reading about Belle is soo interesting and i just think that wha she done and used to to was very amazing! For a women to get away with stuff that she did like that. Im very up for the whole wonmen deserve the same rights as men. and even though people now days say that we do. . .we dont! and it needs to be worked apon. I do realize that obvi that women do have better rights than they used to ‘back in the day’ but they still need alot of work! there are boys at my school that say “girls belong in the kitchen!” and for boys at there age to be saying things like that is Horrid, because they are obvi getting showed this sort of descrimintion at home by whoever looks after them. Well i no proberly Know one is gonna get back to me because you are proberly thinking, “she only a 15 year old girl, what does she no about anything?” but people who think that are wrong im a 15 year old girl with BIG dreams and i plan on making tham come true! :) if anyone on this blog would like to talk to me my MSN is . . . c.rosecox@hotmal.com soo please add me if anyone would like to! thanks again for info i got about Belle Starr and well. . thanks lol byeeeexx

    By Courtney Cox on Jul 2, 2009 at 7:34 am

  62. I am too a Reed. I am a direct decendent from Jim Reed and Belle Starr. I would like to know more information if anyone has any. My email is armigerlives@gmail.com. I look forward to talking to ya.

    By Charles Reed on Jul 7, 2009 at 10:30 am

  63. Im posting this in hopes someone can help me and possibly the joy who posted in august of lat year might see this.
    I am related to Belle Star through my maternal grandfather. His last name was Brown and was born in spaulding OK. His sisters (half i believe) were still Shirleys.
    I think I actually know (or know of is maybe a better way of saying it) the Joy who posted.
    My great Aunt was Maxine and another aunt was Cecile Shirley.

    If I remember right through that same side of the family (and my grandparents were right) I am also related to the guy (family) who donated and is named of trosper park and the family who originally stake the land then later sold to First national building downtown.

    By Ann on Jul 20, 2009 at 4:22 am

  64. I was married to Henry Kevin Shirley he is a decendent of Belle Starr. He was born in Louisville, KY. His father was Henry Shirley and was born in Arizona to the best of my knowledge and his father was also named Henry Shirley who was shot when my ex husband’s father was small over water rights in Arizona. I was reading all of the comments and one cought my eye on how mean the Shirley family was and I can attest that they still are. After reading all of the comments and the history of Belle Starr I have a little more understanding of my ex husband and his father’s temper. Just in case anyone wanted to know!

    By April on Jul 26, 2009 at 12:22 am

  65. I would like to know more sbout this sid of my family. I was told i am related to belle Starr,but i really dont know anything about how. If anyone could help, that would be great.

    By Sarah Shirley on Jul 28, 2009 at 11:25 pm

  66. You san e-mail me at pumpkin44801@aim.com

    By Sarah Shirley on Jul 28, 2009 at 11:27 pm

  67. I am a Shirley. So i guess i am a direct decendent. My grandfather told me about Belle Starr and told me she was up in our family tree. i find it facinating!

    By Amelialarryforever on Jul 30, 2009 at 5:04 pm

  68. my mom told me i was related to belle star but i don’t know anything about her if anyone knows a great research website please email me at alexistiffin@yahoo.com!!! Thanks

    By alexis on Aug 2, 2009 at 5:07 pm

  69. I live in Tulsa and about 10 years ago, I started searching for Belle’s grave. I was told an old lady on a farm near Porum could tell me. I stopped and asked her…she said for a dollar she’d tell me. I paid her and she gave me directions. It was down a narrow dirt road, and where she said turn, there was an old gate made from an iron headboard, with no sort of sign. The grave is back in some woods about 200 yards from the road…you can still see the cabin foundation stones. The grave is about 30 feet southwest of the cabin site. It is enclosed with a dilapidated chain link fence. The headstone is as has been depicted, with the etching of a horse, a bell, a star, and the poem that has been quoted. The grave was vandalized shortly after Belle died, and her daughter Pearl had two concrete slabs placed atop it in an inverted “V”. I took some pictures, and can email one or two if anyone is interested. roy123@gmail.com

    By Roy Pugh on Aug 5, 2009 at 5:09 pm

  70. I can confirm that Belle Starr must have faked her death. My grandmother, Belle’s great grandaughter clearly remembers her and can produce a phone of Belle well into her eighties. I know that a cousin of mine attempted to prove the fact other than a photo, but doesn’t have the money or means for DNA confirmation.

    By Becca on Aug 9, 2009 at 12:42 am

  71. Hi im Jessica and im a direct decendent and iI dont know very much about my great gradmother so it would be a great help if you could tell me about her please! because i live far away from my gradmother so i cant ask her

    By Jessica Starr on Aug 23, 2009 at 4:20 pm

  72. I have an old tintype of whom I believe to be “Belle Starr” and looking for a family to id the tintype for me – I purchased it many years ago out of an album from Texas – In that same album are other tintypes of a young boy and others – you can e-mail me at natchez7777@aol.com – thank you

    By mrs. nelson on Sep 5, 2009 at 4:45 pm

  73. Hi all searchers of Belle Starrs Family. we need to compile a list of relatives who say they are kin. Copy it for others, to find all connects of the family lines also seems in Missouri where the start of trouble happens, Belle and Jesse James seems to have the same cousins. In different sides of the family. My husband is kin to Jesse. Starrs, Smiths, Armstrongs, Best, and Starrs seems to be a small town group in those days who intermarried to each others cousins. Fought Yankees from their small town group.Most left because of war and trouble. Went to Muskogee, Ok. and Ft. Smith,Ar.and around St. Louis, Missouri. I’m trying to locate a book on Jessies family history by relative from Collinsville, Il. Will check back with you all later. Family tree seems everyone related to these onry people. Is history repeteing lately. SLRLArmstrong@centurytel.net

    By Sandy on Sep 8, 2009 at 4:38 pm

  74. I am trying to contact Ann who posted on July 20, 2009. My grandmother was Bernice Shirley, daughter of Earl Shirley and Lillie Hess. She married Fred Spearman, grandson of Ludora TROSPER and Frederick HOLMES. All were in Oklahoma.
    Who was your TROSPER ancestor? You can contact me at txfischers@aol.com

    Debra Spearman Fischer

    By Debra Fischer on Sep 13, 2009 at 3:04 am

  75. So I was talking to my dad about my family tree and belle starr or (belle shirley) is accually my like great great aunt my great grandma was a shirley. I thought this was interesting to learn about her n I’m glad I’m nothing like her haha.

    By brittney raymer on Sep 14, 2009 at 12:02 am

  76. Well, like seemingly thousands of others, I was told by my Mom that I am related to Belle Starr. Sigh. Bit more complex than others, though, because my natural father (genetic father, birth father, whatever) is someone I’ve never met. Last name of Ferguson. Theoretically, then, I am related through this man of mystery: supposedly, his great grandmother was Belle. Or great aunt or something else maternal on the Ferguson side…

    any info anyone wants to pass on is appreciated – bill at voiceovermusic dot com

    Thanks!

    By Bill L. Behrendt on Sep 29, 2009 at 11:05 pm

  77. all you researchers combing through the starr side of your family did you ever come across a wenona starr born in 1846? this is where i got stuck. found a wenona starr that appears under sam starr in a cherokee registry and thats where it ends. was she a blood relation or by marriage? and who? im pretty curious i will not claim im a relative until i know for sure! any help or leads will be welcome. thanks

    By k. ledbetter on Oct 4, 2009 at 1:45 pm

  78. hello…im COURTNEY… i am doing a 4 page paper on belle starr and would love 2 have more info thats true ”Not tall tells”…in this project i allso have 2 dress just like her and come up with a back ground 2 fit the wild west so if anyone would PLS be so kind and HELP… i would be so happy =)
    ohhh….i would allso like to no more on who her killer might be??
    Thank you so much for your time..
    EMIL: courtneyhightower11@yahoo.com
    if you have any info in belle starr???

    By Courtney on Oct 14, 2009 at 9:52 pm

  79. Hello i’m Teresa….this is to Ann ….posted in July 2009….I believe you are on the right track with the Brown last name….from passed down info…my grandmother who died when she was 32 back in 1934 was maiden named Brown and was a cousin (first to my understanding) to Belle Starr (Shirley) and they would have been babies together…one of the mothers had to take the other in and were nursed together because of the lost of the other mother….I thought this might not be true because I could not find the connection with the Brown until I read your comment….my Aunt who is now deceased lived around Tishamingo, Ok by from the OK and AR area new more about her….I never wanted to say I was related just in case someone was wrong but I was told I was even tho it would be distant cousin ….

    By Teresa Blaylock Owens on Oct 16, 2009 at 9:39 am

  80. Thank you to everyone who has replied to me. Its so frustrating to get so far back and then hit a dead end. I have all these small maybe connections but I just cant seem to find that one strong and certain lead. I found my grandfather’s obit online and it says he was born in Spaulding Oklahoma in 1930 to Ethel and Grover Brown. If I remember correctly Grover Brown was her second husband as my Aunt Maxine and Aunt Cecil where only his half sisters. I believe their maiden name was Shirley.
    There are all this lil whisps of stories I can remember like the Trosper connection and the claimed landrun land being sold to the FIrst National Bank downtown. It also seem to remember a story that someone had ran for governor and lost and it was supposley really embarrassing to the family at the time.
    I want so badly to be able to document these things for my daughter so she can she how much she is a part of her state and the history and it just frustrates me to pieces!

    By Ann on Oct 19, 2009 at 2:06 am

  81. Jim Reed was my Great Great Great Grandfather!

    By Carly on Oct 26, 2009 at 3:50 pm

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