I regard myself as a woman who has seen much of life." -Belle Starr
Conclusion
Belle was buried beside her cabin at Youngers' Bend, holding her favorite pistol in her hand. The neighbors, including Edgar Watson -who was thought to have murdered Belle-gathered around her grave. When the funeral was over, Bill July forced Watson, at the end of a rifle, into Fort Smith. Watson was released after his hearing because the evidence against him was considered circumstantial. Some biographers have attempted to blame Belle's murder on Eddie Reed, her son, Bill July, her husband, Tom Starr, her ex-father-in-law, and Sol Reed, her first husband's brother. The evidence, however, points to Watson who later returned to Florida where he was charged for several more murders before he was killed by his neighbors.
Belle Starr's grave. Behind it you can see her cabin. (Picture from Belle Starr and her Pearl by Edwin P. Hicks)
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Belle Starr's tombstone reads:
"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." |
Youngers' Bend in Arkansas has now been made into a historical attraction for people to view. A nature trail near there has been named after Belle Starr.
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In conclusion, Belle Starr was a well-educated woman who became the most famous female outlaw in the Wild West. This happened because she knew many dangerous outlaws including Cole Younger and Jesse James, and was married to three (possibly four) of them. She even allowed two of her outlaw acquaintances to hide at Youngers' Bend. There is no proof that Belle Starr ever committed any worse crimes than stealing two horses. She attracted attention for that because she was a woman, but the fact that she was a well-educated, white woman who was married to an Indian who could not read or write -Sam Starr- was enough to put her story on the front page of all of the Fort Smith newspapers.
Belle was an unusual, determined woman who managed to lead an exciting life and get into her fair share of trouble. Like many Southern individuals during her time, her actions were a product of the Civil War, as were her first husband, Jim Reed's, Cole Younger's, and Jesse James's actions. In 1910, Frederick Barde wrote, "There are still persons living in old Indian Territory who feel that she was more sinned against than sinning... the victim of surroundings from which she could not escape," (Great Figures of the Wild West).
Belle was an unusual, determined woman who managed to lead an exciting life and get into her fair share of trouble. Like many Southern individuals during her time, her actions were a product of the Civil War, as were her first husband, Jim Reed's, Cole Younger's, and Jesse James's actions. In 1910, Frederick Barde wrote, "There are still persons living in old Indian Territory who feel that she was more sinned against than sinning... the victim of surroundings from which she could not escape," (Great Figures of the Wild West).