Episode 19: The Bandit Queen
The Bandit Queen
Belle Starr
One of the most famous legends to come out of the Wild West was Belle Starr! She rode side saddle and always carried a six-shooter. Though she never killed anyone, the mystique around her grew as she became known as an outlaw. And, like most outlaws, Belle died young, on her horse, after being shot by an unknown assailant.
So, who was Belle? What parts of the legend are true and what is false? Listen as we search for answers and learn about the origins of her family and what happened to her children after Belle was murdered.
Myra Maybelle Shirley, as a young woman, photo likely taken in Missouri ca 1861.
The grave of Belle Starr.
Belle posing with her six shooters.
Belle’s first husband, James Commodore Reed.
Belle atop her horse in Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1886.
Edgar Watson, a neighbor accused of murdering Belle.
Source: The Daily Arkansas Gazette, 24 Feb 1889
Belle’s mother, Eliza Pennington Shirley
The obituary of Belle’s mother, Eliza Pennington Shirley
Source: Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan 1894
A map showing the Palatinate
Hill Lutheran Church, formerly known as Quittapahilla Lutheran Church, located in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. It was the church home to the early Shirley (Schalle) family when they first arrived in Colonial America.
Eddie Reed, son of Belle Starr and James Reed
Ed Reed is on the far right.
A young Rosa Lee “Pearl” Reed, aka Pearl Starr
Pear Starr, brothel owner
Pearl, on the right, with two of her “associates.”
A photo of Pearl with one of her daughters.
Pearl Starr at her house of "ill-repute” in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Flossie Pearl Epple Hutton, her son Robert E. Hutton, and Pearl Starr,1925
I found this picture of Flossie, Pearl’s daughter that she gave up for adoption, with Frank Dalton.
Half sisters, Jennette Andrews Scott, and Flossie Hutton, 1925.
Jennette Andrews Scott, youngest daughter of Pearl.
Ruth Reed Kaigler Walt Drewett Robinson, Pearl’s second oldest child.
Source: Reno Gazette Journal, 30 Dec 1937
Ruth with daughter Veleska Myra Walt
Belle’s great-granddaughter, Veleska Myra Walt Campbell Ridley (1912-2001)