The Belle Starr Story: Tragedy Strikes Again

Howdy folks and greetings from the Great Plains of North Texas!

We're continuing with the story of Belle Starr who was branded "The Bandit Queen" after her many successful robberies in the Old West.

In the last post we left off with Belle shining in the Fort Smith fair as the leader of a mock stagecoach robber and also gave a shooting and riding exhibition which showcased her prowess in those skills.

This had to be the highlight of her life because in reading through all the material and articles about her the one thing that was strikingly unique about her as a young girl and then into adulthood was her passion of riding and shooting. In fact, her father lamented that it was the only thing she was interested in.

Sam's old man gets slapped

Belle and Sam hung around in Fort Smith for awhile after the Fair because Sam's father Tom was in jail for running moonshine. The law had been after him for years and finally caught him on two occasions selling whiskey so Sam and Belle were there to offer any help they could.

Tom pleaded guilty to the charges so there was nothing they or his lawyers could do to help and he was sentenced to 1.5 years in the Federal Penitentiary by Judge Parker.

After the sentencing Belle and Sam went back home but Sam was depressed, bitter and angry. He blamed his old nemisis, the Indian policeman John West and his brother Frank, for the punishment of his father.

Not much compassion

Personally I find it a little hard to feel any compassion for the old man or for Sam. Tom Starr had murdered more men than anyone knew for sure but at least 20, and enjoyed himself while he did it.

If you remember from earlier posts he used to wear a necklace made of the earlobes of the men he had murdered. So this was like a slap on the wrist compared to all the crimes he'd committed.

Nevertheless, Sam was royally pissed off and ranted about gettin even with John West. In an effort to calm him down and get his mind off the situation Belle suggested they go to a dance that a lady in the area was putting on.

Here is a drawing of Sam Starr, I don't believe he ever had his photo taken:

It was the middle of December and dang cold with sleet. Belle and Sam arrived and Belle was asked to play the organ with the lady of the house so they started belting out lively dance tunes and people were dancing and having a good time, Sam sat near the organ close to the front door.

Here comes trouble

The hosts had built a log fire in front of their property and guests coming into the drive were warming themselves at that fire and everything was hunky dory.

Here is the only known photo of the Indian lawman John West, the dude looks like he's about 7 feet tall doesn't he?

source: from the Biography of Belle Starr by Glenn Shirley

Until John West shows up. He goes up to the fire to warm himself up and one of the guests warns him that Sam Starr is in the house and that he should leave to avoid any trouble. Well, West said he couldn't do that because it would look like he was afraid and that he "would run from no man."

About that time Sam came out of the house and accused West of shooting Belle's horse Venus and the two started yelling at each other.

Belle is widowed again

They both drew their pistols and Sam shot first hitting West in the chest, a mortal wound, and he staggered but regained his footing long enough to fire a shot at Sam and then fell dead. His shot hit Sam in the chest who staggered forward ten feet and then he too fell dead.

One witness said that when West showed up someone told Belle who whirled around to Sam and said "Go down and get that son-of-a-bitch!" And kept playing.

When the gunfire erupted she stopped playing and everyone went to the front door, Belle knelt down and cradled Sam's head in her lap. Witnesses said she was white but shed no tears...and cursed John West.

For those of you following this series you'll remember that Belle's first husband, Reed, was also a wanted man and was killed by a Sheriff's Deputy so that's two in a row meeting the exact same fate.

Belle's story continues tomorrow. Thanks for reading folks!
-jonboy Texas