- Belle Starr (1848-1889). Women outlaws and heroes played an important part in the history of the West. There were many—Calamity Jane, Annie Oakley, Cattle Annie, Little Britches, Pearl Hart, and Belle Starr. Myra Shirley (Belle Starr) was born in the Missouri Wilderness at a time when frontier bandits were causing much distress to pioneers. In surroundings where most women were domineered by men, people became fascinated with Belle Starr's independent and wild spirit and began inventing her character, especially after her death. She was the brains behind a gang of horse thieves, and her place was a well-known hideout for outlaws including Jesse James, with whom she may have ridden at times. Although she was well liked and had many friends, including a loving daughter Pearl, she was constantly slandered and felt very persecuted. She rode her black mare “Venus” skillfully with a side saddle, decorated in gold and silver, and she was a good shot with her ivory handled Colt .45 revolvers. She was well educated and accomplished, although she felt about herself that she was ignorant and that from there originated most of her troubles. She was shot in the back while riding home on Feb. 3, 1889. Her murderer is unknown. Shortly before she was killed, she said: "I regard myself as a woman who has seen much of life.”
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