This Day in Texas History: Belle Starr Marries Horse Thief Jim Reed

This Day in Texas History:

Belle Starr Marries Horse Thief Jim Reed

November 01, 1866

On this day in 1866, Myra Maybelle (or Belle) Shirley, better known as Belle Starr, married outlaw Jim Reed.

Reed eventually became involved with the Younger, James, and Starr gangs, which killed and looted throughout Texas, Arkansas, and Indian Territory. Accounts differ as to Belle Reed’s participation in these activities. At least one claims that she disapproved of Reed’s actions; more suggest that she operated a livery barn in Dallas where she sold the horses Reed stole.

Jim Reed

Jim Reed was killed by a deputy sheriff at Paris, Texas, in August 1874; Belle went on to other husbands, lovers, and crimes until she was gunned down herself in 1889.