Henry Starr
By Staff Reports
Feb 2, 1921
11/16/09 at 2:36 PM
HARRISON, Ark. – Henry Starr, Oklahoma bandit, died today as the result of a wound inflicted Friday by W.J. Myers, former president of the People’s Bank of Harrison, when Starr, with three companions, attempted to rob that institution.
Starr’s career as a bandit and bank robber, ending when he died today, covered many years, during which time he has served several terms in federal and state prisons.
Once Sentenced to Death
He at one time was sentenced to death on a charge of murder, but received a reprieve from President McKinley and later a pardon from President Roosevelt. He last was released through pardon two years ago and according to general belief, had “gone straight” since that time. However, Starr was positively identified as one of the three men who late in December held up and robbed the Bank of Seligman at Seligman, Mo.
Starr’s wife, son and mother were with him when he died, but tonight had not decided where the body would be taken for burial. The bandit, according to statements of officers, had realized almost since the moment that he was wounded that he would not live, took the situation philosophically and gave no excuse for his latest escapade except that he was in debt and had to have money.
Gives Names of Pals
Starr, according to Sheriff Johnson made a statement before his death, giving the identity of his three companions who escaped, but the officer refused to make public any of the statement otherwise the grounds that Starr’s information might lead to the arrest of the bandits and that publication of it probably would hinder the officers.
Starr had been indicted by a grand jury here on a charge of attempted robbery.
‘Don’t Put Me Under Ground’ Starr’s Request
By The Associated Press
HARRISON, Ark., - Feb. 22 – Hulda Starr, 23-year-old widow of Henry Starr, Oklahoma bandit leader who died today, said tonight she believed Starr had a premonition of his death.
“Just before he left me at Claremore last Wednesday,” she said, “Henry called me to him and put his arm around me. ‘Honey,’ he said, ‘if I should die would you have me buried?’ ‘Of course I would,’ I told him. ‘Why?’ ‘Well,’ he said ‘because I don’t want to be buried. I have a horror of being dumped into the ground. I want to be cremated.’ A little later he kissed me goodbye and walked hurriedly away without looking back. This was the last time I saw him until I came here.”
She said if she could raise the money she would comply with his request for cremation. This seems improbable, however, as plans were made for burial tomorrow.
Starr’s death occurred on the first anniversary of his marriage to Hulda Starr. They were married February 22, 1920, at San Antonio, Texas.
“I don’t know what I’ll do,” Mrs. Starr said tonight, “I can’t go back home to live with my people.”
Associated Images:
Henry Starr
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