William J. Meyers

THE DEATH OF HENRY STARR

Film Restorations

I just returned from the hometown of my wife and kids and I thought I’d share an interesting story from this small town in the rugged Ozarks of northwest Arkansas. Several years ago, I worked on a project with the Genealogical Department of the Boone County Library, where I needed to scan hundreds of old photographs of the area and its inhabitants, dating back to the 1800s. I restored a few of these images to bring this story back to life.

Above is William J. Myers, the bank president in Harrison, who gunned down the notorious bank robber, horse thief, and silent film actor, Henry Starr, on February 18, 1921.

During his thirty-two years in crime, Henry Starr robbed more banks than the James-Younger Gang and the Doolin-Dalton Gang put together. “The Cherokee Badman” netted over $60,000 from more than twenty-one bank robberies.

He started robbing banks on horseback in 1893. After going to prison in 1915 in Arizona, Starr published his autobiography, THRILLING EVENTS: LIFE OF HENRY STARR. Upon his release on parole, Starr even portrayed himself in the silent film, A DEBTOR TO THE LAW (1919). Starr was also the first bank robber in the United States to use an automobile for getaways. He ended up robbing his last with an automobile when he met his fate in Harrison, Arkansas.

Myers shot Starr with a .38 caliber Winchester rifle, 1873 model, during a robbery attempt. It was a gutshot, and Starr died from his wound three days later.

Historical photos are rare treasures. I can bring them back to life. Check out my portfolio: PHOTO RESTORATIONS.

PAPA TOLLIE’S FILMS – 1967

Film Restorations

Take a trip back in time to 1967 with Papa Tollie Sutterfield in Northwest Arkansas. These are his restored Super 8mm films:

CONTENTS

  1. Linda’s baccalaureate at Sue’s dad’s Part 1 of Graduation (May 1967)
  2. Last Part of Linda’s graduation (May 11, 1967)
  3. Marshall graduation; Tolisa was flower girl at Bro. S during our revival at Calico (May 1967)
  4. At Bro. S at Norfork Dam and Fish Hatchery and our anniversary picture (May 1967)
  5. Picnic and fishing trip (June 1967) – Sue’s dad’s cattle – Missionettes at Hot Springs
  6. Sue and her family at Blanchard; Baptismal service at Big Creek – James Sutterfield helped at service; Taking Missionettes to Hot Springs; Baptismal June and July
  7. Morrow reunion at Big Flat; Thomas and Tollie J. playing; Naona and Richard leaving; Children’s crusade with Sis. S (August 1967)
  8. Billy and Betty R and me at Blanchard Springs; Sutterfield reunion near Big Creek (Sept. 1967); Puppies
  9. Sue’s Dad’s cattle and grandparents.
  10. Talmai’s birthday; puppies playing (Sept.); Sue’s 25th birthday
  11. Deer hunt, 9 point buck that I killed, squirrel hunt (Nov.-Dec.)
  12. Christmas 1967; Sunday school classes opening presents; First part of Christmas play
  13. Last part of Christmas play; Tolisa and Tollie J. opening their first Christmas gifts, etc.
  14. At Sue’s parents opening presents; Tollie J. opening presents
  15. Tollie J. and Tolisa opening presents
  16. Dad, mom, Talmai and Joel opening presents at our house; Opened presents from church; kids playing
  17. Dad’s 71st birthday at Big Flat; Kids playing in snow

PAPA TOLLIE’S FILMS – 1975

Film Restorations

Take a trip back in time to 1975 to the Buffalo National River, Dog Patch, Six Flags, and more. These are Papa Tollie Sutterfield’s restored Super 8mm films.

CONTENTS

  1. February – Tollie J 10th Birthday
  2. March – Playing in Snow
  3. May – Marshall Children Church Picnic at Buffalo Park
  4. May – Senior Banquet for Marshall and Leslie Seniors / Dog Patch
  5. July – Dog Patch / Marshall Bus Dedication
  6. July – Tollie 35th Birthday at Buffalo Park / First Trip to St. Louis Ferry
  7. July – Six Flags
  8. July – Six Flags
  9. July – Six Flags / St. Louis Zoo
  10. August – St. Louis Zoo
  11. August – Six Flags / Farewell Church Dinner
  12. August – Farewell Church Dinner
  13. August – Moving to Batavia Assembly of God
  14. August – Sue Working on Marshall Church / Tolisa Modeling / Picnic at Buffalo Park
  15. August – Water Baptismal at Big Creek
  16. September – Silver Dollar City / Marshall Church Group
  17. October – Tollie J Riding Horse
  18. December – Kids Crusade
    19-27 – Christmas
  19. Working on Church Building