Bluford “Blue” Duck – Running With Belle Starr
The annals of the American West are replete with figures who skirted the edges of the law, their lives interwoven with tales of daring, defiance, and sometimes, despair. Among these individuals stands Bluford "Blue" Duck, a man whose life was a tapestry woven with threads of Native American heritage, outlawry, and a fleeting association with the infamous Belle Starr. His story, though perhaps less widely known than some of his contemporaries, offers a compelling glimpse into the tumultuous landscape of the late 19th-century Oklahoma Territory.
Bluford "Blue" Duck, born within the Cherokee Nation, was known to his people as Sha-con-gah. This land, now part of Oklahoma, was a melting pot of cultures and a haven for those seeking to escape the constraints of settled society. Blue Duck’s origins within the Cherokee community shaped his early life, imbuing him with a connection to the land and a sense of identity that would later be tested by his choices. He would soon find himself drawn into a life of crime, joining a small gang that engaged in activities such as stagecoach robberies and cattle rustling.
The late 1870s marked a turning point in Bluford "Blue" Duck’s life, as it was during this time that he is believed to have crossed paths with Myra Maybelle Shirley, better known as Belle Starr. Starr was a magnetic figure, a woman who defied societal expectations and carved her own path in a world dominated by men. While the exact nature of their relationship remains shrouded in speculation, it is said that they had a brief affair. This connection, however fleeting, would have a lasting impact on Blue Duck’s trajectory.
Bluford "Blue" Duck’s association with Belle Starr deepened when she married Sam Starr and formed their own gang. This group, operating primarily in the Indian Territory, engaged in a variety of illegal activities, including cattle rustling, horse theft, and the illicit trade of whiskey to the Native American population. Blue Duck, drawn to the allure of easy money and perhaps captivated by Belle Starr’s charisma, joined their ranks. The Starr gang became a formidable force in the region, their exploits adding to the growing legend of the Wild West.
However, the outlaw life is a dangerous one, and the actions of Bluford "Blue" Duck would soon lead him down a path of no return. On June 23, 1884, while reportedly intoxicated, Blue Duck and another man named William Christie were riding through the Flint District of the Cherokee Nation. In a senseless act of violence, they encountered a young farmer named Samuel Wyrick working in his field. Without provocation, Blue Duck opened fire on Wyrick, emptying his revolver into the man. Not content with this act, he then reloaded his weapon and shot the horse out from under an Indian boy.
The consequences of this heinous act were swift. Both Blue Duck and Christie were arrested and charged with the murder of Samuel Wyrick. The trial was presided over by Judge Isaac Parker, a figure renowned for his stern justice and his determination to bring law and order to the Wild West. Parker, known as the "Hanging Judge," was notorious for handing down harsh sentences, and Bluford "Blue" Duck would soon feel the full weight of his authority.
After a trial, Blue Duck was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged on July 23, 1886. William Christie, however, was later cleared of the charges, leaving Blue Duck to face his fate alone. The sentence sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting the severity of the crime and the determination of the authorities to punish those who broke the law.
Faced with the prospect of execution, Blue Duck, with the assistance of Belle Starr, launched an appeal to commute his sentence to life in prison. Starr, despite her own outlaw status, was a persuasive advocate and used her influence to plead for leniency on behalf of her former associate. Her efforts proved successful, and Blue Duck’s sentence was indeed commuted.
On October 16, 1886, Bluford "Blue" Duck was transferred to Menard Penitentiary in Chester, Illinois, to begin serving his life sentence. Life in prison was harsh and unforgiving, a stark contrast to the freedom he had once known. He was confined within the prison walls, his days filled with monotonous labor and the constant reminder of his past transgressions.
As the years passed, Blue Duck’s health began to deteriorate. In 1895, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis, a deadly disease that ravaged the lungs. Doctors gave him only a month to live, a grim prognosis that prompted his supporters to seek a pardon. Recognizing the severity of his condition and perhaps swayed by the pleas for mercy, President Grover Cleveland granted Blue Duck a pardon on March 20, 1895.
Free from prison but weakened by disease, Blue Duck returned to his home in Oklahoma, seeking solace among friends and family. He spent his final days surrounded by those who cared for him, reflecting on the choices he had made and the life he had lived. On May 7, 1895, Bluford "Blue" Duck passed away. He was laid to rest in the Dick Duck Cemetery near Catoosa, Oklahoma, his life of outlawry and fleeting notoriety finally at an end.
The story of Bluford "Blue" Duck is a complex one, filled with elements of adventure, violence, and ultimately, redemption. He was a man caught between two worlds, his Native American heritage clashing with the allure of the outlaw life. His association with Belle Starr added to his mystique, while his crime and subsequent imprisonment served as a stark reminder of the consequences of lawlessness. While Bluford "Blue" Duck‘s legacy may be a mixed one, his life remains a fascinating chapter in the history of the American West.