Henry Starr, Harrison, February 1921.
Robert Raley/Boone County Library Collection (S-87-38-31)

In February 1921 notorious outlaw Henry Starr was one of several men who tried to rob the Peoples National Bank on Harrison’s square. Before the robbery they cut telephone lines and surveyed the bank and square.

The bank’s former president, William J. Meyers, happened to be in the bank that day. Once the cashier opened the safe the thieves began grabbing money. A distraction caused by an uncooperative patron turned their attention away from the safe, allowing Meyers a chance to grab the .38 caliber Winchester rifle stored in the vault. He shot and wounded Starr. Starr told his men to flee; eventually they were caught and tried. Starr died a few days after the robbery.