Born: 1876 (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
Died: 1955 (Medway, Ohio)
Biography: Lulu Bell Parr (November 14, 1876 – January 17, 1955) was a remarkable Wild West performer known for her incredible talents in sharpshooting, trick riding, bronc riding, and buffalo riding. Throughout her career, she gained the well-deserved title of the Champion Lady Bucking Horse Rider of the World. Lulu’s exceptional skills, courage, and dedication to her craft left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment and women’s history.
Lulu Bell Parr was born on November 14, 1876, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Tragically, both her parents passed away when she was just three years old, leaving her in the care of her uncle. With only her seven-year-old brother as immediate family, Lulu lived with her Uncle and Aunt on their farm in Fort Wayne.
On March 31, 1896, Lulu married George Barrett in Jefferson County, Ohio. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1902, and Lulu found herself starting a new chapter in her life as she relocated to Steubenville, Ohio.
In 1903, Lulu embarked on an exciting journey by joining the Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Brighton Tour, which took her all the way to Europe. During her time there, she had the esteemed privilege of meeting several royals, including England’s King Edward. Lulu’s exceptional talent and daring performances caught the attention of Buffalo Bill Cody, and she soon joined Pawnee Bill’s Wild West program, associated with Buffalo Bill’s famous show. Cody himself was immensely impressed by Lulu’s fearless feats, stating in an interview, Bronco busting isn’t a game for the timid and weak… Death lurks close every time a rider mounts up.
In recognition of her incredible skills, Buffalo Bill Cody presented Lulu with a Colt single-action revolver in 1911. This special revolver had an ivory handle and was engraved with the words Buffalo Bill Cody to Lulu Parr – 1911. It was a testament to Lulu’s remarkable talent and the respect she garnered from her peers.
After leaving Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show in 1913, Lulu joined the 101 Ranch Wild West program, which embarked on a tour to South America. During a performance in Argentina, Lulu received great honor as the country’s President, Jose Figueroa Alcorta, attended the show and showered her with flowers and gifts. Lulu’s charisma and skill continued to captivate audiences wherever she went.
Sadly, as the popularity of Wild West shows began to wane, Lulu found herself struggling financially. She tirelessly toured different shows, but the financial rewards were meager. By 1929, Lulu was left penniless and decided to retire from show business. She spent her remaining days in Dayton, Ohio, where she resided with her brother, who cared for his ailing wife.
Although Lulu faced hardships in her later years, she found joy in entertaining the neighboring children, often recounting her daring feats and adventures from her Wild West days. Lulu’s bedroom was filled with souvenirs, flamboyant costumes she meticulously handcrafted, cherished photographs, and the Colt revolver given to her by Buffalo Bill Cody.
Lulu Bell Parr’s incredible story came to an end on January 17, 1955, in Medway, Ohio. Her legacy lives on as a trailblazer in the field of Wild West performances, a woman of exceptional talent and bravery who defied societal expectations and left an indelible mark on both entertainment and women’s history.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 2005.