Belle Drewry
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The "Woman in Blue," better known as Belle Drewry, lived in Arland, Wyoming during the 1890's. During her time in Arland she became involved with a cowboy from the Pitchfork Ranch named William A. Gallagher.
Gallagher and Drewry's relationship continued until 1894 when Belle Drewry met Bill Wheaton. Wheaton and Drewry began seeing each other and upon hearing the news William A. Gallagher became enraged. Gallagher took Wheaton and Drewry hostage and held them at gunpoint. During this time Belle Drewry informed Bill Wheaton as to the whereabouts of a weapon. After holding Wheaton and Drewry for approximately two hours, Gallagher attempted to pass off the incident as a practical joke. Gallagher released Belle Drewry, who then began to walk into town. Wondering where Drewry had gone Gallagher went outside to look for her and was shot by Bill Wheaton.
William "Blind Bill" Hollihan, a friend of Gallagher's, vowed to avenge his death. However, Blind Bill himself was killed only a few days later, possibly by Wheaton.
Bill Wheaton was sentenced to eight years in the Wyoming State Penitentiary for the murder of William A. Gallagher, but was released after serving only four years.
The year before Wheaton's release Belle Drewry was involved in an altercation with yet another ornery cowboy. The incident ended with Drewry killing the man who had been shooting out windows and firing his weapon indoors. Belle Drewry was killed the next night in retaliation. She was laid to rest in Arland, Wyoming. Her remains were later moved to the Old Trail Town in Cody, Wyoming where they remain to this day alongside the remains of William A. Gallagher and William "Blind Bill" Hollihan.
The town of Arland was abandoned shortly after the murder of Belle Drewry.
