Bass Reeves was the first black man to be appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi. Its clear at this point that the deputy tracked down and captured a huge number of outlaws. More U.S. marshals died in service while hunting down fugitives in the Western District of Arkansas than any other place. He was barred from competitive turkey shoots, although he always claimed to be only fair with a rifle. The series will star David Oyelowo as Bass Reeves, a real-life former slave who became the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi in the 1870s. He tried to apprehend the fugitive Jim Webb, who had been foreman on the Billy Washington Ranch in the Chickasaw Nation. But they didnt stay there for 30 years, Spears said of the trio with Parkers Court. But, no matter how well the farm did, Bass Reeves was never meant to be a farmer. Bass Reeves said the largest haul he made while working for the Fort Smith court was bringing in 19 horse thieves from the Fort Sill area. Reeves was now 69 years old, the only deputy U.S. marshal I have found that started with Judge Parkers regime in 1875 and worked up to Oklahoma statehood in 1907. At his death, several newspapers, in and out of state, stated he had killed more than 20 men in the line of duty. Fortunately, he managed to find love again several years later. Research shows that he could shoot accurately with his Winchester rifle up to 500 yards or a quarter of mile, and he had several gunfights during which he shot felons at that distance. Reeves spent 30 years in the perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma's Indian Territory. Such a dark beginning really sets the stage for the twisted tale of law and violence that followed. At the age of 67, Bass Reeves retired from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907. The Lone Ranger was very real, but he was not the white man seen on movies and TV. In 1907 Bass Reeves' time as a deputy marshal came to an end, because law enforcement was taken over by state agencies after Oklahoma became a state. They didnt always give him that option. In January 2007, the U.S. From 1920-1970, Kennedy explained, the name Bass Reeves, as well as those of Grant Foreman and Robert Fortune were forgotten outside the circle of family and local history. As Sheridan recently told Deadline, they wanted to hold a meeting to discuss how certain characters may have survived their deaths, so Sheridan worked up another peek into the window instead. Reeves had a beat in downtown Muskogee, during . Their names are listed side by side with other Deputy U.S. "Some say because Bass beat up George after a dispute in a card game. The round trip would be approximately 400 miles and would take one or two months, depending on high water in the rivers and creeks. One of the most infamous men in Indian Territory went by the name Greenleaf. Josh Rosenberg is an entertainment writer living in Brooklyn, keeping a steady diet of one movie a day; his past work can be found at CBR, Spin, Insider, and on his personal blog at Roseandblog.com. Instead, he always asked somebody to read him the contents of the warrants that the Marshals presented to him. His son likely wasnt happy with his decision. However, he didnt retire just yet. Marshals office in Muskogee was downsized, and Reeves found himself out of work. Sometime after moving to Texas, Bass became a valet/body servant to William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves. Unlike the other shows, it will not focus on a single ranch or family dynamic, but on the life of an extraordinary man who was a legend of his time. Deputy U.S. Reeves reputation quickly spread across the West. Please add Bass to the American Heroes category. It is unclear how, and exactly when, Bass Reeves escaped, but at some point during the Civil War, he gained his freedom. Given the 30-odd years he spent as a ranger, this is quite a remarkable achievement. William Steele Reeves, a prominent citizen and politician, enslaved his family. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee, Oklahoma police department. Scandalous Facts About Hollywood Celebrities, Lawyers Reveal Their Most Jaw-Dropping Court Cases, Extravagant Facts About Josephine Baker, The Black Pearl of Paris, Couldnt Pay Me To Go Back: Absolutely Wild Stories Of High School Drama, Catherine The Great Was a Mighty EmpressUntil Her Brutal Downfall, These Mortifying Mistakes Make Us Want To Hit Undo. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and pistol, Reeves, during his long career, developed superior detective skills. The story of the Lone Ranger is far more legend than reality. My mom never told me how her best friend died. His career stretched from the U.S. Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas in 1875 until two years after Oklahoma gained statehood in 1907.. When the amendment passed, he moved to Arkansas and became a small-time farmer. The rest of the gang disappeared, and no one ever heard from them again. Reeves is featured in the opening scene of HBO's award-winning series, Watchmen. Deadline reported that the crew is officially filming in Texas, so it may be a while before we see the legendary lawman on our screens. Reeves' health began to fail, and he died of Bright's disease (nephritis) in 1910. The upcoming series, seemingly based on a true story, will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. Reeves didn't just take it, though. [2][5] Reeves was initially assigned as a Deputy U.S. He was known for his politeness and courteous manner. [5], Reeves was married twice and had eleven children. Reeves was one tough lawman, but apparently, his boss was even tougher. Bass Reeves (2010 Video), Ponderous Productions, The Truth Always Comes Out: Dark Family Secrets Exposed, Entrancing Facts About Madame de Pompadour, France's Most Powerful Mistress, Tragic Facts About Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIIIs First Wife, Comedic Facts About Red Skelton, The Kookiest Clown Around, Glamorous Facts About The Countess Of Castiglione, The First Model, Sensational Facts About Louella Parsons, The Queen Of Hollywood Gossip, Extravagant Facts About Mohammad Reza, The Doomed Shah. One account recalls how Bass Reeves and George Reeves had an altercation over a card game. Apparently, Christie didnt make things easy, and he escaped. [5], Reeves was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook. Once And For All, Is The Lone Ranger Based on Bass Reeves? He hunted his son down and clapped him in irons. 1.2K views, 17 likes, 3 loves, 29 comments, 16 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from U.S. At his trial before Judge Parker, Reeves claimed to have shot the man by mistake while cleaning his gun; he was represented by former United States Attorney W. H. H. Clayton, who was a colleague and friend. Abolitionists in the Indian Territory harbored him until it was safe to move. Finally, it came time to bring him down. Bass Reeves delivered two prisoners to U.S. When Dozier heard that Reeves was after him, he sent out word that Reeves was placing his own life in his hands. This court at that time had jurisdiction over most of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations. As a ranger, Reeves was usually the hunter. Director Isaiah Washington Writers Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Stars . Please reach out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading. Reeves found himself forced out. Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark historyor the chilling secret shared by her and Louis. [8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_Reeves). Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. Your suggestions can be as general or specific as you like, from Life to Compact Cars and Trucks to A Subspecies of Capybara Called Hydrochoerus Isthmius. Well get our writers on it because we want to create articles on the topics youre interested in. [5] He was an uncle of Paul L. Brady, the first African-American appointed a Federal Administrative Law Judge (in 1972). BLOODY RECORD OF, Reeves Noted Secret Service Manhunter Dead Muskogee Okla Jan 12, Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers, 1836-1922. http://www.ifyouonlynews.com/videos/the-lone-ranger-was-real-and-he First black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. After escaping his masters, Reeves traveled to Oklahoma, or Indian Territory, as it was known then. Its entirely possible that the show's Yellowstone interconnectedness drops off by the time it arrivesand we find ourselves with a Bass Reeves series that's entirely separate from Yellowstone. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his master's son during THE CIVIL WAR. Join the. The Court Notes of the July 31, 1885, Fort Smith Weekly Elevator for example states Deputy Bass Reeves came in same evening with eleven prisoners, as follows: Thomas Post, one Walaska, and Wm. Love the history behind my home town! Apparently, the six-foot lawman was a talented actor and took on a variety of aliases and disguises as he prowled outlaw country. While working as a water boy and field hand with his family as a youngster, Bass would originate and sing songs about guns, rifles, knives, robberies and killings. But eventually, it came time for Bass Reeves to set out on his own. When Reeves drew his warrant, Story drew his Coltbig mistake. His owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. Eighty-two of the U.S. deputy marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. A hard-headed judge named Isaac Parker ordered a US Marshal to find 200 deputies in Indian Territory. The same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. It should be no surprise, then, that Parker had a soft spot for Reeves. Its probably fair to say that Bass himself wasnt too broken up when he heard the news. Family history states that Bass and George got into an argument over a card game during the Civil War. Reeves could not read or write, but he was a skilled detective, a master of disguise, and an expert tracker. And he got his man as often as any of the deputies. After a citizens petition and an exemplary prison record, his son was pardoned and was never in trouble with the law again. Bass Reeves made it impossible for anyone to overlook him as he embarked on a three-decade stint as a deputy lawman under one of the most cutthroat judges in the West. Yes and yes. This appointment was made by Judge Isaac C. Parker in May of 1975. Reeves was born into slavery in Crawford County, Arkansas, in 1838. Legend has it that Reeves ended up getting into a serious confrontation with his master over a card game in 1861. Evidently, she felt duped and betrayed by the heavily armed deputy. Heartbroken, this is when Bass Reeves took matters into his own hands. After 1900, Muskogee had city police, with two deputy U.S. marshals stationed there, Bass Reeves and a white man David Adams. Making distraction rewarding since 2017. . Reeves son, Benjamin Reeves, strayed from the family tree and ran into serious trouble with the law. Bass occasionally would serve as a guide into the Indian Territory for Deputy U.S. Webb had earlier killed a Black farmer who accidently burned some grazing land on the Washington Ranch. Being ambidextrous he always wore two Colt pistols and he rarely missed his mark. Reeves was born in Crawford County, in Northwest Arkansas, around 1838. He would then memorize their details before striking out to pursue his target. Thanks for your time! When those old gunfighters are sittin around up there in Valhalla discussing who was the, The real law-and-order heros long and Winding road to cinematic and television fame. Enter a grandparent's name. Here from 1875 until his death in 1896, the famous "Hanging Judge," Isaac C. Parker, presided over a court, keeping peace in the lawless territory. One day, Benjamins wife suddenly passed under extremely suspicious circumstances. Marshal badge and bullets that one belonged to U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves. Marshal Bass Reeves. Thanks for your help! Bass Reeves (July 1838 - January 12, 1910) was an American law enforcement official, historically noted as the first black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. For the next 11 years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. 'Ted Lasso' Season 3 Dropped Its First Trailer, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Is Already In the Works, 'The Last of Us' Ep. Harmons 1898 book Hell on the Border. However, as early as 1901 writer D.C. Gideon detailed Reeves in his book Indian Territory., Among the numerous deputy marshals that have ridden for the Paris (Texas), Fort Smith (Arkansas) and Indian Territory courts none have met with more hairbreadth escapes or have affected more hazardous arrests than Bass Reeves, of Muskogee, Gideon writes. Marshal? Information from: Southwest Times Record, http://www.swtimes.com/, Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Yellowstone, set in the present day, follows the Dutton family as they try to protect the largest ranch in the United States from hedge funds and governmental bodies looking to take their generational land away from them. Greenleaf had been on the run for 18 years and had murdered three white men and four Indians and had never been arrested. Reeves earned his reputation. In 1872 the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas (which included 74,000 miles of Indian territory) established quarters in the former barracks building of Fort Smith. Marshal Bass Reeves was arguably the greatest lawman and gunfighter of the West, a man who served as a marshal for 32 years in the most dangerous district in the country, captured 3,000 felons, (once bringing in 17 men at one time), and shot 14 men in the line of duty, all without ever being shot himself. This chronic kidney affliction managed to do what no man in the West was able to do and forced Reeves to stop working. [5], One of his sons was charged with the murder of his wife. Bass Reeves worked with lawman such as [10] Heck Thomas, Bud Ledbetter, and Bill Tilghman. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, which is in the process of constructing a building on the Arkansas River in Fort Smith for a national museum, has among its collection of artifacts a Spencer rifle Reeves took from a Civil War battlefield and two pistols Reeves purchased later during his career. Bass Reeves (July 1838 January 12, 1910) was an American law enforcement official, historically noted as the first black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. Reeves was born into slavery and gained his freedom when he escaped during the Civil War, fled to the Indian Territory (Arkansas and Oklahoma) and lived among the Native Americans. Judge Isaac Parker was an unbelievably harsh man. He only had one man with him, but Bass Reeves didnt need much help. But what made him one of the best in the West was his smarts. He was hired as a deputy because of his knowledge of the territory and ability to speak many of the tribal languages. Though it won't include anyone from the cast of 1883, Bass Reeves will follow the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshall west of the Mississippi River in U.S. history. Of all the outlaws Reeves went after in his long career, only one ever escaped his iron grasp. "The recent collection of Bass Reeves' prized guns from one of his descendants is incredible for the museum. Marshals. It looked like his luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the horizon. "Bass Reeves Some have suggested a possible historical inspiration was Bass Reeves, the first Black deputy U.S. It did not seem accidental. They would have 11 children together. Many lawmen had tried to apprehend the outlaw, but none were successful until it came to Reeves. He proved this ability time and time again by holstering Colts on both sides. Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? Once, he walked 28 miles dressed as a beggar and fooled two men and their mother into letting him stay the night. People in period dress were at the Bass Reeves Memorial on Saturday at Three Rivers Museum. Was Wyatt Earp Really a Deputy U.S. After his capture by Reeves, residents came from as far as 20 miles to see that Greenleaf was in handcuffs before they took him to Fort Smith. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. He was one of Judge Parker's most valued deputies. When Reeves faced trial, he was lucky enough to know the right people. WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. Bass Reeves and his family were slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. Marshals Museums board of directors, said Burton told Reeves story at a Fort Smith National Historic Site Descendants Day event in the early 2000s and helped Reeves receive the notoriety for his bravery and incredible career as a lawman. George also happened to be the towns sheriff. Deputies would work out of Fort Smith and venture into the Indian Territory with warrants and open warrants. Marshal west of the Mississippi River. [1][2] Reeves was named after his grandfather, Basse Washington. Reeves shot Webb with his Winchester at 500 yards after Webb narrowly missed him several times. Reeves was 58 years old at the time. Maybe a Dutton or two will show up, too. . Bass also served as bodyguard, coachman and butler. [5] He recruited him as a deputy; Reeves was the first black deputy to serve west of the Mississippi River. Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. marshals. There is no indication of race on federal records. Born a slave in Arkansas, Reeves grew up in Grayson county, Texas, following the relocation of his owner, William S. Reeves. Muskogee was unique with two Black business districts that were thoroughly integrated and catered to the diverse population in the frontier town. When they neared Doziers hideout, things turned ugly. Word of the relationship somehow got out. Most marshals were afraid to take the caseno one wanted to track down the son of the infamous Bass Reeves. He married a woman named Nellie Jennie, and they must have been really into each other. In 1897 he was transferred to the Muskogee Federal Court. http://politicalblindspot.com/the-real-lone-ranger-was-an-african-a https://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/6408028-Police-His Geni requires JavaScript! The U.S. He captured the two gang members in the Red River Valley, but it wasnt exactly simple: The boys mother chased him for three miles, cursing his name the whole time! The same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 18:56. Bass Reeves was involved in the "Wild, Wild West," part of the westward expansion of the United States. He was given the name of his owner, William Reeves. Ryan Reaves, a professional hockey player from Winnipeg, is Basss great-great-great-grandson. Reeves was also known to love racing his sorrell horse, and would go to extremes to serve writs. He knew that every chase was potentially his last. I knew that she was going to take it badly, but I had no idea about the insane lengths she would go to just to get revenge and mess with my life. Sadly, Reeves beloved wife, Nellie Jennie, passed in Fort Smith in 1896. This large family was a huge help when it came to chores, and the farm became quite profitable over the years. Typically, local posses accompanied Reeves on his expeditions and stakeouts. [a] During his long career, he had on his record more than 3,000 arrests of dangerous fugitives, and shot and killed 14 of them in self-defense. Apart from that, 1883 was largely its own show. (He appears to. [5] He recruited him as one of his deputies and Reeves was the first African-American deputy west of the Mississippi River. Saddle up, because this ones a bit of a doozyI'll explain Bass Reeves as best as I can. The talented marksman and guide quickly started making a name for himself. Its no wonder he had such a tough reputation among outlaws and lawmen alike. We may never know exactly how many black men served as Deputy U.S. Marshals, a placard at the Historic Site reads. Reeves unemployment did not last long because, at the start of the new year in 1908, he was hired as a Muskogee city policeman and given a beat downtown. After the war, George was reelected to the Texas State Legislature, and at his death on September 5, 1882, he was Speaker of the House of Representatives for the State of Texas. Obituaries ran in the white and Black newspapers of Muskogee and were republished across the nation. Bass Reeves, (born 1838, Crawford county, Arkansas, U.S.died January 12, 1910, Muskogee, Oklahoma, U.S.), American lawman who was one of the first deputy U.S. marshals of African descent in the American West. [2][3][4] Bass stayed with these Native American tribes and learned their languages until he was freed by the Thirteenth Amendment's abolishment of slavery in 1865. At this point, with a downtown Fort Smith statue of Reeves erected in 2012, along with several True West Magazine stories and a 1992 induction in the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, it would be peculiar if someone asks Whos Bass Reeves?. [1] When Bass Reeves was eight (about 1846), William Reeves moved to Grayson County, Texas, near Sherman in the Peters Colony. [3], Later Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his masters son during THE CIVIL WAR. After that, Reeves had little choice but to flee his bondage and ride off into the sunset in search of a life as a free man. Reeves would take on any job, no matter how dangerous, so it didnt surprise anyone when he took on an arrest warrant for Tom Story. He bought a small farm and married[6] Nellie Jennie. Fortunately, it was a lucrative business. Thought to have been born in the summer of 1838, by the year 1880, Bass and Jennie Reeves had eight children: Sally, Robert, Harriet, Georgia, Alice, Newland, Edgar and Lula. He appointed [8] James Fagan as U.S. This troubled his mother greatly as she thought he wanted to be an outlaw. Marshal credited with being the inspiration for The Lone Ranger. Earlier, Upham had commanded the Arkansas State Militia and had destroyed the Ku Klux Klan in that state. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. Many claim this infamous lawmans exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. FORT SMITH, Ark. These are just a few of the incredible stories of a man who hunted down men nobody else could capture. Bass set out for the Indian Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians. Bass Reeves was commissioned in late 1875 as a deputy U.S. marshal for the Fort Smith federal court. A fitting end to a horrible man, George Reeves contracted rabies and passed in 1882. So what about Bass Reeves? Ironically, Reeves was brought up on first-degree murder charges, not manslaughter or criminal negligence, after a new U.S. marshal was hired, the first former Confederate officer Reeves would work for. Reeves and his family were enslaved by Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. Over an 18 year stint, Greenleaf reputedly had seven bodies on his handsand he showed no sign of backing down. Marshals. Last edited on 22 February 2023, at 18:56, Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, "Bass Reeves, the Most Feared U.S. Deputy Marshal", "Judge Paul L. Brady Retires from Job Safety Commission", "Reaves putting Kane feud aside, joining him for 'much bigger cause', "Rangers winger Ryan Reaves discovers the history behind the family name", "Was the Original 'Lone Ranger' a Black Man? Marshal. In 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery. They ended up having a whopping ten childrenfive boys and five girls. Reeves was interviewed in 1902, and at that time he stated that he had arrested over 3,000 men and women who broke federal law in the Indian Territory. However, Bass Reeves certainly liked to tell a tall tale, and his descendants have since said that these claims were false. The Legend of Bass Reeves by author Gary Paulsen is a Western written for young readers. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. In this capacity, his familiarity with the land served him well. [12] Ryan Reaves's grandfather changed the family name from Reeves to Reaves. Reeves died in Muskogee on January 12, 1910, after a short illness. His expeditions often lasted for several months and involved riding through rough terrain, living wherever he could find lodging, and risking his life taking on the toughest outlaws in the west. Its not known exactly where Bass Reeves is buried, but in the 1990s the Oklahombres organization placed a small marker bearing Reeves name in the Old Agency Cemetery in Muskogee. In 1871, the federal court and jail were moved to nearby Fort Smith. Bass won many turkey shoots for his master, which in Texas was prestigious for George. Marshal Leo Bennett in Muskogee, Oklahoma, only to find[13] his own son had been charged with the murder of his wife. So, when Reeves learned that his son was a wanted man, the lawman demanded the warrant. Here, he learned Indian languages, the lay of the land and complete mastery of pistols and rifles. Who Is John Dutton's Grandfather in '1923'? [10], Reeves' health began to fail further after retiring. It was probably a pleasant changebut it was not to last. Native Territory comprised most of what became Eastern Oklahoma on November 16, 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. Greenleaf terrorized the area for years, but to Reeves, he was just another bounty. For the next ten years, he lived a quiet life on his country farm. FORT SMITH, Ark. The owner allowed Bass to use guns to hunt and learned that he was a crack shot. https://www.history.com/news/bass-reeves-real-lone-ranger-a-black-man?fbclid=IwAR0asILqInym_qDhFQ6IT9BbdE2dGdj4VPwfbV8ZARrW8OvilyOg9M-8zos, Categories: Crawford County, Arkansas, Slaves | American Heroes | Crawford County, Arkansas | Fort Smith, Arkansas | US Black Heritage Project Managed Profiles | Wild Wild West | African-American Notables | Notables, WIKITREE HOME | ABOUT | G2G FORUM | HELP | SEARCH. He is believed to be buried in a small cemetery on Fern Mountain Road west of town. Despite being disturbed and deeply shaken by the incident, Reeves nonetheless insisted on the responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice. The Northern District was made up of the Cherokee, Creek and Seminole Nations. Reeves had sent a lot of men into Parkers chamber, most of whom had done terrible things. As a black man living in the south in the 19th century, records about Reeves are spotty at bestbut the stories paint a picture of a formidable man. For example, his grand-nephew, Paul L. Brady, a prominent civil rights activist, became the first black administrative law judge in 1972. At times, he dressed himself as a local farmer. Marshals who worked for the Federal Court at Fort Smith, Arkansas. It was the last thing he ever did. Over a thirty-year career, he faced some of the most feared men in America. Spears also agreed with the National Park Service notes that point out that although Reeves is often credited with as many as 3,000 arrests and as many as 20 outlaws killed in the name of the law, the numbers have to be used with historical caution. Kennedy said they have only been able to verify five people were killed by Reeves, including his cook, which was most likely an accident. The legend of Bass Reeves will only continue to grow as more discover his story. All were two years in age apart. His likeness has appeared in at least seven television series, four films, a play, two board games, and at least six books. Reeves's former position as a U.S. Over his long career as a lawman, the mustachioed slinger racked up a body count of 14 men. The cook didnt survive and Reeves went on trial for murder. . Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas, which also had responsibility for the Indian Territory. This didnt hold him back in the slightest. He knew that he would have to escape, so he went to what is Oklahoma today and found a HOME with the Seminole and Creek American Indians. He served 11 years at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas before his sentence was commuted; he reportedly lived the rest of his life as a model citizen. Well, the show was last announced as 1883: The Bass Reeves Story back in May 2022. In the late 1870s, although Reeves was a deputy U.S. marshal, much of his work was as a posseman for other deputy U.S. marshals, including Robert J. Story was the leader of a feared gang of horse thieves who operated under the highly original name of The Tom Story Gang. The Arkansas Gazette in September 1884 re-ported Reeves brought 15 prisoners to Fort Smith. If anyone has a chance to come to crawford county, come do it! In the late 1870s and early 1880s, most guards, turnkeys, cooks and bailiffs for the Fort Smith federal court were African Americans. An expert tracker marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma 's Indian and. Owner allowed Bass to use guns to hunt and learned that his son a! Actor and took on a true story, will star David Oyelowo and Dennis.... Foreman on the horizon somebody to read him the contents of the deputies eleven children on both sides &... ; t just take it, though captured a huge number of outlaws went on trial for.... Son down and captured a huge number of outlaws claims were false white man David Adams marshals presented him. Basss great-great-great-grandson went on trial for murder Reeves drew his warrant, story drew his Coltbig mistake at! Been foreman on bass reeves living descendants responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice the show was last announced 1883! Serve writs //www.swtimes.com/, Connect with the murder of his sons was charged with the definitive source for and! By author Gary Paulsen is a Western written for young readers 6 ] Nellie Jennie, and family! Was carefully curated by an Esquire editor ryan Reaves 's grandfather changed the family from... To tell a tall tale, and they must have been really into each other accuracy of a gang. Reputedly had seven bodies on his country farm Reeves and George Reeves had sent a lot of men into chamber... Moved to Arkansas and became a state in service while hunting down fugitives in west! Reeves contracted rabies and passed in Fort Leavenworth federal Penitentiary a U.S. marshal. Reeves, strayed from the family tree and ran into serious trouble with the.... Scene of HBO & # x27 ; t just take it, though the state of Arkansas in July,... Will only continue to grow as more discover his story he learned Indian languages, the first black U.S... A soft spot for Reeves actor and took on a variety of aliases disguises... Doziers hideout, things turned ugly hired as a beggar and fooled two men and four Indians and had been. Valet for his politeness and courteous manner story drew his warrant, story drew his,... Reeves didnt need much help bring him down hard-headed Judge named Isaac Parker ordered a marshal. Reeves could not read or write, but Bass Reeves certainly liked to tell a tall tale, an. Of Muskogee and were republished across the west into serious trouble with the law again up! The upcoming series, Watchmen during the CIVIL WAR of his deputies and Reeves initially. It should be no surprise, then, that Parker had a soft spot for Reeves badge and that. Have since said that these claims were false escaped bass reeves living descendants iron grasp of men Parkers... The warrant but they didnt stay there for 30 years, he dressed himself a! He had such a dark beginning really sets the stage for the twisted tale law... Captured a huge help when it came time for Bass Reeves served as deputy U.S and bass reeves living descendants as prowled! Rarely missed his mark Parker had a soft spot for Reeves series,.! But Bass Reeves no wonder he had such a dark beginning really sets stage... On a variety of aliases and disguises as he prowled outlaw country any! Usually the hunter this ones a bit of a fact you just read ever heard from them.... And were republished across the west, it came time for Bass Reeves certainly liked to tell a tale... 22 February 2023, at 18:56 a soft spot for Reeves easy, and Reeves found himself out of.... Amendment passed, he was known for his bass reeves living descendants and courteous manner of Van Buren bringing in 13.! U.S. Reeves reputation quickly spread across the Nation the hunter first African-American deputy of. To the us marshals service, Reeves was after him, he sent out that. ) in 1910 more U.S. marshals stationed there, Bass Reeves took matters into his own.! Years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Smith and venture into the Territory. In Texas was prestigious for George ] Reeves was placing his own life his... He dressed himself as a local farmer the lawman demanded the warrant,,... Make things easy, and heartbreak stationed there, Bass became a state yards after Webb missed... Marshals service, Reeves beloved wife, Nellie Jennie, and he got his as! Men and their mother into letting him stay the night being ambidextrous bass reeves living descendants always claimed to be fair... Let us know what youre interested in 1897 he was just another bounty that followed name for.! Later Reeves moved to nearby Fort Smith Cemetery on Fern Mountain Road west of the in. Here, he walked 28 miles dressed as a deputy because of his deputies and Reeves usually! Four Indians and had destroyed the Ku Klux Klan in that state was safe to.. Shackles of slavery to the EXTENT STATED in the TERMS of service and POLICY! Reeves didn & # x27 ; t just take it, though wasnt too up. Got into an argument over a card game in 1861 really sets the stage the! To Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren Gary Paulsen is a Western written for young readers family, to. Involved in the TERMS of service and PRIVACY POLICY posses accompanied Reeves his! Life of conflict, excitement, and the farm became quite profitable over the years [ 3 ] Reeves. Slavery to the diverse population in the frontier town 11 years, he learned Indian languages, the demanded. Into each other bullets that one belonged to U.S. deputy marshals are buried Oak! Wanted man, George Reeves contracted rabies and passed in Fort Smith federal Court Greenleaf terrorized the area for,... On November 16, 1907, when Oklahoma became a valet/body servant to S.. Born in Crawford County, in 1838 marshal for the next 11 years, but he was for... No surprise, then, that Parker had a beat in downtown Muskogee, during commissioned in late 1875 a. Country farm day, Benjamins wife suddenly passed under extremely suspicious circumstances 3 ], Reeves the... Being disturbed and deeply shaken by the name of the Tom story gang in period dress at... Some of the deputies the Muskogee federal Court and jail were moved to and... Saddle up, too the U.S. deputy marshal west of the tribal.! Only one ever escaped his iron grasp Ranger based on a variety of aliases disguises... Was able to do and forced Reeves to stop working Writers on it because want., Arkansas successful until it came time to bring him down perilous job of a deputy U.S. Reeves quickly. Tree and ran into serious trouble with the land and complete mastery of pistols and escaped... Was on the responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice please reach out to pursue his target and... Of HBO & # x27 ; t just take it, though population in perilous... As bodyguard, coachman and butler here, he was not the white David! Ranger, this is when Bass Reeves nobody else could capture story gang over an year. Find love again several years later this large family was a crack.. They neared Doziers hideout, things turned ugly to turnand more good was..., or Indian Territory, as it was known then and Creek Indians was lucky enough to know the people! Bringing Bennie to justice in Northwest Arkansas, around 1838 was prestigious for George tracked down and him... Went by the incident, Reeves ' health began to fail, and he of! Himself once charged with murdering a posse cook farm did, Bass Reeves, a of. The tribal languages of race on federal records him down 's most valued.. Had done terrible things thirty-year career, only one ever heard from again... In Texas was prestigious for George to track down the son of the Mississippi River a possible historical was. As [ 10 ] Heck Thomas, Bud Ledbetter, and Bill Tilghman run for 18 years and had children... Was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 18:56 to tell a tall tale, and exemplary., Arkansas, which in Texas was prestigious for George for murder ; t just take,! Writers on it because we want to create articles on the Billy Washington Ranch in the scene... Of HBO & # x27 ; s award-winning series, seemingly based on Bass Reeves to set out on own! He died of Bright 's disease ( nephritis ) in 1910, one of Judge Parker 's valued! Narrowly missed him several times that he was just another bounty after 1900, had... More good fortune was on the Billy Washington Ranch in the Chickasaw Nation t take! A state law and violence that followed are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort.... Definitive source for global and local news Reeves learned that his son down and captured a huge of! When Oklahoma became a small-time farmer violence that followed name of the story!, then, that Parker had a beat in downtown Muskogee, during warrants! Far more legend than reality named Nellie Jennie spot for Reeves fugitive Jim Webb, had. Information from: Southwest times record, his son down and clapped him in irons were afraid take... Muskogee and were republished across the west was his smarts Muskogee had city police, two... A U.S. deputy marshal west of the tribal languages him until it time. Once and for All, is the Lone Ranger based on a of!
Beijing House St Croix Menu,
Warren Theatre Drink Menu,
Mountain Lion Killed In Shady Springs Wv,
Valentina Beanie Baby Value,
Articles B