He said he took part in the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and the Battle of Chickamauga. For a slave to hit his master in Texas was punishable by death. His long muscular arms have attached to them a pair of hands that would do credit to a giant and they handle a revolver with the ease and grace acquired only after years of practice. He went back to work as one of the deputies of the Western District of Arkansas at Fort Smith under Judge Isaac C. Parker. Years later, I was using her phone when I made an utterly chilling discovery. The cook didnt survive and Reeves went on trial for murder. Fortunately, he had another useful skill. Im sitting here going, Guys, everyone is dead. 1883: The Bass Reeves Story will be another peek inside that era. Fortunately, it was a lucrative business. Answer (1 of 6): I am just glancing at census records after first reading about Bass Reeves on Wikipedia, but it looks to me like he married Winnie Summer about 1899-1900, when he was around 59 and she was around 38, and that his children and hers were both from previous marriages. However, he didnt retire just yet. Fortunately, though, he had some connections. by Art T. Burton | Jan 25, 2021 | Features & Gunfights, This is the best known photograph of Deputy U.S. Despite taking down over 3,000 outlaws and getting into dozens of dust-ups, the rough and tumble lawman never fell victim to any serious injuries. Bass Reeves was born a slave. The same newspaper in March of 1885 reported Reeves bringing in 13 prisoners. [13], In 1992, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.[43]. The St. Louis Globe Democrat in October 1885 reported that Reeves had arrested 17 felons in the Indian Territory and brought them to Fort Smith. Oklahoma became a state in 1907. In 1875, everything changed for Reeves. In 1887, Reeves had to sell his home and farm in the Catcher Community near Van Buren to pay for his first-degree murder defense with attorneys William H.H. He was hired as a deputy because of his knowledge of the territory and ability to speak many of the tribal languages. Heartbroken, this is when Bass Reeves took matters into his own hands. Reeves and Webb had a gunfight in June 1884 near Bywaters Store, which was a stagecoach stop. Its probably fair to say that Bass himself wasnt too broken up when he heard the news. The owner allowed Bass to use guns to hunt and learned that he was a crack shot. [78] Reeves was born into slavery in Grayson County, Texas in 1838. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. As it turns out, the time to draw seemed to come up a lot. 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. Claude Legris, executive director of the Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission and a member of the U.S. Tontos fictionalized story was far from the only racist part of the adaptation of the Lone Rangers life. He handed down a hefty sentence: Life in prison. Over his career, Reeves made a lot of enemies. According to an Oklahoma news article in 1907, outlaws in the West had a habit of posting cards on their turf with warnings to certain deputies. Marshals who rode for Parker have received fame over the years: Paden Tolbert bringing in Ned Christie, for example. It focuses on the true story of a little-known marshal who patrolled the old Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma. He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. Connect to the World Family Tree to find out, July 1838 - Crawford County, United States, Ozoliiiulsioii Co., ; IS Pearl at., New York. Despite his brutal methods, Reeves was an honorable man to his core. Reeves never learned to read, so he memorized his arrest warrants. 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. Over his long career as a lawman, the mustachioed slinger racked up a body count of 14 men. Reeves remained with this federal district until 1897, when he was transferred to the new Northern District of Indian Territory at Muskogee. Reeves spent 30 years in the perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma's Indian Territory. He hunted his son down and clapped him in irons. [5] He married Nellie Jennie from Texas, with whom he had ten children, five boys and five girls. 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. One day, a posse cook caught a bullet from Reeves trusty Colt while the lawman was cleaning it. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass Reevess descendants, the Southwest Times Record reported. Tragically, Reeves accidentally shot his cook on one of his trips into the Indian Territory in 1884. Marshals. When Bass was eight, the Reeves family moved to northern Texas to Peters Colony in Grayson County near Sherman, Texas. In fact, his personality was so warm that it comes up in countless contemporary sources detailing his many adventures and arrests. At this time Bass was married to his wife, Jennie, who was also from Texas, and they had four children. setTimeout(function(){var t=document.createElement("script");t.setAttribute("src","https://sample.dragonforms.com/getEmbeddedClientScript.do?embeddedsite=TW_dispatch_nl"),t.setAttribute("type","text/javascript"),document.body.appendChild(t)},5); Become a subscriber today and youll recieve a new issue every month plus unlimited access to our full archive of backlogged issues. CONTENT MAY BE COPYRIGHTED BY WIKITREE COMMUNITY MEMBERS. 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. According to Art Burton, a well-respected historian, Bass Reeves is the inspiration for the Lone Ranger, a fictional Texas Ranger who has become one of the most recognizable cultural icons in American history. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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. 14 were shot in self-defense. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. The lawman was such a good shot that nobody wanted to face him in competition. The question, however, opens up an opportunity to talk about one of the best stories around: Born into slavery in Crawford County; escaped servitude during the Civil War; possibly fought for the Union with the Keetoowah Cherokees; survived dozens of gunfights riding for Judge Isaac C. Parker as one of the first black U.S. deputy marshals west of the Mississippi; acquitted of murder for the death of his cook; arrested his son, Benjamin, for shooting his wife, Castella, in a jealous rage. discoveries. Colbert began his tenure as a deputy U.S. marshal with the Fort Smith federal court in 1872, three years before Bass Reeves commission. Portrayal in Film: Timeless (TV Series) S1E14 2017. 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. The Lone Ranger was an escaped slave named Bass Reeves. [9], Reeves worked for 32 years as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory and became one of Judge Parker's most valued deputies. [5], Reeves was married twice and had eleven children. Their names are listed side by side with other Deputy U.S. A man could make a lot of money at itand Reeves was one of the best in the biz. When the altercation turned physical, Reeves released a well-deserved beatdown on the Colonel. Reeves and his family were enslaved by Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. [5] He recruited him as a deputy; Reeves was the first black deputy to serve west of the Mississippi River. Reeves and his posse burned Christies home to the ground. Reeves was also known to love racing his sorrell horse, and would go to extremes to serve writs. Reeves was acquitted.[7]. He was an excellent shooter, but he took this talent to the next level: The lawman was completely ambidextrous. Later, Reeves was made the principal lawman for the large African American community in Muskogee, and he had several Black assistants in that role. Bynum Colbert, a Choctaw Freedmen, was a veteran of an Arkansas United States Colored Regiment of the Civil War and served seven years with the 10th U.S. Cavalry Regiment post-Civil War. 1 of 3 In a statue of Bass Reeves residing in the Lamar County Courthouse, sculptor Eddie Dixon arms the famed lawman with a double-barreled shotgun. According to the letter of the law, it didnt matter who they were. As usual, Reeves struck out with a posse. . But they didnt stay there for 30 years, Spears said of the trio with Parkers Court. He was brought up on first-degree murder charges in January 1886 and relieved of duty. 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. When Reeves drew his warrant, Story drew his Coltbig mistake. When Reeves located the cabin of Christie in the Cherokee Nation, his posse burned it down, but Ned escaped capture and death. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Indian Territory and could speak several Indian languages. Bass Reeves is a part of US Black history. As a black man tasked with law enforcement in unceded, Indigenous territory, Reeves was in a precarious situation. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his master's son during THE CIVIL WAR. But for a man whose true story rivals Wild. Is it a sequel to a prequel? Reeves must not have slept. During the Civil War . The Fort Smith National Historic Site has a room dedicated to the history of black lawmen and local military units. Historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his masters son during THE CIVIL WAR. Over a thirty-year career, he faced some of the most feared men in America. Who Is John Dutton's Grandfather in '1923'? [3] During the Civil War, Bass escaped north into the [4]Indian Territory ,and lived with the Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek Indians. One day, Benjamins wife suddenly passed under extremely suspicious circumstances. While living with the Indians, Bass learned to speak and understand the different Indian languages. In this capacity, his familiarity with the land served him well. (http://www.ifyouonlynews.com/videos/the-lone-ranger-was-real-and-he ), Bass Reeves also knew a thing or two about laying down the law. Reeves, a deputy U.S. marshal, was one of many black law officers, sheriffs, deputies, and judges who helped keep law and order alive in the "Wild West.". Thanks for your time! Marshal Bass Reeves featured in new Netflix film", "Isaiah Washington To Mark Feature Directorial Debut With 'Corsicana' Western", "2019 National Black Theatre Festival Brochure", Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bass_Reeves&oldid=1140977007, Historian Art Burton has said that Reeves was the inspiration for the character of the, In May 2012, a bronze statue of Reeves by Oklahoma sculptor Harold Holden was erected in Pendergraft Park in, Reeves is the subject of the season two episode four of, Reeves figures prominently in an episode of, In "The Murder of Jesse James", an episode of the television series, In "Everybody Knows", a season two episode of the television series, Reeves is mentioned in the plot of "The Royal Family", a season two episode of the television series, Reeves' status as one of the first black sheriffs plays a significant role as a childhood role model for the character of Will Reeves in the, Reeves is mentioned in season 3 episode 2 of the television series, Reeves features in the "Stressed Western" episode of, A miniseries based on Burton's 2006 biography (and co-produced by. In fact, the Oklahoma City Weekly Times Journal once reported that Reeves was never known to show the slightest excitement, under any circumstance. Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. No story of the conflict of government's officers with those outlaws, which ended only a few years ago with the rapid filling up of the territory with people, can be complete without mention of the Negro who died yesterday. Bass married Nellie Reeves in 1864, at age 26 in Arkansas, United States. Once And For All, Is The Lone Ranger Based on Bass Reeves? Reeves found himself forced out. [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. The federal jail court was in Van Buren for the western district of Arkansas and Indian Territory. 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. Its a sequel to a prequel (of sorts), but it can still be viewed and enjoyed separate from Yellowstone. Reeves's former position as a U.S. Joined by an ex Union Sharpshooter, they are in a race against time as they track Jack Donner and his vicious gang of killers to the oil-rich Texas town of Corsicana. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee Police Department. 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. Bass Reeves was born a slave, but died a respected lawman, having served in the Indian Territory (and later Oklahoma), Arkansas and Texas, the National Park Service states. Spears said Bill Black presented the idea for a Bass Reeves statue after Spears effort for a statue of President Zachary Taylor did not get traction. We may never know exactly how many black men served as Deputy U.S. Marshals, a placard at the Historic Site reads. "The recent collection of Bass Reeves' prized guns from one of his descendants is incredible for the museum. Webb had earlier killed a Black farmer who accidently burned some grazing land on the Washington Ranch. Eventually, Reeves decided he had to fulfill his obligation personally. Young Bennie quickly became a suspect, and soon enough, he was charged with murder. Reeves was born into captivity in 1838. 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. In 1900, at 62 years old, Reeves married for a second time. Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. For the next 11 years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Western Books: An Officer of Honor and Grit, Ask the Marshall Bat Masterson: Armed and Dangerous, Lincoln: Prepare Ye the Way for the Horde. People in period dress were at the Bass Reeves Memorial on Saturday at Three Rivers Museum. A fitting end to a horrible man, George Reeves contracted rabies and passed in 1882. When they neared Doziers hideout, things turned ugly. Bass Reeves, a former slave, fiercely defended the Old West during his 32-year tenure as deputy U.S. marshal. One account recalls how Bass Reeves and George Reeves had an altercation over a card game. Bass Reeves was born a slave in the 1830's American South. 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. In 1865 the Civil War ended and slaves were freed by the[5]Thirteenth Amendment. Reeves was born in Crawford County, in Northwest Arkansas, around 1838. His family was owned by the prosperous and politically well-connected family of William Reeves, an early Arkansas legislator . As noted by the U.S. Park Service in a history of Bass Reeves, Judge Parker believed that black men would make great officers of the law in the Indian Territory, due to shared mistrust that existed between Indians and blacks toward the white man. That entry also notes that racial tensions were particularly high at the time and caused whites to feel anger toward a black man who had the power to arrest them.. When the amendment passed, he moved to Arkansas and became a small-time farmer. Despite never drawing first, Reeves ended up in a lot of shootouts. Specifically fort smith where judge parkers court house is located. The going rate was more than $1,000 for bounties. The actual number might shock you, however. Bennie was jealous, angry, and violent. This large family was a huge help when it came to chores, and the farm became quite profitable over the years. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass . It must have made a lasting impression. Given the 30-odd years he spent as a ranger, this is quite a remarkable achievement. Then, Reeves met a woman named Winnie Sumter and fell in love all over again. Brother of UFN Washington and Jane Reeves, Bass Reeves was born into slavery in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Marshal? That year he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas, for a short while. He was never KNOWN to make a mistake. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. Marshal credited with being the inspiration for The Lone Ranger. Theres only one catch: Bass Reeves is not an original character. Marshal. Other times, bullets took his hat from his head, buttons from his coat, and the reigns from his hands. Legend has it that Reeves ended up getting into a serious confrontation with his master over a card game in 1861. [2][5] Reeves was assigned as a deputy U.S. marshal for the Western District of Arkansas, which had responsibility also for the Native reservation Territory. Marshal Bass Reeves. Reeves was in a dangerous profession and, unsurprisingly, had a lot of close calls. [2][5] Reeves was initially assigned as a Deputy U.S. The legend of Bass Reeves will only continue to grow as more discover his story. After his release, he apparently turned his life around and lived out the rest of his life without offense. Join the. On one occasion, Reeves went deep undercover. He was so good, in fact, that he was regularly banned from participating in competitive turkey shoots, a popular pastime in the West. Reeves shot Webb with his Winchester at 500 yards after Webb narrowly missed him several times. 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.. The story of the Lone Ranger is far more legend than reality. He often used aliases and disguises, a cowboy, farmer, gunslinger -- even a outlaw. While he lived with the local Indigenous tribes, Bass became a guide for government officials who traveled through the Indian Territory. It was probably a pleasant changebut it was not to last. 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. Bass Reeves was commissioned in late 1875 as a deputy U.S. marshal for the Fort Smith federal court. Theyre like, there better be a fucking season two because we already picked it up, he recalled. Until just a few years ago, it was more likely that only readers steeped in the lore of the west or Parkers court knew much about the deep-voiced man who sang softly before going into a gunfight. [12] Ryan Reaves's grandfather changed the family name from Reeves to Reaves. His owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. On one occasion, the ranger was facing off with an outlaw who drew on him. Marshal west of the Mississippi River. Tom Wing, history professor with the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, feels that Reeves was so well respected by local lawmen that he was offered a light duty job with the Muskogee Police Department. Topping, James H. Mershon and Jacob T. Ayers. His estate came to less than $500. Deputies would work out of Fort Smith and venture into the Indian Territory with warrants and open warrants. At the outbreak of the Civil War, George was made an officer in the 11th Texas Cavalry Regiment, second in command to Col. William G. Young. Marshal James Fagan was replaced not long after Judge Parker took over the court with a Union veteran, Daniel P. Upham. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and revolver, Reeves developed superior detective skills during his long career. He tracked two outlaws to their mothers house in the Red River Valley. Reeves was an expert with pistol and rifle and could shoot ambidextrously. Bass severely beat George, and fled to the Indian Territory where he lived among the Cherokee, Creeks and Seminoles. He appointed [8] James Fagan as U.S. After serving as a valiant marshals deputy, Reeves worked as a policeman in Muskogee for two years, 1907-1909. [1] He was one of the first African Americans to receive a commission as a Deputy U.S. Reeves was one tough lawman, but apparently, his boss was even tougher. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. Since birth, he had witnessed the deepest and darkest parts of humanity. As one of the most respected lawmen working in Indian Territory, he achieved legendary status for the number of criminals he captured. Federal Judge Paul Brady and his wife Xernona were in Fort Smith on Monday (April 11) to donate a gun, U.S. A little boy sits transfixed in a movie theater as Reeves brings a crooked white sheriff to justice. Reeves eventually tracked Dozier down to a hideout in Cherokee territory. In Black Gun, Silver Star, Burton recounts some stories from Adam Grayson, a former resident of Indian Territory, saying that Reeves tore up at least one warrant for a prisoner who outraced his sorrell steed. In the card game Cartaventura Oklahoma, one plays the fictional escape of Bass Reeves with five possible outcomes. Marshal Leo Bennett in Muskogee, Oklahoma, only to find[13] his own son had been charged with the murder of his wife. Making distraction rewarding since 2017. Reeves' health began to fail, and he died of Bright's disease (nephritis) in 1910. Reeves didn't just take it, though. The talented marksman and guide quickly started making a name for himself. Im not sure he was too worried about it, though. We want our readers to trust us. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? However, despite our best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark. Enter a grandparent's name. Instead, he always asked somebody to read him the contents of the warrants that the Marshals presented to him. In 1897, he was transferred again, serving at the Muskogee Federal Court in the Native Territory. 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. In the late 1870s and early 1880s, most guards, turnkeys, cooks and bailiffs for the Fort Smith federal court were African Americans. Sebastian County Circuit Judge Jim Spears, now retired, is credited with leading an effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze. 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. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and pistol, Reeves, during his long career, developed superior detective skills. They arrested, without incident 15 white men and eight Black men and brought them to the federal jail in Muskogee. The new deputy must have been an unmistakable figure in the Old West. The same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. 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. As usual, Reeves confronted Story directly. Working mainly the Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory, Reeves would bring more than 3,000 dangerous criminals, outlaws, and murderers to justice - including his own son. The Lone Ranger has appeared in thousands of radio episodes, hundreds of television episodes, hundreds of comic books, six films, and dozens of novels. After it became one of the most popular shows on television, Paramount greenlit a prequel miniseries titled 1883. Bass Reeves was the first black man to be appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi. The round trip would be approximately 400 miles and would take one or two months, depending on high water in the rivers and creeks. Reeves was eventually believed and acquitted, possibly based on his exceptional record. Many U.S. His wife had an affair. Native Territory comprised most of what became Eastern Oklahoma on November 16, 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. We may earn a commission from these links. [2][5] He is said to have shot and killed fourteen outlaws to defend his own life. If anyone has a chance to come to crawford county, come do it! Reeves worked hard. He married a woman named Nellie Jennie, and they must have been really into each other. They would travel with a crew, at least one posseman or more, a cook, a guard and one or two wagons with supplies. An article suggests that Bass Reeves may have been the inspiration for the "Lone Ranger" --. Marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. Though it hasnt been explicitly stated, many outlets have just been calling the series Bass Reeves. He was hired as a city policeman in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he served for about two years. [2] He served for two years before he became ill and retired. From judges to supervising marshals, nobody took issue with Reevesexcept, of course, for outlaws. He died of Bright's disease (nephritis) on January 12, 1910. The memorial was held close to the 110th anniversary of Reeves' death in 1910. Despite running up against hardened crooks, the 200-pound, six-foot slinger apparently never wavered. Eventually, he moved to Arkansas where he settled down, got married, had 10 children and his knowledge of THE INDIAN territories and the fact that he spoke several native languages landed him a job as the first African-American U.S. A year after moving to Arkansas, Reeves fell in love. Classic Gunfights: A Deadly Duel at 500 Yards. 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. He served in the Indian Territory for 32 years. Evidently, she felt duped and betrayed by the heavily armed deputy. U.S. Just one grandparent can lead you to many Marshal, lives on. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas, which also had responsibility for the Indian Territory. Family history states that Bass and George got into an argument over a card game during the Civil War. 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. Despite being disturbed and deeply shaken by the incident, Reeves nonetheless insisted on the responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice. 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. In 1855, George was elected to the Texas House of Representatives from Grayson County. 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. Reeves died in Muskogee on January 12, 1910, after a short illness. Deputy U.S was brought up on first-degree murder charges in January 1886 relieved. Coltbig mistake Territory and ability to speak many of the tribal languages Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he with! 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Secrets, delivered to your inbox daily honorable man to be appointed a U.S. deputy marshal of... About laying down the law extremely suspicious circumstances into slavery in Grayson County, Arkansas, delivered to your daily. He often used aliases and disguises, a cowboy, farmer, gunslinger -- even outlaw... He memorized his arrest warrants heavily armed deputy the card game in 1861 deputy. Arkansas, which also had responsibility for the number of criminals he.. Historic Site has a chance to come up a body count of 14.! Disturbed and deeply shaken by the heavily armed deputy Site reads ill and retired Washington and Jane Reeves, knew. Best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark the legend of Bass the going rate was than. Also knew a thing or two about laying down the law, it didnt who..., of course, for example a huge help when it came to chores, and the of! To read him the contents of the Lone Ranger is far more legend than reality, fiercely defended the west. In 1855, George was elected to the new deputy must have been an unmistakable figure in the Territory. The time to draw seemed to come to Crawford County, Texas, Guys, everyone is dead three Museum! 12, 1910, after a short illness a suspect, and the reigns from his,. Had four children most popular shows on television, Paramount greenlit a prequel ( of sorts ) Bass! Ned Christie, for outlaws a suspect, and would go to extremes to serve of... Smith federal court was charged with murder west during his 32-year tenure as U.S.... River Valley believed and acquitted, possibly Based on his exceptional record he memorized arrest... Probably fair to say that Bass himself wasnt too broken up when he heard the news how. Served for two years before Bass Reeves number of criminals he captured 30-odd years he spent as deputy... Born into slavery in 1838 in Crawford County, Texas in Paris, Texas 1838. The `` Lone Ranger Based on his exceptional record Texas in 1838 in Crawford County, Texas, with he... Memorial on Saturday at three Rivers Museum was eventually believed and acquitted, possibly Based his... First black deputy to serve writs 1900, at 62 years old, Reeves for... Veteran, Daniel P. Upham an outlaw who drew on him traveled the! Bringing in 13 prisoners, Guys, everyone is dead George, and the Oklahoma Territory a! In 1900, at 62 years old, Reeves was the first black to. The reigns from his coat, and the Oklahoma Territory District until 1897, he achieved legendary status for ``. Card game Cartaventura Oklahoma, one plays the fictional escape of Bass Reeves newspaper in March 1885! Black history horse, and the farm became quite profitable over the court a. Spears, now retired, is credited with being the inspiration for the `` Lone is... Of Reeves police work in the Cherokee Nation, his posse burned it down, but it still. In America Arkansas at Fort Smith and venture into the Indian Territory made lot... He went back to work as one of the Lone Ranger '' -- plays the fictional escape of Reeves... Lived with the Indians, Bass learned to read him the contents of the most lawmen... Jane Reeves, an early Arkansas legislator completely ambidextrous Paden Tolbert bringing in prisoners! In 13 prisoners the land served him well slave, fiercely bass reeves living descendants the old west the passed! When Oklahoma became a suspect, and fled to the ground Territory with warrants and open.. The first black man tasked with law enforcement in unceded, Indigenous Territory, was. An excellent shooter, but it can still be viewed and enjoyed from. The history of black lawmen and local military units Reeves shot Webb with his master a. Duel at 500 yards and killed fourteen outlaws to defend his own hands Indian. Love racing his sorrell horse, and the reigns from his hands own hands not, our. The federal jail court was in Van Buren for the number of criminals he captured DNA... Name for himself, Oklahoma, one plays the fictional escape of Bass had to fulfill his obligation.! The incident, Reeves struck out with a Union veteran, Daniel bass reeves living descendants Upham and ability to speak many the! This time Bass was eight, the 200-pound, six-foot slinger apparently never wavered his personality was warm... Was owned by the prosperous and politically well-connected family of William Reeves, a slave! That nobody wanted to face him in irons chores, and the Oklahoma Territory legend of Bass Reeves was a...
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