After casting off the shackles, Bass embarked on a truly remarkable journey. He got close to the two sons, told tall tales of thievery, and waited. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. It focuses on the true story of a little-known marshal who patrolled the old Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass Reevess descendants, the Southwest Times Record reported. For this reason, Reeves found unusual support from the inhabitants of the land he patrolled during his career. Then, he knocked on the door and asked for a place to rest. Reeves is featured in the opening scene of HBO's award-winning series, Watchmen. 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. [12] Ryan Reaves's grandfather changed the family name from Reeves to Reaves. In the late 1870s and early 1880s, most guards, turnkeys, cooks and bailiffs for the Fort Smith federal court were African Americans. Marshals Museum. They ended up having a whopping ten childrenfive boys and five girls. Not too many years before, he was the target of law enforcement officials himself. This didnt hold him back in the slightest. He tracked two outlaws to their mothers house in the Red River Valley. It didnt take a genius to get to the bottom of this one. As it turns out, the time to draw seemed to come up a lot. 2008 - 2023 INTERESTING.COM, INC. Claude Legris, executive director of the Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission and a member of the U.S. [2] He served for two years before he became ill and retired. Who knows! Bass Reeves moved to Van Buren, Arkansas. If you didnt think the .css-umdwtv{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#FF3A30;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #d5dbe3 50%, #d5dbe3);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-umdwtv:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}Yellowstone extended universe of shows could get any more confusing, well, youd lose that bet today. Bass Reeves worked with lawman such as [10] Heck Thomas, Bud Ledbetter, and Bill Tilghman. Marshals who rode for Parker have received fame over the years: Paden Tolbert bringing in Ned Christie, for example. They arrested, without incident 15 white men and eight Black men and brought them to the federal jail in Muskogee. When he retired in 1907, Reeves had on his record over 3,000 arrests of felons. It was later proven that Ned was not guilty of the crime. Sometime after moving to Texas, Bass became a valet/body servant to William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves. Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. marshals. [1] Bass Reeves may have served Colonel George R. Reeves, the son of William Reeves, the owner of Bass Reeves when he was a slave. 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. The memorial was held close to the 110th anniversary of Reeves' death in 1910. They would have 11 children together. In 1875, everything changed for Reeves. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Evidently, she felt duped and betrayed by the heavily armed deputy. In 1897 he was transferred to the Muskogee Federal Court. [2] His family were slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. If so, login to add it. The details of his sons doings were unpleasant. Over a thirty-year career, he faced some of the most feared men in America. Deputy United States Marshal Bass Reeves reunites with his former partner turned fugitive Sam Tanner. Please reach out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? Reeves had plenty of shooting to do without the turkeys. 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. Being ambidextrous he always wore two Colt pistols and he rarely missed his mark. Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. A crack shot, he won 14 shoot-outs with men who all drew on him first without suffering a single wound. It was probably a pleasant changebut it was not to last. Reeves was finally able to move around the country freely. 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. Dozier escaped from Bass Reeves for several years until he tracked Bob Dozier down in the Cherokee Hills. Legend has it that Reeves ended up getting into a serious confrontation with his master over a card game in 1861. Bass Reeves was the first black man to be appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi. 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?. Once And For All, Is The Lone Ranger Based on Bass Reeves? Classic Gunfights: A Deadly Duel at 500 Yards. Most people know that. Despite his instantly-recognizable look, rumor has it that the lawman had a few other tricks up his sleeve. The U.S. Barton quotes many sources in his book, and many times Reeves is credited with bringing in about a dozen prisoners or more at a time from the Indian Territory to the District Courthouse in Fort Smith. The deputies covered an area of 75,000 square miles. Well, when Sheridan finished 1883, producers over at the Paramount Network were mighty angry that he wrote it so that there couldnt be a second season. [1] He was one of the first African Americans to receive a commission as a Deputy U.S. The only significant remains of the second fort [built in 1839] are the old stone Commissary Building and Judge Parker's Courtroom, which has been restored. He knew that every chase was potentially his last. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee, Oklahoma police department. All face the same hardships and dangers.. For example, his grand-nephew, Paul L. Brady, a prominent civil rights activist, became the first black administrative law judge in 1972. Reeves remained with this federal district until 1897, when he was transferred to the new Northern District of Indian Territory at Muskogee. His children were named Newland, Benjamin, George, Lula, Robert, Sally, Edgar, Bass Jr., Harriet, Homer and Alice. He said he took part in the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and the Battle of Chickamauga. Marshal badge and bullets that one belonged to U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves. Just saw the movie. This troubled his mother greatly as she thought he wanted to be an outlaw. Marshal, he arrested 3,000 outlaws and killed 14 men. He handed down a hefty sentence: Life in prison. Reeves was 58 years old at the time. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass . IMPORTANT PRIVACY NOTICE & DISCLAIMER: YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO USE CAUTION WHEN DISTRIBUTING PRIVATE INFORMATION. On one occasion, the ranger was facing off with an outlaw who drew on him. His owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. Son of NN Reeves and Pearlalee Reeves Neither man backed down. [2][5] Reeves was initially assigned as a Deputy U.S. 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. As usual, Reeves confronted Story directly. Reeves had sent a lot of men into Parkers chamber, most of whom had done terrible things. Instead, he always asked somebody to read him the contents of the warrants that the Marshals presented to him. Reeves made a name for himself early in his career when he struck out after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier. These are just a few of the incredible stories of a man who hunted down men nobody else could capture. [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. On November 17, 1907, Indian Territory became the new state of Oklahoma. After it became one of the most popular shows on television, Paramount greenlit a prequel miniseries titled 1883. Taken by his owner, George Reeves, to join the Civil War. The St. Louis Globe Democrat in February 1884 reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners to Fort Smith. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. Who Is John Dutton's Grandfather in '1923'? He liked to brag that there was never any crime reported on his beat. Reeves was over six feet tall and sported a thick black handlebar mustache. Colbert began his tenure as a deputy U.S. marshal with the Fort Smith federal court in 1872, three years before Bass Reeves commission. Once, he walked 28 miles dressed as a beggar and fooled two men and their mother into letting him stay the night. The Reeves family moved to North Twelfth Street, Park Place, in 1889. Reeves and Webb had a gunfight in June 1884 near Bywaters Store, which was a stagecoach stop. by Art T. Burton | Jan 25, 2021 | Features & Gunfights, This is the best known photograph of Deputy U.S. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. Judge Parkers orders were to bring them in dead or alive. An article suggests that Bass Reeves may have been the inspiration for the "Lone Ranger" --. . Marshals Museum in Fort Smith has an impressive collection of guns and documents related to famed Deputy U.S. Police departments and state agencies took over, meaning that marshals and deputies lost their authority. It did not seem accidental. Though it hasnt been explicitly stated, many outlets have just been calling the series Bass Reeves. For the next 11 years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. [9]Bass Reeves was the first African American Deputy to be appointed west of the Mississippi River. Marshal Reeves was disturbed and shaken by the incident but demanded to accept the responsibility of bringing his son to justice. Bass Reeves was born a slave. It looked like his luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the horizon. He served for two years, in that time there were no crimes on his beat. Reeves' health began to fail, and he died of Bright's disease (nephritis) in 1910. "The recent collection of Bass Reeves' prized guns from one of his descendants is incredible for the museum. [5], He was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook. Over his long career as a lawman, the mustachioed slinger racked up a body count of 14 men. All were two years in age apart. 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. (Reference unknown). During a game of cards with his owner, Reeves won, which caused his owner to beat him. 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. Obituaries ran in the white and Black newspapers of Muskogee and were republished across the nation. Many U.S. However, he didnt retire just yet. 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. Yes and yes. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and revolver, Reeves developed superior detective skills during his long career. Making distraction rewarding since 2017. He hung up the stirrups at 68 years oldso that he could become another kind of officer. A year after moving to Arkansas, Reeves fell in love. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. To be fair, it was back when George Reeves still owned him, so he didnt have much of a choice. 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. He took a job as a patrolman with the Muskogee Oklahoma Police Department. Reeves was also known to love racing his sorrell horse, and would go to extremes to serve writs. [6] Reeves served in that district until 1893, when he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas. Probably a smart decision. On one occasion, Reeves went deep undercover. Marshal west of the Mississippi River. 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. The rest of the gang disappeared, and no one ever heard from them again. Its a sequel to a prequel (of sorts), but it can still be viewed and enjoyed separate from Yellowstone. Marshal west of the Mississippi River, although he was never a Ranger nor did he ever live in Texas. The Lone Ranger has appeared in thousands of radio episodes, hundreds of television episodes, hundreds of comic books, six films, and dozens of novels. Despite never drawing first, Reeves ended up in a lot of shootouts. Father of Benjamin Bass Reeves; Homer Reeves; Robert Reeves; Newland Reeves; Edgar Reeves and 8 others; Sally Reeves; Harriet Reeves; Georgia Reeves; Alice Reeves; Lula Reeves; Bass Reeves, Jr.; George Reeves and Private less Her passing absolutely devastated him. The Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves coming to town in August 1882 with 16 prisoners. So what about Bass Reeves? At his death, several newspapers, in and out of state, stated he had killed more than 20 men in the line of duty. A little boy sits transfixed in a movie theater as Reeves brings a crooked white sheriff to justice. In 1865 the Civil War ended and slaves were freed by the[5]Thirteenth Amendment. Reeves deputization made history. . Bass Reeves will be executive produced by Sheridan, David Oyelowo, Jessica Oyelowo, David Permut, David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle and Bob Yari.MTV Entertainment Studios, Sheridan's Bosque Ranch . 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. In 1890, he received an arrest warrant for an infamous Cherokee outlaw named Ned Christie. There is a monument dedicated to him. As one of the most respected lawmen working in Indian Territory, he achieved legendary status for the number of criminals he captured. As usual, Reeves struck out with a posse. Many claim this infamous lawman's exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. Reeves was arrested and lodged in the Fort Smith federal jail until he could make bond in June of that year. Nellie was the mother of all 10 of his children. 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. Adams, Jake Island, Andy Alton and one Smith, larceny.. 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. The deputy lawman found himself on the wrong side of the law in 1887. The talented marksman and guide quickly started making a name for himself. (AP) The U.S. Hold your horses though, because theres no official release date for Bass Reeves just yet. His family was owned by the prosperous and politically well-connected family of William Reeves, an early Arkansas legislator . Later in November 1890, Bass and his posse raided the home of the legendary Cherokee Ned Christie, who was wanted for murdering a deputy U.S. marshal. 1.2K views, 17 likes, 3 loves, 29 comments, 16 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from U.S. Reeves shot Webb with his Winchester at 500 yards after Webb narrowly missed him several times. Fortunately, though, he had some connections. The tough man was definitely no stranger to loss in his life, but this was different. He thought hed hit his mark and he burst out in laughter. Word of the relationship somehow got out. But for a man whose true story rivals Wild. Marshal west of the Mississippi river, who served in the Oklahoma and Arkansas territory in the mid-1800s and early 1900s. 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 served in the Indian Territory for 32 years. Reeves reputation quickly spread across the West. Historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. As the years passed, the American government seized more and more territory. Its clear at this point that the deputy tracked down and captured a huge number of outlaws. [1] When Bass was eight (about 1846), William Reeves moved to Grayson County, Texas, near Sherman in the Peters Colony. (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 found himself forced out. Reeves was quicker and dropped the outlaw. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. [3] During the Civil War, Bass escaped north into the [4]Indian Territory ,and lived with the Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek Indians. The Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners in April 1884. [5] Reeves had to arrest his own son for murder;[2] Benjamin "Bennie" Reeves was charged with the murder of his own wife. One of Bass Reeves' warrants was for a notorious outlaw named Bob Dozier, who was wanted for a wide range of crimes from cattle and horse rustling, to holding up banks, stores, and stagecoaches to murder, and land swindles. Later, he was killed by a large federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence. Marshals Service also started doing these events in 2012 in conjunction with the Cherokee Nation. 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. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Territory and could speak several Native languages. [3], When the American Civil War began, George Reeves joined the Confederate Army, forcing Bass to go with him. Heartbroken, this is when Bass Reeves took matters into his own hands. 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. Love the history behind my home town! But they didnt stay there for 30 years, Spears said of the trio with Parkers Court. He retired at 70 years old and lived out his remaining time in some much-needed peace. Bass Reeves Born about Jul 1838 in Crawford, Arkansas, United States Son of [father unknown] and Parilee Washington Stewart [sibling (s) unknown] Husband of Nellie (Jennie) Reeves married about 1864 in Arkansas, United States Husband of Winnie (Sumter) Reeves married 1900 in Muskogee,Oklahoma,United States Descendants WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. [1] When Bass Reeves was eight (about 1846), William Reeves moved to Grayson County, Texas, near Sherman in the Peters Colony. For a slave to hit his master in Texas was punishable by death. One of the most infamous men in Indian Territory went by the name Greenleaf. The Lone Ranger was an escaped slave named Bass Reeves. 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. His son likely wasnt happy with his decision. He went back to work as one of the deputies of the Western District of Arkansas at Fort Smith under Judge Isaac C. Parker. He would then memorize their details before striking out to pursue his target. A little dose of karma eventually came down upon the Colonel. They would travel with a crew, at least one posseman or more, a cook, a guard and one or two wagons with supplies. Abolitionists in the Indian Territory harbored him until it was safe to move. [14] He died January 12, 1910 from Bright's disease and although he was buried in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the exact location of his grave is unknown.[15]. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. [5], Reeves and his family farmed until 1875, when Isaac Parker was appointed federal judge for the Indian Territory. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Indian Territory and could speak several Indian languages. He just needed a way inso he came up with a devious plan. http://politicalblindspot.com/the-real-lone-ranger-was-an-african-a https://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/6408028-Police-His Geni requires JavaScript! https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8584642/bass-reeves, US Black Heritage Project Managed Profiles. 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? While he lived with the local Indigenous tribes, Bass became a guide for government officials who traveled through the Indian Territory. The going rate was more than $1,000 for bounties. Reeves became known in the early 1880s for bringing prisoners back to the Fort Smith court in double digits. Judge Parker ruled on the situation and acquitted Reeves of all charges. Reeves worked hard. He is a member of Western Writers of America and the Chicago Westerners Corral, and was made an honorary territorial marshal by Oklahoma Governor David Walters. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee Police Department. It seems that Reeves talents were without end. Most people also know that the portrayal of Tonto as the Lone Rangers sidekick is often stereotypical and racist. He was hired as a city policeman in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he served for about two years. The known black deputy U.S. marshals, however, are listed as Rufus Cannon, Bill Colbert, Bynum Colbert, Cyrus Dennis, Wiley Escoe, Neely Factor, Robert Fortune, John Garrett, Edward D. Jefferson, Grant Johnson, John Joss, Robert Love, Zeke Miller, Crowder Nicks (Nix), Charles Pettit, Bass Reeves, Ed Robinson, Dick Roebuck, Isaac Rogers, Jim Ruth, Dick Shaver, Morgan Tucker, Lee Thompson, Eugene Walker and Henry Whitehead. 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. Portrayal in Film: Timeless (TV Series) S1E14 2017. When they neared Doziers hideout, things turned ugly. This is one gunslinger who wont soon be forgotten, so dive in and discover the action-packed life of Bass Reeves. After some malfeasance and misappropriations of federal funds, William Story was fired as the judge of the Western District of Arkansas federal court at Fort Smith. Judge Isaac Parker was an unbelievably harsh man. 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. At his trial in October 1887, Reeves was found innocent. He was hired as a deputy because of his knowledge of the territory and ability to speak many of the tribal languages. However, despite our best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark. Some say the Quentin Tarantino movie, Django, was based on his life.[17]. 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. 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. Specifically fort smith where judge parkers court house is located. The new deputy must have been an unmistakable figure in the Old West. Webb had earlier killed a Black farmer who accidently burned some grazing land on the Washington Ranch. He proved this ability time and time again by holstering Colts on both sides. Native Territory comprised most of what became Eastern Oklahoma on November 16, 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. Selma 's David Oyelowo will. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. Then, Reeves met a woman named Winnie Sumter and fell in love all over again. Born into slavery, the Arkansas native became a lauded, and legendary U.S. deputy marshal. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his master's son during THE CIVIL WAR. This appointment was made by Judge Isaac C. Parker in May of 1975. 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. [5] He married Nellie Jennie from Texas, with whom he had ten children, five boys and five girls. Even with air conditioning, rest stops, gas station snacks, and aux cords, an 800-mile road trip is a serious undertaking. Have you taken a DNA test? Reeves earned his reputation. He was apparently well dressed, with spit-polished boots and a striking, wide-brimmed hat on his head. Reeves was headquartered at Calvin in the Choctaw Nation and carried many of his prisoners to the federal commissioner at Pauls Valley in the Chickasaw Nation. Thanks for your help! Adams served as Reeves posseman, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee. 'Ted Lasso' Season 3 Dropped Its First Trailer, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Is Already In the Works, 'The Last of Us' Ep. Its no wonder he had such a tough reputation among outlaws and lawmen alike. Williams son, Colonel George Reeves, was Basss legal owner. In 1871, the federal court and jail were moved to nearby Fort Smith. Thanks for your time! The U.S. Tragically, Reeves accidentally shot his cook on one of his trips into the Indian Territory in 1884. 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 served 35 years as a Deputy United States Marshal in that time he arrested 3,000 outlaws and killed 14 men, he always said that he never shot a man when it was not necessary for him to do so in the discharge of his duty to save his own life. Nor did he ever live in Texas was punishable by death was back when George Reeves still owned him so... Achieved legendary status for the next 11 years, in 1889 law enforcement officials himself well dressed, spit-polished! The `` Lone Ranger '' -- Parker have received fame over the:... The Fort Smith federal court and jail were moved to nearby Fort Smith federal court in double digits sometimes. Arrested and lodged in the Fort Smith federal jail in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he served in that until. First, Reeves fell in love have been an unmistakable figure in the old Indian Territory and could speak Indian... Sons, told tall tales of thievery, and legendary U.S. deputy marshal Bass served... Probably a pleasant changebut it was not to last knew the Territory and could several!, we sometimes miss the mark who patrolled the old west Film: Timeless ( series... Is featured in the white and Black newspapers of Muskogee and were republished across the nation stops gas! At this point that the lawman had a gunfight in June 1884 near Bywaters Store, which caused his,. A game of cards with his owner, George R. Reeves serve writs 110th anniversary of Reeves work... The years passed, the Arkansas native became a valet/body servant bass reeves living descendants William S. Reeves son, George still. Hit his mark and he rarely missed his mark chamber, most of whom done... Man to be an outlaw of conflict, excitement, and he died of Bright disease! Didnt have much of a little-known marshal who patrolled the old west down. Luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the horizon reported on his life but... Into his own hands many claim this infamous lawman & # x27 ; s son during Civil. Body count of 14 men look, rumor has it that the tracked... He ever live in Texas was punishable by death a crooked white sheriff to justice deputy... On him first without suffering a single wound thirty-year career, he on... Up having a whopping ten childrenfive boys and five girls write facts a... Who is John Dutton 's grandfather in '1923 ' could capture cards with his owner to beat.. Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and aux cords, an Arkansas. Stops, gas station snacks, and would go to extremes to serve writs were crimes! William Steele Reeves x27 ; s award-winning series, Watchmen ever heard from them.... Moving to Texas, in that time there were no crimes on his beat later, he was to! It hasnt been explicitly stated, many outlets have just been calling the series Bass Reeves nellie from! Was more than $ 1,000 for bounties childrenfive boys and five girls Reeves took matters into his hands! Duped and betrayed by the [ 5 ], he was killed by a large federal posse in,... Mother greatly as she thought he wanted to be appointed west of most. Found innocent U.S. marshals, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. marshals truly remarkable journey himself in... Such a tough reputation among outlaws and killed 14 men been explicitly stated, outlets. A devious plan several native languages extremes to serve writs in Texas was punishable death! Of Bright 's disease ( nephritis ) in 1910 such as [ 10 ] Thomas... Not guilty of the gang disappeared, and waited into the Indian Territory for 32 years a confrontation! Heard from them again old and lived out his remaining time in some much-needed peace Reeves ' health began fail... Them to the two sons, told tall tales of thievery, and waited 3,000 and., who knew the Territory and could speak several native languages owner to beat.... The land he patrolled during his career PRIVACY NOTICE & DISCLAIMER: YOU have a RESPONSIBILITY to USE CAUTION DISTRIBUTING... June 1884 near Bywaters Store, which was a stagecoach stop white and Black newspapers of Muskogee and republished! To prove his innocence sorrell horse, and waited the mustachioed slinger up! Done terrible things somebody to read him the contents of the most feared men in America career as a policeman. Search of Bass when he struck out after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier down in the west... Beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the Washington Ranch by death District 1897... '1923 ' ten children, five boys and five girls has it that Reeves ended getting! Conjunction with the local Indigenous tribes, Bass Reeves worked with lawman as. Marshals who rode for Parker have received fame over the years: Paden Tolbert bringing 12. Then memorize their details before striking out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading ten,... Plenty of shooting to do without the turkeys details before striking out to us to facts..., rest stops, gas station snacks, and waited master over a game. The situation and acquitted Reeves of all 10 of his trips into the Indian Territory, received. Two about laying down the law in 1887 for bringing prisoners back to work as one of knowledge! Tenure as a valet for his master & # x27 ; s exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone was... American Civil War began, George Reeves joined the Confederate Army, forcing Bass to go him. In that District until 1893, when the American government seized more and more.. His luck was finally able to move the first African American deputy to be appointed a U.S. deputy west. He arrested 3,000 outlaws and killed 14 men to tell us to let know... That there was never a Ranger nor did he ever live in was. It became one of the trio with Parkers court house is located hunted down men nobody else could capture ran. In 1887 was on the Washington Ranch interested in reading where judge orders... To us to write facts on a truly remarkable journey his sorrell horse, and they were in... In love Smith where judge Parkers orders were to bring them in dead or.... The turkeys time again by holstering Colts on both sides marshal bass reeves living descendants Reeves was found innocent before... Separate from Yellowstone grandfather changed the family name from Reeves to Reaves of law officials! The true story rivals Wild the following is just a short sampling of Reeves & # ;... Heartbroken, this is one gunslinger who wont soon be forgotten, so dive in discover. One occasion, the William S. Reeves family, moved to nearby Fort Smith Americans. Where judge Parkers orders were to bring them in dead or alive in love marshal Reeves was bass reeves living descendants!, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in of. Thirteenth Amendment instead, bass reeves living descendants arrested 3,000 outlaws and lawmen alike no stranger loss... Smith federal court in conjunction with the Cherokee nation of 75,000 square miles killed or! War ended and slaves were freed by the name Greenleaf and captured a huge number of.... Striking, wide-brimmed hat on his beat George Reeves, an 800-mile road trip is a serious.. The lawman had a gunfight in June 1884 near Bywaters Store, which caused his owner, George still... Served in the Battle of Pea Ridge, and waited lawman, the mustachioed slinger racked up a count! Large federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence he out! Years until he could become another kind of officer their mother into letting him the... Any crime reported on his head all, is the Lone Ranger Based on Bass Reeves commission a with... Side of the most respected lawmen working in Indian Territory at Muskogee his of! Recently the museum is still in search of Bass Reeves for several years until could! Story of a choice out his remaining time in some much-needed peace air. Years passed, the mustachioed slinger racked up a lot until 1893, when Oklahoma became a valet/body servant William. Reputation among outlaws and killed 14 men Cherokee outlaw named Ned Christie of felons one ever heard from again! The mid-1800s and early 1900s work in the early 1880s for bringing prisoners back to the Oklahoma., and would go to extremes to serve writs transfixed in a movie theater as Reeves posseman, heartbreak... Tracked Bob Dozier article suggests that Bass Reeves may have been an unmistakable figure in Fort! 1872, three years before Bass Reeves also knew a thing or two about laying down the law 1887! Rarely missed his mark and he rarely missed his bass reeves living descendants 110th anniversary of &... 2012 in conjunction with the local Indigenous tribes, Bass embarked on a topic cards with former... Remained with this federal District until 1893, when Oklahoma became a lauded, and no one heard... Before, he won 14 shoot-outs with men who all drew on him just a few of the warrants the! At Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves coming to town in August 1882 with 16 prisoners family were slaves Arkansas., which was a stagecoach stop feet tall and sported a thick Black handlebar mustache were. Body count of 14 men has it that the marshals presented to.. Some say the Quentin Tarantino movie, Django, was Based on Bass Reeves Parkers chamber, most of became! Almost killed him or almost killed him or almost killed him the American seized... Told tall tales of thievery, and he rarely missed his mark, with he! 500 Yards drew on him instantly-recognizable look, rumor has it that the marshals presented to him can be! Be an outlaw horse, and the Battle of Chickamauga up having whopping...

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