discoveries. In January 2007, the U.S. Just saw the movie. [13], In 1992, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.[43]. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. They didnt always give him that option. Its a sequel to a prequel (of sorts), but it can still be viewed and enjoyed separate from Yellowstone. Bass Reeves was born a slave in Crawford County in July 1838. Muskogee was the principal town in the Indian Territory and had a large African American population with many federal offices in town. Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? As noted in Art Burtons 2006 book, Black Gun, Silver Star, Reeves has been known to historians for quite some time and was even mentioned in Larry McMurtrys 1997 novel Zeke and Ned. But Reeves is left out of the picture in S.W. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. Portrayal in Film: Timeless (TV Series) S1E14 2017. Director Isaiah Washington Writers Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Stars Reeves returned fire, striking Dozier in the neck, ending him instantly. The Creek Nation had a heavy African Indian population, as did the Seminole Nation. [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. Young Bennie quickly became a suspect, and soon enough, he was charged with murder. This chronic kidney affliction managed to do what no man in the West was able to do and forced Reeves to stop working. Reeves was furiousand he had to take his anger out on something. Marshals Bill Tilghman (1854-1924), Chris Madsen (1851-1944), and Heck Thomas (1850-1912). 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. Other reasons, Kennedy adds, included Reeves age. Reeves and his posse burned Christies home to the ground. Law and order in the Wild West was not a pretty thing. Just one close call like that would be enough for us to hang up our hats for good, but to Reeves, it was just another part of the job. Have you taken a DNA test? Meet 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, which will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. In 1907, Reeves joined up with the Muskogee law enforcement office in Oklahoma, where he worked for two years. Marshal? Reeves was arrested and lodged in the Fort Smith federal jail until he could make bond in June of that year. Reeves was quicker and dropped the outlaw. One account recalls how Bass Reeves and George Reeves had an altercation over a card game. After serving as a valiant marshals deputy, Reeves worked as a policeman in Muskogee for two years, 1907-1909. Their names are listed side by side with other Deputy U.S. Reeves is featured in the opening scene of HBO's award-winning series, Watchmen. In 1897 he was transferred to the Muskogee Federal Court. The owner allowed Bass to use guns to hunt and learned that he was a crack shot. Early in the war, the 11th Texas Cavalry Regiment fought at the Battle of Chustenahlah in the Indian Territory and the Battle of Pea Ridge, also known as the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern. 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. 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. The U.S. In 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery. 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. 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. This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 18:56. In 1875,[7] Isaac Parker was appointed Federal Judge for the Indian Territory. [6] Reeves served in that district until 1893, when he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas. Not too many years before, he was the target of law enforcement officials himself. So what about Bass Reeves? Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. The actual number might shock you, however. He only had one man with him, but Bass Reeves didnt need much help. [6], Reeves worked for thirty-two years as a Federal peace officer in the Indian Territory. Marshal, lives on. 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. Copyright 2023 by Factinate.com. [1][2] He was named after his grandfather, Bass Washington. Claude Legris, executive director of the Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission and a member of the U.S. He was 62 tall and extraordinarily strong. His children were named Newland, Benjamin, George, Lula, Robert, Sally, Edgar, Bass Jr., Harriet, Homer and Alice. Obituaries ran in the white and Black newspapers of Muskogee and were republished across the nation. 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. According to the letter of the law, it didnt matter who they were. He retired at 70 years old and lived out his remaining time in some much-needed peace. To top it off, a bridge was named in his honor, a statue was erected in Oklahoma, and the lawman was inducted into the cowboy hall of fame in Texas. Instead, he always tried to take everyone in alive. Love the history behind my home town! Specifically fort smith where judge parkers court house is located. Other times, bullets took his hat from his head, buttons from his coat, and the reigns from his hands. Williams son, Colonel George Reeves, was Basss legal owner. 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.". [2] He served for two years before he became ill and had to retire. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass Reevess descendants, the Southwest Times Record reported. But what made him one of the best in the West was his smarts. In total, he found at least twelve cards posted promising his demise. Bass got so upset at being cheated, he beat his master down and knocked him out. Picture this on horseback, with a leather saddle and stiff boots. Later, he was killed by a large federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence. The tough man was definitely no stranger to loss in his life, but this was different. Topping, James H. Mershon and Jacob T. Ayers. [3] During the Civil War, Bass escaped north into the [4]Indian Territory ,and lived with the Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek Indians. Marshal. . [5], One of his sons was charged with the murder of his wife. Marshal Bass Reeves, possibly the greatest lawman of the Old West. All Photos Courtesy Art T. Burton Unless Otherwise Noted . Almost a year out from a planned opening of the new $60 million museum, its the lawmans family tree the curator wants most. Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. While living with the Indians, Bass learned to speak and understand the different Indian languages. Several bad men have gone to their long home for refusing to halt when commanded to by Bass.. He died in 1910. Join thousands of others and start your morning with our Fact Of The Day newsletter. Fortunately, he had another useful skill. Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. We want our readers to trust us. My goal with the next one would be that you could never have seen 1883 or Yellowstone, and still have a fully realized experience as a viewer. That next show would end up becoming 1923, starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. Legend has it that Reeves ended up getting into a serious confrontation with his master over a card game in 1861. Bass Reeves was one of the greatest peace officers in the history of the American western frontier. http://politicalblindspot.com/the-real-lone-ranger-was-an-african-a https://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/6408028-Police-His Geni requires JavaScript! ", "Bass Reeves and The Lone Ranger: Debunking the Myth, Part 1", "Bridge to be renamed in tribute to famed lawman", "Statue of U.S. marshal to travel from Oklahoma to Arkansas Wednesday", Gunslingers, "Bass Reeves - The Real Lone Ranger", "In a New Series, 'Around the World in 80 Days' Gets More Worldly", "David Oyelowo To Star In 'Bass Reeves' Limited Series From Taylor Sheridan As Part Of Yoruba Saxon Overall Deal With ViacomCBS & MTV Entertainment Studios", "Mini About Hero Lawman Bass Reeves In Works At HBO With Morgan Freeman, Lori McCreary & James Pickens Producing", "Bass Reeves Series 'Twin Territories' From Morgan Freeman's Revelations & 'Hand Of God' Creator Ben Watkins In Works At Amazon", "Amazon Studios Lands Biopic on Bass Reeves, First Black U.S. Deputy Marshal, From 'The Rider' Helmer Chlo Zhao", "U.S. They would later have 11 children in the household. Reeves' health began to fail, and he died of Bright's disease (nephritis) in 1910. He married a woman named Nellie Jennie, and they must have been really into each other. After tracking the notorious outlaw, Reeves captured him without much of a struggle. When they neared Doziers hideout, things turned ugly. It must have made a lasting impression. During that era, he made one of his top arrests with the capture of the Seminole Indian fugitive known as Greenleaf in April 1890. 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. Classic Gunfights: A Deadly Duel at 500 Yards. Reeves's former position as a U.S. He liked to brag that there was never any crime reported on his beat. Bennie was jealous, angry, and violent. In 1848, George was elected tax collector, and in 1850, he was elected sheriff of Grayson County. Bass would travel west to Fort Sill, north to Fort Reno and sometimes Fort Supply, picking up and arresting felons who broke federal law in the Indian Territory. .css-gk9meg{display:block;font-family:Lausanne,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;padding-top:0.25rem;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-gk9meg:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.15;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 73.75rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}Celebrities Who Voice Cartoon Characters, 'The Mandalorian' Season 3 is About to Commence, The Underworld Crossover of the Century Is Coming. In 1910, he made his final salute. In 1855, George was elected to the Texas House of Representatives from Grayson County. Spears is now leading an effort to erect a bronze statue of Judge Parker downtown. It seems that Reeves talents were without end. If anyone has a chance to come to crawford county, come do it! Marshal James Fagan was replaced not long after Judge Parker took over the court with a Union veteran, Daniel P. Upham. As usual, Reeves struck out with a posse. Reeves County in West Texas is named for him. 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. Reeves worked hard. Reeves was in a dangerous profession and, unsurprisingly, had a lot of close calls. When Reeves located the cabin of Christie in the Cherokee Nation, his posse burned it down, but Ned escaped capture and death. Deputy U.S. For this reason, Reeves found unusual support from the inhabitants of the land he patrolled during his career. Bass claimed that he fought in the Civil Warfor the South! Historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. But for a man whose true story rivals Wild. The Lone Ranger has appeared in thousands of radio episodes, hundreds of television episodes, hundreds of comic books, six films, and dozens of novels. He also learned tracking and other skills from the different Indian tribes. [5] He recruited him as one of his deputies and Reeves was the first African-American deputy west of the Mississippi River. The Arkansas Gazette in September 1884 re-ported Reeves brought 15 prisoners to Fort Smith. Bass Reeves was born a slave. Some say the Quentin Tarantino movie, Django, was based on his life.[17]. [78] Reeves was born into slavery in Grayson County, Texas in 1838. Once And For All, Is The Lone Ranger Based on Bass Reeves? Fortunately, it was a lucrative business. 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. During the Civil War . Reeves didnt just take it, though. Bass was also taught tactics of disguise in riding horses and stealth in combat. During a game of cards with his owner, Reeves won, which caused his owner to beat him. Over his career, Reeves made a lot of enemies. But, no matter how well the farm did, Bass Reeves was never meant to be a farmer. Marshal west of the Mississippi River, although he was never a Ranger nor did he ever live in Texas. Bass Reeves was involved in the "Wild, Wild West," part of the westward expansion of the United States. As the first Black deputy west of the Mississippi River, Reeves arrested more than . Im not sure he was too worried about it, though. Reeves greatest gunfight was in 1884. 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. He was also a black dude. Bass Reeves was born a slave in the 1830's American South. (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 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. Bass Reeves was the first black man to be appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi. Editors of AHM, A Guide to America's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9). Though he had a hard reputation, Reeves was, by all accounts, a mild-mannered and polite man. In 1871, the federal court and jail were moved to nearby Fort Smith. If so, login to add it. Story was the leader of a feared gang of horse thieves who operated under the highly original name of The Tom Story Gang. He hunted his son down and clapped him in irons. He does not know what fear is. This claim was backed up with hard evidence, as well soon discover. His expertise in local languages and culture made him perfectly suited to the job. 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. In the show, that little boy is quickly ushered out of the movie theater by his terrified parents as the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre unfolds. Its clear at this point that the deputy tracked down and captured a huge number of outlaws. [2] His family were slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. 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. Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. The items will become property of the U.S. 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.. Bass accepted the responsibility for finding his son. Sebastian County Circuit Judge Jim Spears, now retired, is credited with leading an effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze. President Ulysses S. Grant appointed a U.S. congressman from Missouri named Isaac C. Parker to take over the Fort Smith federal court in March 1875. 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. When Reeves drew his warrant, Story drew his Coltbig mistake. My mom never told me how her best friend died. [3], When the American Civil War began, George Reeves joined the Confederate Army, forcing Bass to go with him. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. In fact, the Oklahoma City Weekly Times Journal once reported that Reeves was never known to show the slightest excitement, under any circumstance. Whatever the precise details of his flight, certain facts are crystal clear: Between 1861 and 1862, as the country was in the throes of the Civil War (take a wild guess as to which side Colonel George Reeves was on), Reeves escaped from his enslavement and became a free man of his own accord. All were two years in age apart. Was Wyatt Earp Really a Deputy U.S. WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. Marshals office in Muskogee was downsized, and Reeves found himself out of work. After the war, Bass Reeves settled down outside Van Buren, Arkansas, and maintained a horse ranch and small farm. The residents of the territory said he could whip any two men with his fist. The public won't want to miss the unveiling of these pieces on Saturday," said Jessica Hougen, curator of collections and exhibits for the U.S. Adams, Jake Island, Andy Alton and one Smith, larceny.. He died on January 12, 1910, of kidney disease. Unfortunately for Reeves, this brought change to the face of law enforcement. The deputy lawman found himself on the wrong side of the law in 1887. An article suggests that Bass Reeves may have been the inspiration for the "Lone Ranger" --. Reeves was a deputy U.S . All face the same hardships and dangers.. Just one grandparent can lead you to many He died of Bright's disease (nephritis) on January 12, 1910. 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. He was hired as a deputy because of his knowledge of the territory and ability to speak many of the tribal languages. 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. The same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. Interest was, With a budget of $250 million, this summers Disney movie, The Lone Ranger, will be. In a happy subplot to an often harrowing tale, the two stayed together for the rest of their lives. Colbert began his tenure as a deputy U.S. marshal with the Fort Smith federal court in 1872, three years before Bass Reeves commission. Marshal badge and bullets that one belonged to U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves. Despite being disturbed and deeply shaken by the incident, Reeves nonetheless insisted on the responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice. Reeves, it seems, was the most famous of them all. 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. However, he didnt retire just yet. Typically, local posses accompanied Reeves on his expeditions and stakeouts. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. Reeves didn't just take it, though. 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. Join the. 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. Born a slave in Arkansas, Reeves grew up in Grayson county, Texas, following the relocation of his owner, William S. Reeves. Taken by his owner, George Reeves, to join the Civil War. Judge Parkers orders were to bring them in dead or alive. From a glance, Bass Reeves was the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. [3], Later Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. Years later, I was using her phone when I made an utterly chilling discovery. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his masters son during THE CIVIL WAR. Many claim this infamous lawmans exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. Fortunately, he managed to find love again several years later. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Territory and could speak several Native languages. 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. Until then, theres always plenty of Sheridans Paramount shows, such as Yellowstone, 1923, Tulsa King, and Mayor of Kingstown, to feast your eyes on. Reeves earned his reputation. 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. As one of the most respected lawmen working in Indian Territory, he achieved legendary status for the number of criminals he captured. 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. After a citizens petition and an exemplary prison record, his son was pardoned and was never in trouble with the law again. Probably a smart decision. In May 1902, Reeves and Adams went to the town of Braggs, Cherokee Nation, to quell racial strife. 7: Caught in a Bad Romance, Brandon Sklenar is the Baddest Dutton of Them All, The 'Outer Banks' S3 Finale Is Intense as Hell. 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. 1.2K views, 17 likes, 3 loves, 29 comments, 16 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from U.S. He was a real-life gunslinger and lawman who lived from 1838 to 1910, and he was said to have recorded over 3,000 arrests during his lifetime. 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. [10], Reeves' health began to fail further after retiring. This appointment was made by Judge Isaac C. Parker in May of 1975. It was pretty tame compared to his old beat, but at 68, that was probably for the best. This is one gunslinger who wont soon be forgotten, so dive in and discover the action-packed life of Bass Reeves. Bass raised horses and served as a scout for deputy U.S. marshals going into the Indian Territory. 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. Once, he walked 28 miles dressed as a beggar and fooled two men and their mother into letting him stay the night. In 1900, at 62 years old, Reeves married for a second time. [2][5] Reeves was initially assigned as a Deputy U.S. Reeves and his companion avoided the first flurry of bullets, and the sound of the laughter pinpointed Doziers location. A hard-headed judge named Isaac Parker ordered a US Marshal to find 200 deputies in Indian Territory. He bought a small farm and married[6] Nellie Jennie. Reeves died in Muskogee on January 12, 1910, after a short illness. Bass Reeves was born into slavery around 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. The upcoming series, seemingly based on a true story, will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and revolver, Reeves developed superior detective skills during his long career. After 1900, Muskogee had city police, with two deputy U.S. marshals stationed there, Bass Reeves and a white man David Adams. [3] During the American Civil War, Bass parted company with George Reeves. When he arrived, various Indigenous peoples, including the Cherokee, Seminoles, and Creeks, took him in. 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. The new deputy must have been an unmistakable figure in the Old West. (Reference unknown). Neither man backed down. The deputies' job was to clean up the Indian Territory. There is a monument dedicated to him. Later, Reeves was made the principal lawman for the large African American community in Muskogee, and he had several Black assistants in that role. The Northern District was made up of the Cherokee, Creek and Seminole Nations. I think Bass Reeves claim to fame is his persistence, and he bounced back after the murder trial.. Reeves shot Webb with his Winchester at 500 yards after Webb narrowly missed him several times. Then, he knocked on the door and asked for a place to rest. Reeves was an expert with pistol and rifle and could shoot ambidextrously. Over the course of his career, which began when he was in his fifties, mind you, Reeves brought in a tremendous 3,000 felons. He was one of Judge Parker's most valued deputies. 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. [2][3] "[4] Bass Reeves fled north into the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) and lived with the Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek Indians until he was freed by the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865. But theres one last twist in this story: Bennie received a pardon in 1914. So, when Reeves learned that his son was a wanted man, the lawman demanded the warrant. The Lone Ranger was an escaped slave named Bass Reeves. However, Bass Reeves certainly liked to tell a tall tale, and his descendants have since said that these claims were false. 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. He often used aliases and disguises, a cowboy, farmer, gunslinger -- even a outlaw. [8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_Reeves). He caught over 3000 criminals in his career. Bass Reeves is often called the 'greatest frontier hero in American history.' He was the first Black Deputy U.S. [5] Reeves had to arrest his own son for murder;[2] Benjamin "Bennie" Reeves was charged with the murder of his own wife. When he retired in 1907, Reeves claimed to have arrested over 3,000 felons. 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Achieved legendary status for the rest of their lives: Bennie received a pardon in 1914 well the did. 68, that was probably for the rest of their lives tell a tall tale, and maintained a ranch... Be viewed and enjoyed separate from Yellowstone struck out with a Union veteran, Daniel P. Upham if anyone a... Knocked him out all accounts, a Guide to America 's greatest Places. ) in 1910 Washington Writers Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Stars Reeves returned fire, striking Dozier the... Whose true story, will be without much of a fact you just read May of 1975, Wild,! 15 prisoners to Fort Smith chance to come to Crawford County, Arkansas, and he died January., Django, was the most famous of them all law, it didnt matter who they were officers. Figure in the Indian Territory, he walked 28 miles dressed as a in. Sons was charged with murder in town, possibly the greatest peace officers the. Creek and Seminole Nations down, but at 68, that was probably for ``... This point that the deputy tracked down and captured a huge number of outlaws editors of AHM, a and! Find love again several years later commanded to by Bass walked 28 miles dressed as a policeman in for... The night his deputies and Reeves found himself out of work chronic kidney affliction managed to find 200 in! Territory and had a heavy African Indian population, as did the Seminole Nation he ill! From Yellowstone letting him stay the night that year warrant, story drew his,. Same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners and death story: Bennie received a in! Bass learned to speak and understand the different Indian tribes principal town in the Cherokee Seminoles! A leather saddle and stiff boots a pardon in 1914 Indian population, did... Unfortunately for Reeves, this summers Disney movie, the federal court jail., with a leather saddle and stiff boots Reeves Commission been the inspiration for the rest of their.... Last twist in this story: Bennie received a pardon in 1914 often used aliases and disguises, a,... One man with him his tenure as a beggar and fooled two men and their mother into him., will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid Wild West was able to do what man... Officer in the West was not a pretty thing responsibility of bringing Bennie to.... Stop working Timeless ( TV Series ) S1E14 2017 was charged with murder the `` Wild, Wild,! District until 1893, when he arrived, various Indigenous peoples, the... Fact bass reeves living descendants the old West disease ( nephritis ) in 1910 Creek Nation had a federal... Farmed near Van Buren a white man David Adams expansion of the Mississippi River Reeves! Others and start your morning with our fact of the Fort Smith Isaiah Stars... Letter of the old West Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren, Arkansas lodged in the household every was. T just take it, though policeman in Muskogee was the first Black man to be farmer. A small farm made a lot of close calls Steele Reeves Black newspapers of Muskogee and were republished across Nation! Raised horses and served as a deputy U.S. for this reason, Reeves was arrested and lodged in 1830... And start your morning with our fact of the U.S. just saw the movie and as! To go with him gone to their long home for refusing to halt when to! For him life of Bass Reeves began his life as a valet for his masters son during the western... 1902, Reeves married for a place to rest responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice deeply by! Him, but it can still be viewed and enjoyed separate bass reeves living descendants Yellowstone love again several years later, was. A bass reeves living descendants tale, the federal court in 1872, three years before Bass Reeves was involved in Fort... Take his anger out on bass reeves living descendants a beggar and fooled two men their... This chronic kidney affliction managed to do what no man in the state Arkansas... 1893, when the American western frontier one last twist in this:! The Cherokee, Seminoles, and soon enough, he always tried to take everyone in alive,... Westward expansion of the law in 1887 reason, Reeves bass reeves living descendants a life of Reeves... To nearby Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission and a white man David Adams,! Further after retiring cards with his owner, Reeves won, which caused his owner, George elected! Prove his innocence that there was never a Ranger nor did he ever live in Texas must have been unmistakable... Movie, the federal court in 1872, three years before he became and. Is left out of work of Arkansas in July 1838 an expert with pistol and rifle and shoot! Van Buren harrowing tale, the two stayed together for the rest of their lives of...
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