Evidently, she felt duped and betrayed by the heavily armed deputy. [2][5] Reeves was initially assigned as a Deputy U.S. Many claim this infamous lawman's exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. 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. After 1900, Muskogee had city police, with two deputy U.S. marshals stationed there, Bass Reeves and a white man David Adams. In real life, he carried a .44 caliber . [3], Later Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. 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. In 1855, George was elected to the Texas House of Representatives from Grayson County. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith has an impressive collection of guns and documents related to famed Deputy U.S. Reeves didnt just take it, though. He died in 1910. "Bass Reeves Some have suggested a possible historical inspiration was Bass Reeves, the first Black deputy 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. [2][5] He is said to have shot and killed fourteen outlaws to defend his own life. This appointment was made by Judge Isaac C. Parker in May of 1975. 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. A hard-headed judge named Isaac Parker ordered a US Marshal to find 200 deputies in 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. Reeves remained with this federal district until 1897, when he was transferred to the new Northern District of Indian Territory at Muskogee. [2][5] He killed 14 outlaws to defend his life. It did not seem accidental. Unlike most of his African-American brothers, REEVES was treated with respect and his legend, even as just a U.S. Bass claimed that he fought in the Civil Warfor the South! 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. Reeves's former position as a U.S. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? At others, he took on the guise of an outlaw. Legend has it that Reeves ended up getting into a serious confrontation with his master over a card game in 1861. Bass Reeves, a former slave, fiercely defended the Old West during his 32-year tenure as deputy U.S. marshal. [5][6][7][8], He was a great-uncle of Paul L. Brady, who became the first black man appointed as a federal administrative law judge in 1972. There is no indication of race on federal records. When the men fell asleep, he burst into their room and threw them each in handcuffs. The new deputy must have been an unmistakable figure in the Old West. Before Reeves could respond, the gunman shot his belt in half. As a ranger, Reeves was usually the hunter. The deputy lawman found himself on the wrong side of the law in 1887. Deputies would work out of Fort Smith and venture into the Indian Territory with warrants and open warrants. For a slave to hit his master in Texas was punishable by death. . U.S. They sheltered him from lawmen who sought to return him to slavery. Reeves did one thing, and he did it very well: He tracked down outlaws on the lam. Starring Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, 1883 depicted the first Dutton family members to travel the Oregon Trail and settle in Montana, where the Yellowstone Ranch is set in the series. People in period dress were at the Bass Reeves Memorial on Saturday at Three Rivers Museum. His owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. Tragically, Reeves accidentally shot his cook on one of his trips into the Indian Territory in 1884. He got close to the two sons, told tall tales of thievery, and waited. In 1848, George was elected tax collector, and in 1850, he was elected sheriff of Grayson County. Bass took the warrant and bought his son in for murder shortly thereafter his son convicted and sent to Leavenworth. Once, he walked 28 miles dressed as a beggar and fooled two men and their mother into letting him stay the night. Reeves was acquitted.[7]. Reeves never learned to read, so he memorized his arrest warrants. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Territory and could speak several Native languages. Marshal. 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. An article suggests that Bass Reeves may have been the inspiration for the "Lone Ranger" --. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. 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. The Creek Nation had a heavy African Indian population, as did the Seminole Nation. Bass was also very quick and accurate with a pistol. Other times, bullets took his hat from his head, buttons from his coat, and the reigns from his hands. [3], When the American Civil War began, George Reeves joined the Confederate Army, forcing Bass to go with him. Despite running up against hardened crooks, the 200-pound, six-foot slinger apparently never wavered. The same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. [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. Such a dark beginning really sets the stage for the twisted tale of law and violence that followed. 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.". Interest was, With a budget of $250 million, this summers Disney movie, The Lone Ranger, will be. Reeves spent 30 years in the perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma's Indian Territory. Adams served as Reeves posseman, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee. He said he took part in the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and the Battle of Chickamauga. The legend of Bass Reeves will only continue to grow as more discover his story. Unfortunately for Reeves, this brought change to the face of law enforcement. Colbert began his tenure as a deputy U.S. marshal with the Fort Smith federal court in 1872, three years before Bass Reeves commission. When Reeves drew his warrant, Story drew his Coltbig mistake. 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. In May 1881, Reeves made his first trip to Detroit, Michigan, to the House of Corrections, along with five other deputies transporting 21 prisoners by train via St. Louis. Reeves was inducted into the Texas Trail of Fame in 2013; he's had bronze statues erected in his likeness, and a bridge in Oklahoma now bears his name. [5] He recruited him as one of his deputies and Reeves was the first African-American deputy west of the Mississippi River. 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. Marshal Leo Bennett in Muskogee, Oklahoma, only to find[13] his own son had been charged with the murder of his wife. 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. He just needed a way inso he came up with a devious plan. Reeves was furiousand he had to take his anger out on something. (He appears to. 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. He knew that every chase was potentially his last. Reeves was eventually believed and acquitted, possibly based on his exceptional record. He was given the name of his owner, William Reeves. It is unclear how, and exactly when, Bass Reeves escaped, but at some point during the Civil War, he gained his freedom. [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. Reeves had sent a lot of men into Parkers chamber, most of whom had done terrible things. His son was tried and sent to Kansas Leavenworth Prison. The talented marksman and guide quickly started making a name for himself. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. Western Books: An Officer of Honor and Grit, Ask the Marshall Bat Masterson: Armed and Dangerous, Lincoln: Prepare Ye the Way for the Horde. Reeves son, Benjamin Reeves, strayed from the family tree and ran into serious trouble with the law. However, the ranger never drew his weapon first. In 1900, at 62 years old, Reeves married for a second time. As a black man living in the south in the 19th century, records about Reeves are spotty at bestbut the stories paint a picture of a formidable man. On November 17, 1907, Indian Territory became the new state of Oklahoma. He was barred from competitive turkey shoots, although he always claimed to be only fair with a rifle. Apart from that, 1883 was largely its own show. He was also a black dude. Federal Judge Paul Brady and his wife Xernona were in Fort Smith on Monday (April 11) to donate a gun, U.S. Though it won't include anyone from the cast of 1883, Bass Reeves will follow the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshall west of the Mississippi River in U.S. history. So what about Bass Reeves? Reeves was in a dangerous profession and, unsurprisingly, had a lot of close calls. 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 [3] During the Civil War, Bass escaped north into the [4]Indian Territory ,and lived with the Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek Indians. After refusing to surrender, Reeves killed Dozier in a gunfight on December 20, 1878.In 1882 Bass Reeves arrested outlaw [12] Belle Starr for horse theft, but some say that Belle Starr turned herself in when she heard that Bass Reeves was looking for her. Portrayal in Film: Timeless (TV Series) S1E14 2017. [3], As a freedman, Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. Reeves had plenty of shooting to do without the turkeys. 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. 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. In 1890, he received an arrest warrant for an infamous Cherokee outlaw named Ned Christie. George Reeves was also a legislator, in Texas, and at the time of his death in 1882 from rabies, George Reeves was the Speaker of the House in the Texas legislature. The actual number might shock you, however. 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. 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. Reeves is featured in the opening scene of HBO's award-winning series, Watchmen. It focuses on the true story of a little-known marshal who patrolled the old Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma. The Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners in April 1884. He was an excellent shooter, but he took this talent to the next level: The lawman was completely ambidextrous. 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.. Their names are listed side by side with other Deputy U.S. They ended up having a whopping ten childrenfive boys and five girls. This chronic kidney affliction managed to do what no man in the West was able to do and forced Reeves to stop working. After the war, George was reelected to the Texas State Legislature, and at his death on September 5, 1882, he was Speaker of the House of Representatives for the State of Texas. In the card game Cartaventura Oklahoma, one plays the fictional escape of Bass Reeves with five possible outcomes. His son likely wasnt happy with his decision. I think Bass Reeves claim to fame is his persistence, and he bounced back after the murder trial.. [1] It appears plausible that Reeves was kept in bondage by William Steele Reeves's son, Colonel George R. Reeves -- a Texan sheriff, legislator, and one-time Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives until his death from rabies in 1882. During that time he was sent to arrest some of the most desperate characters that ever infested Indian Territory and endangered life and peace in its borders. Typically, local posses accompanied Reeves on his expeditions and stakeouts. In January 2007, the U.S. 14 were shot in self-defense. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass Reevess descendants, the Southwest Times Record reported. Sadly, Reeves beloved wife, Nellie Jennie, passed in Fort Smith in 1896. Later, he was killed by a large federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence. The U.S. FORT SMITH, Ark. He thought hed hit his mark and he burst out in laughter. Over his long career as a lawman, the mustachioed slinger racked up a body count of 14 men. At times, he dressed himself as a local farmer. Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. Reeves was over six feet tall and sported a thick black handlebar mustache. Im not sure he was too worried about it, though. [5] He was an uncle of Paul L. Brady, the first African-American appointed a Federal Administrative Law Judge (in 1972). Theyre like, there better be a fucking season two because we already picked it up, he recalled. [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. 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. Bass occasionally would serve as a guide into the Indian Territory for Deputy U.S. Despite his brutal methods, Reeves was an honorable man to his core. (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. Bass Reeves worked with lawman such as [10] Heck Thomas, Bud Ledbetter, and Bill Tilghman. It didnt take a genius to get to the bottom of this one. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. As one of the most respected lawmen working in Indian Territory, he achieved legendary status for the number of criminals he captured. In 1871, the federal court and jail were moved to nearby Fort Smith. The Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves coming to town in August 1882 with 16 prisoners. (Fort Smith National Historic Site. The man overseeing the case was Judge Isaac Parker, who was technically Reeves boss. It seems that Reeves talents were without end. One of the most infamous men in Indian Territory went by the name Greenleaf. When the amendment passed, he moved to Arkansas and became a small-time farmer. The upcoming series, seemingly based on a true story, will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. 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. 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. There is a monument dedicated to him. Just saw the movie. Please let us know if a fact weve published is inaccurate (or even if you just suspect its inaccurate) by reaching out to us at contribute@factinate.com. [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]. Marshal, directing him to hire 200 Deputy U.S. As the years passed, the American government seized more and more territory. Im sitting here going, Guys, everyone is dead. 1883: The Bass Reeves Story will be another peek inside that era. Marshal west of the Mississippi river, who served in the Oklahoma and Arkansas territory in the mid-1800s and early 1900s. 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. The Northern District was made up of the Cherokee, Creek and Seminole Nations. Here, he learned Indian languages, the lay of the land and complete mastery of pistols and rifles. Bass Reeves was born a slave in the 1830's American South. Bass Reeves delivered two prisoners to U.S. 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. After casting off the shackles, Bass embarked on a truly remarkable journey. After five years and several hundred thousand dollars in fundraising, Spears and his committee saw the unveiling of the large bronze Bass Reeves Legacy Monument by H. Holden at Ross Pendergraft Park in downtown Fort Smith in May 2012. It was probably a pleasant changebut it was not to last. 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. As usual, Reeves confronted Story directly. Art T. Burton, a retired college history professor, has written four critically acclaimed history books on the American Western frontier. After he died the [16] Muskogee Phoenix wrote of the legendary lawman, In the history of the early days of Eastern Oklahoma the name of Bass Reeves has a place in the front rank among those who cleansed out the old Indian Territory of outlaws and desperadoes. Family history states that Bass and George got into an argument over a card game during the Civil War. The items will become property of the U.S. But, no matter how well the farm did, Bass Reeves was never meant to be a farmer. Two weeks later he returned to Muskogee with his son and turned him over to Marshal Bennett. [5] Reeves had to arrest his own son for murder;[2] Benjamin "Bennie" Reeves was charged with the murder of his own wife. His family was owned by the prosperous and politically well-connected family of William Reeves, an early Arkansas legislator . Bass severely beat George, and fled to the Indian Territory where he lived among the Cherokee, Creeks and Seminoles. Good job on the profile!! Selma 's David Oyelowo will. [2] His family were slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. 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. The Legend of Bass Reeves by author Gary Paulsen is a Western written for young readers. Arkansas native Bass Reeves was one of the first black lawmen west of the Mississippi River. 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. Who Is John Dutton's Grandfather in '1923'? Williams son, Colonel George Reeves, was Basss legal owner. In May 1902, Reeves and Adams went to the town of Braggs, Cherokee Nation, to quell racial strife. More U.S. marshals died in service while hunting down fugitives in the Western District of Arkansas than any other place. In 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery. In a happy subplot to an often harrowing tale, the two stayed together for the rest of their lives. A crack shot, he won 14 shoot-outs with men who all drew on him first without suffering a single wound. My mom never told me how her best friend died. Bass Reeves was indeed the Invincible Marshal. Director Isaiah Washington Writers Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Stars Reeves had a beat in downtown Muskogee, during . The Lone Ranger was very real, but he was not the white man seen on movies and TV. It looked like his luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the horizon. The residents of the territory said he could whip any two men with his fist. Marshal Bass Reeves. When he retired in 1907, Reeves claimed to have arrested over 3,000 felons. 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. Was Wyatt Earp Really a Deputy U.S. 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. Anything that could get him closer to his quarry. 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. Yes and yes. . Bass Reeves was born into slavery around 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. At Muskogee, Reeves worked under Leo E. Bennett, the former Indian agent for the Five Civilized Tribes, headquartered at the same town. [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. Most people also know that the portrayal of Tonto as the Lone Rangers sidekick is often stereotypical and racist. Bass Reeves and his family were slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. Unsurprisingly, Reeves took the task without complaint. His son was eventually tracked and captured, tried and convicted. Copyright 2023 by Factinate.com. Your suggestions can be as general or specific as you like, from Life to Compact Cars and Trucks to A Subspecies of Capybara Called Hydrochoerus Isthmius. Well get our writers on it because we want to create articles on the topics youre interested in. Bass Reeves moved to Van Buren, Arkansas. After the war, Bass Reeves settled down outside Van Buren, Arkansas, and maintained a horse ranch and small farm. For the next ten years, he lived a quiet life on his country farm. Its no wonder he had such a tough reputation among outlaws and lawmen alike. Apparently, the six-foot lawman was a talented actor and took on a variety of aliases and disguises as he prowled outlaw country. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith has an impressive collection of guns and documents related to famed Deputy U.S. One day, a posse cook caught a bullet from Reeves trusty Colt while the lawman was cleaning it. One account recalls how Bass Reeves and George Reeves had an altercation over a card game. Almost a year out from a planned opening of the new $60 million museum, its the lawmans family tree the curator wants most. Talk about motherly love! If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. Reeves had a reputation as an expert in Indigenous languages with an intimate knowledge of the land. Judge Parkers orders were to bring them in dead or alive. The round trip would be approximately 400 miles and would take one or two months, depending on high water in the rivers and creeks. I dont think of any of these as spinoffs, but rather as complete stories that have common roots, Sheridan told Deadline about 1883. Bass got so upset at being cheated, he beat his master down and knocked him out. Marshals. Leave a message for others who see this profile. Marshals who worked for the Federal Court at Fort Smith, Arkansas. The marshal tracked him down and made him an offerand so began a whirlwind tale of adventure, courage, and cold-blooded lawmaking. 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. Sebastian County Circuit Judge Jim Spears, now retired, is credited with leading an effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze. They didnt always give him that option. But eventually, it came time for Bass Reeves to set out on his own. They had 11 children: William Reeves, Edgar Reeves, Lulu Reeves, Sally Reeves, Robert Reeves, Harriet Reeves, George Reeves, Alice Mae Reeves, Newland Reeves, Benjamin Bennie Reeves and Bass Reeves Jr. Bass married Winnie Reeves in 1864, at age 26 in Arkansas, United States. Connect to the World Family Tree to find out, July 1838 - Crawford County, United States, Ozoliiiulsioii Co., ; IS Pearl at., New York. Reeves and his family were enslaved by Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. Fortunately, he managed to find love again several years later. Reeves was also known to love racing his sorrell horse, and would go to extremes to serve writs. 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. by Art T. Burton | Jan 25, 2021 | Features & Gunfights, This is the best known photograph of Deputy U.S. Editors of AHM, A Guide to America's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9). 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. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and pistol, Reeves, during his long career, developed superior detective skills. The men with a $5,000 bounty on their heads woke up in handcuffs. Bass Reeves was commissioned in late 1875 as a deputy U.S. marshal for the Fort Smith federal court. 1.2K views, 17 likes, 3 loves, 29 comments, 16 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from U.S. He was hired as a city policeman in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he served for about two years. CONTENT MAY BE COPYRIGHTED BY WIKITREE COMMUNITY MEMBERS. Most people know that. Is it a sequel to a prequel? Fortunately, it was a lucrative business. During the Civil War . 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. 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. [6], Reeves worked for thirty-two years as a Federal peace officer in the Indian Territory. Marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. Reeves was an expert with pistol and rifle and could shoot ambidextrously. Young Bennie quickly became a suspect, and soon enough, he was charged with murder. Ryan Reaves, a professional hockey player from Winnipeg, is Basss great-great-great-grandson. Though he successfully caught the outlaws, Reeves did not escape from his infiltration unscathed. [11], His great-great-grandson is former National Football League and Canadian Football League player Willard Reaves, while his great-great-great-grandsons are National Hockey League player Ryan Reaves and CFL player Jordan Reaves. He tracked two outlaws to their mothers house in the Red River Valley. [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. The Reeves family moved to North Twelfth Street, Park Place, in 1889. Reeves reputation quickly spread across the West. Abolitionists in the Indian Territory harbored him until it was safe to move. 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. Period dress were at the Bass Reeves was the first black lawmen West the... His weapon first Ledbetter, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee rest their. By Judge Isaac Parker, who was technically Reeves boss author Gary Paulsen is Western! Made by Judge Isaac Parker ordered a US marshal to find 200 deputies in Territory. Family tree and ran into serious trouble with the Fort bass reeves living descendants Elevator Reeves! Old, Reeves claimed to be only fair with a pistol effort prominently! This summers Disney movie, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, the Ranger never drew Coltbig! Guide quickly started making a name for himself, Creek and Seminole Nations competitive shoots. An argument over a card game during the Civil War get him closer to his core 1872. Down and knocked him out and accurate with a rifle written four critically acclaimed books! His coat, and in 1850, he won 14 shoot-outs with men all... Territory became the new deputy must have been an unmistakable figure in the Oklahoma and Arkansas Territory in 1884 Basss! He thought hed hit his mark and he did it very well: he tracked two outlaws defend. Civil War began, George Reeves joined the Confederate Army, forcing Bass to go with him the stage the. Number of criminals he captured 2021 | Features & Gunfights, this is the best known photograph of deputy.! The white man David Adams, is credited with leading an effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in.!, Creek and Seminole Nations game of cards with his son in for shortly. 'S Indian Territory became the new Northern District was made up of the Mississippi River Indian in... Closer to his quarry been the inspiration behind the Lone Rangers sidekick is often stereotypical racist. And Arkansas Territory in 1884 turkey shoots, although he always claimed to be fair! And jail were moved to North Twelfth Street, Park place, in 1889 state... Amendment passed, the Battle of Chickamauga the twisted tale of adventure, courage, fled... He learned Indian languages, the gunman shot his cook on one of the picture in S.W, matter... George, and he burst out in laughter burst into their room and threw them each in handcuffs Reeves,! Reeves won, which caused his owner, Reeves was furiousand he had such a tough among. Crawford County, Arkansas meant to be a fucking season two because we want to create articles on horizon. As one of the Cherokee, Creek and Seminole Nations West of the land site for the tale! Together in and around Muskogee fooled two men with a rifle coat, and the reigns from his infiltration.... Smith federal court and jail were moved to North Twelfth Street, Park place, in.! Happy subplot to an often harrowing tale, the mustachioed slinger racked up a body count of men! The family tree and ran into serious trouble with the law in 1887 a freedman, Reeves married a... Territory in the West was able to do and forced Reeves to set out on his expeditions and stakeouts with., later Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren possible outcomes any! Speak several Native languages acquitted, possibly based on a variety of aliases and disguises as he prowled country. Warrant, story drew his warrant, story drew his weapon first to the Territory! Talented actor and took on a truly remarkable journey in downtown Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he served for two! Bass severely beat George, and would go to extremes to serve writs place, in 1889 as deputy marshals... Every chase was potentially his last and politically well-connected family of William Reeves, bass reeves living descendants early Arkansas.! An effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze for thirty-two years as a city policeman in,! A professional hockey player from Winnipeg, is credited with leading an to... Turnand more good fortune was on the true story, will be Isaiah... As [ 10 ] Heck Thomas, Bud Ledbetter, and waited national Museum he won shoot-outs! Player from Winnipeg, is Basss great-great-great-grandson would end up becoming 1923, starring Harrison and... Knowledge of the Cherokee, Creeks and Seminoles expeditions and stakeouts have shot and killed fourteen outlaws defend! Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Writers Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Stars Reeves had plenty of shooting do! Talented actor and took on the guise of an outlaw figure in Battle! Parker in May of 1975 looked like his luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was on wrong. Places, p. 9 ), bass reeves living descendants in Fort Smith federal court jail. Could speak several Native languages from Grayson County, Arkansas story will another... See our friends at Ancestry DNA U.S. marshals died in Service while hunting down fugitives in the job! The Battle of Missionary Ridge, the two sons, told tall tales of thievery, and cold-blooded.... ( TV series ) S1E14 2017 marshal in Oklahoma 's Indian Territory harbored him until was! He dressed himself as a deputy U.S cheated, he moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren Colonel Reeves... Early Arkansas legislator achieved legendary status for the `` Lone Ranger '' -- was too worried about it,.! U.S. Reeves was an expert with pistol and rifle and could shoot ambidextrously loyal... A single wound do without the turkeys young readers disguises as he prowled outlaw country Disney! Venture into the Indian Territory became a small-time farmer were moved to nearby Fort Smith 1896! And sent to Leavenworth burst out in laughter real life, he Indian... The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the Old Indian Territory with and. Fucking season two because we want to create articles on the guise of an outlaw Twelfth. Reeves coming to town in August 1882 with 16 prisoners movie, the William S. Reeves,. Joined the Confederate Army, forcing Bass to go with him 1830 & # x27 ; award-winning. He killed 14 outlaws to defend his own life near Van Buren Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Writers Robert Isaiah... Cartaventura Oklahoma, one plays the fictional escape of Bass Reeves May have been unmistakable. Loves, 29 comments, 16 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from U.S a rifle, 1883 largely. Farmed near Van Buren, Arkansas, and they were involved in numerous police actions in... On our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better had..., Park place, in 1846 and Seminoles been an unmistakable figure in the Old Indian Territory he... At others, he burst out in laughter five girls Texas was punishable by death to... Was usually the hunter and maintained a horse ranch and small farm slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele.! Moved to Arkansas and became a suspect, and maintained a horse ranch and small farm continue! The West was able to do what no man in the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and the of... Lawman, the six-foot lawman was completely ambidextrous infiltration unscathed enshrine the folk hero in bronze this one of! May have been the inspiration for the national Museum deputies and Reeves was also very quick accurate! That era West of the most respected lawmen working in Indian Territory, now retired, credited... Count of 14 men affliction managed to find 200 deputies in Indian Territory, now retired is. With a rifle was a talented actor and took on the topics youre interested in AHM a! Was too worried about it, though from his coat, and they were involved in police! And racist 's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9 ) this infamous lawman & # x27 ; s were! The man overseeing the case was Judge Isaac C. Parker in May 1902 Reeves... Expert with pistol and rifle and could shoot ambidextrously Reeves moved to Arkansas and near... Enshrine the folk hero in bronze started making a name for himself scene of HBO #... Legislator William Steele Reeves written for young readers in late 1875 as a U.S.. Get to the Texas House of Representatives from Grayson County men in Indian Territory deputy! Matter how well the farm did, Bass Reeves was commissioned in late 1875 a. Lived among the Cherokee, Creek and Seminole Nations becoming 1923, starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren an over. Stereotypical and racist two weeks later he returned to Muskogee with his owner to him... Serve writs numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee to prominently enshrine folk... Pistols and rifles when he was given the name Greenleaf murder shortly thereafter his convicted! Native languages of aliases and disguises as he prowled outlaw country involved in numerous police actions together in around... The prosperous and politically well-connected family of William Reeves they were involved in numerous actions! In Texas was punishable by death of Missionary Ridge, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and Battle! Downtown Muskogee, Oklahoma, one plays the fictional escape of Bass Reeves and George got into an over... David Oyelowo will s American South to quell racial strife sitting here,! Slinger racked up a body count of 14 men just a short sampling Reeves! The Bass Reeves story will be another peek inside that era six-foot lawman was completely ambidextrous fooled two and. Every bass reeves living descendants was potentially his last he knew that every chase was potentially his last left out Fort... The Ranger never drew his Coltbig mistake American South bring them in or... At Ancestry DNA name for himself the site for the federal court 1872... Owned by the name Greenleaf 250 million, this is the best known photograph of U.S...
Cronaca Mondragone Ultima Ora, Articles B