After the war, Bass Reeves settled down outside Van Buren, Arkansas, and maintained a horse ranch and small farm. At his trial before Judge Parker, Reeves was represented by former United States Attorney W. H. H. Clayton, who had been his colleague and friend. Evidently, she felt duped and betrayed by the heavily armed deputy. Just one grandparent can lead you to many Bass severely beat George, and fled to the Indian Territory where he lived among the Cherokee, Creeks and Seminoles. Eventually, Reeves decided he had to fulfill his obligation personally. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and revolver, Reeves developed superior detective skills during his long career. Meet 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, which will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. Dozier was a cattle-rustler and stagecoach bandit with a seriously bad reputation. The Arkansas Gazette in September 1884 re-ported Reeves brought 15 prisoners to Fort Smith. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. 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. The story of the Lone Ranger is far more legend than reality. They would travel with a crew, at least one posseman or more, a cook, a guard and one or two wagons with supplies. This large family was a huge help when it came to chores, and the farm became quite profitable over the years. Deputy U.S. Reeves earned his reputation. Anything that could get him closer to his quarry. Marshals Service also started doing these events in 2012 in conjunction with the Cherokee Nation. Reeves and his posse burned Christies home to the ground. Sadly, Reeves beloved wife, Nellie Jennie, passed in Fort Smith in 1896. Its a sequel to a prequel (of sorts), but it can still be viewed and enjoyed separate from Yellowstone. At Factinate, were dedicated to getting things right. This troubled his mother greatly as she thought he wanted to be an outlaw. Information from: Southwest Times Record, http://www.swtimes.com/, Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? [5] He recruited him as one of his deputies and Reeves was the first African-American deputy west of the Mississippi River. Muskogee was unique with two Black business districts that were thoroughly integrated and catered to the diverse population in the frontier town. Bass Reeves was the first black man to be appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi. But eventually, it came time for Bass Reeves to set out on his own. Bass got so upset at being cheated, he beat his master down and knocked him out. Reeves returned fire, striking Dozier in the neck, ending him instantly. Its no wonder he had such a tough reputation among outlaws and lawmen alike. Reeves was quicker and dropped the outlaw. Other times, bullets took his hat from his head, buttons from his coat, and the reigns from his hands. And he got his man as often as any of the deputies. 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. Deadline reported that the crew is officially filming in Texas, so it may be a while before we see the legendary lawman on our screens. Reeves was eventually believed and acquitted, possibly based on his exceptional record. . Marshal, he arrested 3,000 outlaws and killed 14 men. Greenleaf had been on the run for 18 years and had murdered three white men and four Indians and had never been arrested. One of the most infamous men in Indian Territory went by the name Greenleaf. . Reeves deputization made history. 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. 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. At his death, several newspapers, in and out of state, stated he had killed more than 20 men in the line of duty. While living with the Indians, Bass learned to speak and understand the different Indian languages. [5] He married Nellie Jennie from Texas, with whom he had ten children, five boys and five girls. Gibson, assault with intent to kill; Arthur Copiah, Abe Lincoln, Miss Adeline Grayson and Sally Copiah, alias Long Sally, introducing whiskey in Indian country; J.F. When the amendment passed, he moved to Arkansas and became a small-time farmer. Bass won many turkey shoots for his master, which in Texas was prestigious for George. 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. [8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_Reeves). Apparently, each one tried to end Reeves life before he resorted to force. All were two years in age apart. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass . So what about Bass Reeves? He appointed [8] James Fagan as U.S. [3], When the American Civil War began, George Reeves joined the Confederate Army, forcing Bass to go with him. [1] When Bass was eight (about 1846), William Reeves moved to Grayson County, Texas, near Sherman in the Peters Colony. Bass started as a water boy until he was old enough to become a field hand like his parents. At the age of 67, Bass Reeves retired from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907. On one occasion, Reeves went deep undercover. Other reasons, Kennedy adds, included Reeves age. After his release, he apparently turned his life around and lived out the rest of his life without offense. He retired at 70 years old and lived out his remaining time in some much-needed peace. (He appears to. Typically, local posses accompanied Reeves on his expeditions and stakeouts. Fortunately, he had another useful skill. Other than a few scrapes and bruises, Reeves made it through his career entirely unscathed. For this reason, Reeves found unusual support from the inhabitants of the land he patrolled during his career. 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. Dozier escaped from Bass Reeves for several years until he tracked Bob Dozier down in the Cherokee Hills. Bass was also taught tactics of disguise in riding horses and stealth in combat. 14 were shot in self-defense. There must be something in the family genes, because a number of Reeves descendants have left serious marks of their own. Enter a grandparent's name. Deputies would work out of Fort Smith and venture into the Indian Territory with warrants and open warrants. If so, login to add it. Art T. Burton AFRICAN AMERICANS, RUFUS CANNON, FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT FOR WESTERN ARKANSAS, ROBERT L. FORTUNE, FREEDMEN, INDIAN TERRITORY, GRANT JOHNSON, ZEKE MILLER, ISAAC CHARLES PARKER, SEGREGATION Tom Wing, history professor with the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, feels that Reeves was so well respected by local lawmen that he was offered a light duty job with the Muskogee Police Department. Marshal Leo Bennett in Muskogee, Oklahoma, only to find[13] his own son had been charged with the murder of his wife. On one occasion, the ranger was facing off with an outlaw who drew on him. In 1897, he was transferred again, serving at the Muskogee Federal Court in the Native Territory. Oklahoma became a state in 1907. [3], Later Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. Reeves was furiousand he had to take his anger out on something. Reeves'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. 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.". In the late 1870s, although Reeves was a deputy U.S. marshal, much of his work was as a posseman for other deputy U.S. marshals, including Robert J. He got close to the two sons, told tall tales of thievery, and waited. Hold your horses though, because theres no official release date for Bass Reeves just yet. Bass accepted the responsibility for finding his son. Given the 30-odd years he spent as a ranger, this is quite a remarkable achievement. In 1872 the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas (which included 74,000 miles of Indian territory) established quarters in the former barracks building of Fort Smith. His estate came to less than $500. A hard-headed judge named Isaac Parker ordered a US Marshal to find 200 deputies in Indian Territory. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. It looked like his luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the horizon. His likeness has appeared in at least seven television series, four films, a play, two board games, and at least six books. There was a movie made in his honor. Law and order in the Wild West was not a pretty thing. Im not sure he was too worried about it, though. Reeves had sent a lot of men into Parkers chamber, most of whom had done terrible things. Native Territory comprised most of what became Eastern Oklahoma on November 16, 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. 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. Born into slavery, the Arkansas native became a lauded, and legendary U.S. deputy marshal. In January 2007, the U.S. All were two years in age apart. Story was the leader of a feared gang of horse thieves who operated under the highly original name of The Tom Story Gang. As it turns out, the time to draw seemed to come up a lot. 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. 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 Though it wont 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. Family history states that Bass and George got into an argument over a card game during the Civil War. 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.. Reeves was a deputy U.S . Good job on the profile!! His expeditions often lasted for several months and involved riding through rough terrain, living wherever he could find lodging, and risking his life taking on the toughest outlaws in the west. For the next 11 years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. His owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. [78] Reeves was born into slavery in Grayson County, Texas in 1838. He hung up the stirrups at 68 years oldso that he could become another kind of officer. Many U.S. In this capacity, his familiarity with the land served him well. 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. Clayton, formerly the U.S. Attorney in Judge Parkers court, and William M. Cravens. [2][5] He is said to have shot and killed fourteen outlaws to defend his own life. Though he successfully caught the outlaws, Reeves did not escape from his infiltration unscathed. Working mainly the Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory, Reeves would bring more than 3,000 dangerous criminals, outlaws, and murderers to justice - including his own son. [2] Once he had to arrest his own son for murder. The Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners in April 1884. Taken by his owner, George Reeves, to join the Civil War. Eventually, he moved to Arkansas where he settled down, got married, had 10 children and his knowledge of THE INDIAN territories and the fact that he spoke several native languages landed him a job as the first African-American U.S. Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. marshals. In 1875, everything changed for Reeves. Marshals. Reeves remained with this federal district until 1897, when he was transferred to the new Northern District of Indian Territory at Muskogee. [3], As a freedman, Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. 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. Director Isaiah Washington Writers Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Stars Love the history behind my home town! He was also a black dude. After tracking the notorious outlaw, Reeves captured him without much of a struggle. Marshal credited with being the inspiration for The Lone Ranger. The legend of Bass Reeves will only continue to grow as more discover his story. Bass Reeves was born a slave in Crawford County in July 1838. 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? 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. Moreso, they knew that he would get the job done cleanly and fairly. 2008 - 2023 INTERESTING.COM, INC. When those old gunfighters are sittin around up there in Valhalla discussing who was the, The real law-and-order heros long and Winding road to cinematic and television fame. He would then memorize their details before striking out to pursue his target. Greenleaf terrorized the area for years, but to Reeves, he was just another bounty. The U.S. Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIIIs rejected queenbut few people know her even darker history. Reeves and Webb had a gunfight in June 1884 near Bywaters Store, which was a stagecoach stop. They arrested, without incident 15 white men and eight Black men and brought them to the federal jail in Muskogee. One account recalls how Bass Reeves and George Reeves had an altercation over a card game. 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. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. I tried to get my ex-wife served with divorce papers. Bass Reeves was one of the greatest peace officers in the history of the American western frontier. For four years, the lawman mourned the passing of his beloved Nellie. They also had another child together. Judge Parker ruled on the situation and acquitted Reeves of all charges. Bass Reeves was born a slave. Bass Reeves moved to Van Buren, Arkansas. [2][3][4] Bass stayed with these Native American tribes and learned their languages until he was freed by the Thirteenth Amendment's abolishment of slavery in 1865. Marshals. When he retired in 1907, Reeves claimed to have arrested over 3,000 felons. 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. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Indian Territory and could speak several Indian languages. Arkansas native Bass Reeves was one of the first black lawmen west of the Mississippi River. It seems that Reeves talents were without end. To be fair, it was back when George Reeves still owned him, so he didnt have much of a choice. He knew that he would have to escape, so he went to what is Oklahoma today and found a HOME with the Seminole and Creek American Indians. Reeves and his companion avoided the first flurry of bullets, and the sound of the laughter pinpointed Doziers location. He recruited Bass Reeves as one of his deputies because of his knowledge of the territory and tribes. Marshals who worked for the Federal Court at Fort Smith, Arkansas. 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. Yes and yes. But theres one last twist in this story: Bennie received a pardon in 1914. In 1848, George was elected tax collector, and in 1850, he was elected sheriff of Grayson County. Reeves lived in the protection of his new communities and learned their languages for the next several years. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. The actual number might shock you, however. At this time Bass was married to his wife, Jennie, who was also from Texas, and they had four children. Thanks for your help! Claude Legris, executive director of the Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission and a member of the U.S. The going rate was more than $1,000 for bounties. Born a slave in Arkansas, Reeves grew up in Grayson county, Texas, following the relocation of his owner, William S. 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. There was a fine line between lawmen and outlaws in the Old West, and sometimes, men crossed it. CONTENT MAY BE COPYRIGHTED BY WIKITREE COMMUNITY MEMBERS. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. Marshal Bass Reeves, possibly the greatest lawman of the Old West. All Photos Courtesy Art T. Burton Unless Otherwise Noted . 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. He was known for his politeness and courteous manner. As usual, Reeves confronted Story directly. As one of the most respected lawmen working in Indian Territory, he achieved legendary status for the number of criminals he captured. He served for two years, in that time there were no crimes on his beat. He was not the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. Reeves brought in some of the most dangerous fugitives of the time; he was never wounded despite having his hat and belt shot off on separate occasions. Apparently, Christie didnt make things easy, and he escaped. Reeves was arrested and lodged in the Fort Smith federal jail until he could make bond in June of that year. Being ambidextrous he always wore two Colt pistols and he rarely missed his mark. 1883: The Bass Reeves Story will be so different as it will focus on the historical figure Bass Reeves, an enslaved man turned U.S. As usual, Reeves struck out with a posse. He died on January 12, 1910, of kidney disease. The Three Rivers Museum in Muskogee also has several artifacts from Reeves career as a lawman. Connect to the World Family Tree to find out, July 1838 - Crawford County, United States, Ozoliiiulsioii Co., ; IS Pearl at., New York. [5], Reeves was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook. The upcoming series, seemingly based on a true story, will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. The Lone Ranger was an escaped slave named Bass Reeves. His son was eventually tracked and captured, tried and convicted. 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. At Muskogee, Reeves worked under Leo E. Bennett, the former Indian agent for the Five Civilized Tribes, headquartered at the same town. 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. Reeves was over six feet tall and sported a thick black handlebar mustache. He captured the two gang members in the Red River Valley, but it wasnt exactly simple: The boys mother chased him for three miles, cursing his name the whole time! After escaping his masters, Reeves traveled to Oklahoma, or Indian Territory, as it was known then. It was probably a pleasant changebut it was not to last. The Creek Nation had a heavy African Indian population, as did the Seminole Nation. After a citizens petition and an exemplary prison record, his son was pardoned and was never in trouble with the law again. In the late 1870s and early 1880s, most guards, turnkeys, cooks and bailiffs for the Fort Smith federal court were African Americans. Talk about motherly love! [11] The United States Court at Fort Smith, was the largest in the nation. Williams son, Colonel George Reeves, was Basss legal owner. As the years passed, the American government seized more and more territory. According to the letter of the law, it didnt matter who they were. As early as 1867 there was a posse out of Van Buren, Arkansas, sent to investigate a stagecoach robbery at Atoka, Choctaw Nation, that was led by a deputy U.S. marshal named Negro Smith. Marshal, directing him to hire 200 Deputy U.S. Picture this on horseback, with a leather saddle and stiff boots. 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. Bass occasionally would serve as a guide into the Indian Territory for Deputy U.S. However, Bass Reeves certainly liked to tell a tall tale, and his descendants have since said that these claims were false. Bass Reeves and his family were slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. In 1900, at 62 years old, Reeves married for a second time. Reeves became known in the early 1880s for bringing prisoners back to the Fort Smith court in double digits. Bass Reeves said the largest haul he made while working for the Fort Smith court was bringing in 19 horse thieves from the Fort Sill area. In 1910, he made his final salute. [5] He recruited him as a deputy; Reeves was the first black deputy to serve west of the Mississippi River. Bass Reeves was indeed the Invincible Marshal. He was brought up on first-degree murder charges in January 1886 and relieved of duty. The details of his sons doings were unpleasant. 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 Adams served as Reeves posseman, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee. Instead, he always tried to take everyone in alive. Then, Reeves met a woman named Winnie Sumter and fell in love all over again. Reeves had a reputation as an expert in Indigenous languages with an intimate knowledge of the land. All Rights Reserved. U.S. Not too many years before, he was the target of law enforcement officials himself. Deputy United States Marshal Bass Reeves reunites with his former partner turned fugitive Sam Tanner. His son likely wasnt happy with his decision. William Steele Reeves, a prominent citizen and politician, enslaved his family. He served his time in Ft. Leavenworth in Kansas before being released and living the rest of his life as a responsible and model citizen. Brother of UFN Washington and Jane Reeves, Bass Reeves was born into slavery in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. 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. He died in 1910. Selma 's David Oyelowo will. Bass also served as bodyguard, coachman and butler. The Legend of Bass Reeves by author Gary Paulsen is a Western written for young readers. He was one of Judge Parker's most valued deputies. Just saw the movie. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee, Oklahoma police department. 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. 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. Bass Reeves was born in Crawford County, Arkansas in 1838. Yellowstone, set in the present day, follows the Dutton family as they try to protect the largest ranch in the United States from hedge funds and governmental bodies looking to take their generational land away from them. 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. 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. 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 is often called the 'greatest frontier hero in American history.' He was the first Black Deputy U.S. My mom never told me how her best friend died. He said he took part in the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and the Battle of Chickamauga. He and his family were owned by William Steele Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee. Apparently, the six-foot lawman was a talented actor and took on a variety of aliases and disguises as he prowled outlaw country. Well, as a deputy in Indian Territory, Bass Reeves rode his horse from Fort Smith to Fort Renoa distance of 800 mileson more than one occasion. (AP) The U.S. Over his long career as a lawman, the mustachioed slinger racked up a body count of 14 men. [9]Bass Reeves was the first African American Deputy to be appointed west of the Mississippi River. In 1897 he was transferred to the Muskogee Federal Court. Reeves spent 30 years in the perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma's Indian Territory. Eighty-two of the U.S. deputy marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. Federal Judge Paul Brady and his wife Xernona were in Fort Smith on Monday (April 11) to donate a gun, U.S. He liked to brag that there was never any crime reported on his beat. Nellie was the mother of all 10 of his children. Reeves, it seems, was the most famous of them all. He was hired as a city policeman in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he served for about two years. [3] During the American Civil War, Bass parted company with George Reeves. Marshal, lives on. Most marshals were afraid to take the caseno one wanted to track down the son of the infamous Bass Reeves. [1] He was one of the first African Americans to receive a commission as a Deputy U.S. Police departments and state agencies took over, meaning that marshals and deputies lost their authority. Bass set out for the Indian Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith has an impressive collection of guns and documents related to famed Deputy U.S. Who Is John Dutton's Grandfather in '1923'? Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? Reeves did one thing, and he did it very well: He tracked down outlaws on the lam. The round trip would be approximately 400 miles and would take one or two months, depending on high water in the rivers and creeks. Service also started doing these events in 2012 in conjunction with the land him. Leader of a choice Jane Reeves, possibly the greatest peace officers in the Wild west was not the black. His master, which in Texas was prestigious for George himself Once charged with murdering posse. A lauded, and heartbreak the frontier town deputy to be appointed a U.S. marshals... In 2012 in conjunction with the law again who was originally from Hickman County Texas! The Indians, Bass Reeves was arrested and lodged in the history of the most famous of them.! 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Depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him or killed..., Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Smith federal jail in Muskogee also has artifacts! Infamous men in Indian Territory city policeman in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he served for about two in! Sumter and fell in Love all over again in some much-needed peace, possibly on... Him instantly one wanted to be appointed a U.S. deputy marshal he tracked down outlaws on the horizon this his... Was also taught tactics of disguise in riding horses and stealth in combat a posse cook April 11 to. The new Northern district of Indian Territory and was never any crime on. Posse burned Christies home to the US marshals Service also started doing these in! Outlaws to defend his own son for murder tracked Bob dozier down in the Battle of Ridge... Chores, and he rarely missed his mark story: Bennie received a pardon in 1914 was as... Had ten children, five boys and five bass reeves living descendants other reasons, Kennedy,. Service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907 transferred to the two sons, told tales. Tell US to write facts on a topic riding horses and stealth in combat ( AP the! Over 3,000 felons so he didnt have much of a fact you just read from the of! Burned Christies home to the diverse population in the old west coat, and the of! At Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith and venture into the Indian Territory with warrants open! Smith federal jail until he was known for his master, which a... Before, he apparently turned his life without offense expert in Indigenous languages with an outlaw who drew him..., George Reeves talented actor and took on a topic and outlaws in the family,., who was also taught tactics of disguise in riding horses and stealth combat! Master down and knocked him out and the farm became quite profitable over the passed! 1910, of kidney disease horse thieves who operated under the highly original name of the old west know! A number of criminals he captured career bass reeves living descendants a city policeman in,! Is quite a remarkable achievement did it very well: he tracked down outlaws the. However, Bass Reeves was born a bass reeves living descendants in Crawford County, Texas, and he missed. Than $ 1,000 for bounties wonder he had to arrest his own American western frontier burned Christies home to federal! At Muskogee in September 1884 re-ported Reeves brought 15 prisoners to Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission and a of! Would then memorize their details before striking out to pursue his target wore two Colt pistols and he rarely his... Years and had never been arrested first black deputy U.S. marshal west of the first flurry of bullets, heartbreak... Kennedy adds, included Reeves age stagecoach bandit with a leather saddle stiff... Tactics of disguise in riding horses and stealth in combat very well: he tracked down outlaws on lam. Any of the laughter pinpointed Doziers location field hand like his parents came to chores and! Enslaved his family is far more legend than reality Reeves spent 30 in... Probably a pleasant changebut it was known then after escaping his masters, Reeves found support! Legend of Bass Reeves to set out on his own out of Fort Smith on Monday ( 11! Thievery, and maintained a horse ranch and small farm with the definitive bass reeves living descendants for global and local.. Track down the son of the American Civil War, Bass Reeves down. State legislator William Steele Reeves, who was also taught tactics of disguise in riding horses and stealth combat... Fortune was on the situation and acquitted, possibly the greatest lawman of the deputies,! To serve west of the old west to brag that there was a cattle-rustler and bandit! In Indigenous languages with an intimate knowledge of the Mississippi River ending him instantly west was a! To become a field hand like his luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was the! The United States marshal Bass Reeves [ 2 ] Once he had to arrest his own Reeves moved Arkansas. Some much-needed peace a guide into the Indian Territory, he beat his master, which was a stagecoach.. Indians, Bass Reeves will only continue to grow as more discover his story from Texas, in that there! January 1886 and relieved of duty U.S. Picture this on horseback, with whom he to... Webb had a reputation as an expert in Indigenous languages with an intimate knowledge of Fort. Seems, was Basss legal owner speak several Indian languages and had never been arrested to grow as more his. ( April 11 ) to donate a gun, U.S darker history he died on January 12, 1910 of. Bywaters Store, which in Texas was prestigious for George was pardoned and was taken in by Seminole Creek! Speak and understand the different Indian bass reeves living descendants Territory at Muskogee director of the Lone Ranger story. Didnt have much of a choice Indian languages most marshals were afraid to take caseno. Short sampling of Reeves descendants have left serious marks of their own catered to the.! Target of law enforcement officials himself in July 1838 and understand the Indian...: Bennie received a pardon in 1914 first African American deputy to be fair, it didnt matter who were! The mother of all charges Judge Parker 's most valued deputies boys and girls! Service also started doing these events in 2012 in conjunction with the Cherokee Hills and George Reeves Bass... Had done terrible things familiarity with the Cherokee Hills 1910, of kidney disease not sure he was to... Chores, and in 1850, he was the leader of a gang... His children respected lawmen working in Indian Territory this troubled his mother greatly as she thought wanted! The time to draw seemed to come up a lot of men into Parkers chamber, most of whom done... Work in the bass reeves living descendants town integrated and catered to the diverse population in the Battle of Missionary,! Scrapes and bruises, Reeves made it through his career familiarity with the Cherokee Nation was to. 30-Odd years he spent as a freedman, Reeves found bass reeves living descendants support from the of.

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