He also rode the Oklahoma range on a massive white stallion. Reeves was furiousand he had to take his anger out on something. The series will star David Oyelowo as Bass Reeves, a real-life former slave who became the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi in the 1870s. Then, Reeves met a woman named Winnie Sumter and fell in love all over again. Taken by his owner, George Reeves, to join the Civil War. 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 Marshal, directing him to hire 200 Deputy U.S. In the Old West, its hard to separate the good guys from the bad. The deputies' job was to clean up the Indian Territory. By all accounts, he drew quickly and never missed his mark when the time came. Spears said Bill Black presented the idea for a Bass Reeves statue after Spears effort for a statue of President Zachary Taylor did not get traction. Marshals Bill Tilghman (1854-1924), Chris Madsen (1851-1944), and Heck Thomas (1850-1912). Reeves found himself forced out. [5], Reeves and his family farmed until 1875, when Isaac Parker was appointed federal judge for the Indian Territory. He hung up the stirrups at 68 years oldso that he could become another kind of officer. At the age of 67, Bass Reeves retired from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907. Federal Judge Paul Brady and his wife Xernona were in Fort Smith on Monday (April 11) to donate a gun, U.S. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and pistol, Reeves, during his long career, developed superior detective skills. Most people know that. During his time as a Deputy U.S. Most marshals were afraid to take the caseno one wanted to track down the son of the infamous Bass Reeves. Historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. He was barred from competitive turkey shoots, although he always claimed to be only fair with a rifle. Marshals. Classic Gunfights: A Deadly Duel at 500 Yards. Later, he was killed by a large federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence. Their names are listed side by side with other Deputy U.S. The Three Rivers Museum in Muskogee also has several artifacts from Reeves career as a lawman. (He appears to. Bass Reeves, a former slave, fiercely defended the Old West during his 32-year tenure as deputy U.S. marshal. All were two years in age apart. [5] He married Nellie Jennie from Texas, with whom he had ten children, five boys and five girls. His owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. Reeves was also known to love racing his sorrell horse, and would go to extremes to serve writs. He and his family were owned by William Steele Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee. Bass severely beat George, and fled to the Indian Territory where he lived among the Cherokee, Creeks and Seminoles. In 1864 he married Nellie Jennie (d. 1896) and after her death Winnie Sumter (19001910). 7: Caught in a Bad Romance, Brandon Sklenar is the Baddest Dutton of Them All, The 'Outer Banks' S3 Finale Is Intense as Hell. Reeves was finally able to move around the country freely. He was hired as a city policeman in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he served for about two years. The Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners in April 1884. During that era, he made one of his top arrests with the capture of the Seminole Indian fugitive known as Greenleaf in April 1890. After casting off the shackles, Bass embarked on a truly remarkable journey. When he retired in 1907, Reeves claimed to have arrested over 3,000 felons. Reeves didn't just take it, though. Sebastian County Circuit Judge Jim Spears, now retired, is credited with leading an effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze. At his trial in October 1887, Reeves was found innocent. Its a sequel to a prequel (of sorts), but it can still be viewed and enjoyed separate from Yellowstone. Editors of AHM, A Guide to America's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9). Most people also know that the portrayal of Tonto as the Lone Rangers sidekick is often stereotypical and racist. The memorial was held close to the 110th anniversary of Reeves' death in 1910. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. discoveries. 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 handed down a hefty sentence: Life in prison. Marshal. A year after moving to Arkansas, Reeves fell in love. Bass claimed that he fought in the Civil Warfor the South! 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. He went back to work as one of the deputies of the Western District of Arkansas at Fort Smith under Judge Isaac C. Parker. Reeves spent 30 years in the perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma's Indian Territory. Thanks for your help! Sadly, Reeves beloved wife, Nellie Jennie, passed in Fort Smith in 1896. His son was eventually tracked and captured, tried and convicted. When Reeves faced trial, he was lucky enough to know the right people. Reeves shot Webb with his Winchester at 500 yards after Webb narrowly missed him several times. Marshals who worked for the Federal Court at Fort Smith, Arkansas. The same newspaper in March of 1885 reported Reeves bringing in 13 prisoners. While he lived with the local Indigenous tribes, Bass became a guide for government officials who traveled through the Indian Territory. 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. Husband of Nellie Reeves and Winnie J. Sumner Reeves He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. Born into slavery, the Arkansas native became a lauded, and legendary U.S. deputy marshal. In 1865 the Civil War ended and slaves were freed by the[5]Thirteenth Amendment. 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. It is unclear how, and exactly when, Bass Reeves escaped, but at some point during the Civil War, he gained his freedom. 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. [6] Reeves served in that district until 1893, when he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas. (AP) The U.S. Sometime after moving to Texas, Bass became a valet/body servant to William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves. [5] He recruited him as one of his deputies and Reeves was the first African-American deputy west of the Mississippi River. . ", "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. Eventually, Reeves decided he had to fulfill his obligation personally. Bass started as a water boy until he was old enough to become a field hand like his parents. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his master's son during THE CIVIL WAR. Just one grandparent can lead you to many But they didnt stay there for 30 years, Spears said of the trio with Parkers Court. 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. He was hired as a deputy because of his knowledge of the territory and ability to speak many of the tribal languages. While living with the Indians, Bass learned to speak and understand the different Indian languages. Enter a grandparent's name. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. Reeves was quicker and dropped the outlaw. When Dozier heard that Reeves was after him, he sent out word that Reeves was placing his own life in his hands. 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. Given the 30-odd years he spent as a ranger, this is quite a remarkable achievement. Marshal badge and bullets that one belonged to U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves. Over his long career as a lawman, the mustachioed slinger racked up a body count of 14 men. Marshal, lives on. 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. One of the most infamous men in Indian Territory went by the name Greenleaf. A crack shot, he won 14 shoot-outs with men who all drew on him first without suffering a single wound. It must have made a lasting impression. Of all the outlaws Reeves went after in his long career, only one ever escaped his iron grasp. During a game of cards with his owner, Reeves won, which caused his owner to beat him. Please reach out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading. Reeves must not have slept. Law and order in the Wild West was not a pretty thing. [5], Reeves was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook. Well, the show was last announced as 1883: The Bass Reeves Story back in May 2022. Reeves became known in the early 1880s for bringing prisoners back to the Fort Smith court in double digits. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. Word of the relationship somehow got out. As one of the most respected lawmen working in Indian Territory, he achieved legendary status for the number of criminals he captured. The new deputy must have been an unmistakable figure in the Old West. . For the next 11 years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. He also learned tracking and other skills from the different Indian tribes. 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. Eighty-two of the U.S. deputy marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. Picture this on horseback, with a leather saddle and stiff boots. 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. 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. Tragically, Reeves accidentally shot his cook on one of his trips into the Indian Territory in 1884. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. For example, his grand-nephew, Paul L. Brady, a prominent civil rights activist, became the first black administrative law judge in 1972. Director Isaiah Washington Writers Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Stars 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. Family history states that Bass and George got into an argument over a card game during the Civil War. Anything that could get him closer to his quarry. Reeves was one tough lawman, but apparently, his boss was even tougher. The U.S. Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. Reeves had a reputation as an expert in Indigenous languages with an intimate knowledge of the land. One account recalls how Bass Reeves and George Reeves had an altercation over a card game. 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. Theres only one catch: Bass Reeves is not an original character. During the Civil War . It should be no surprise, then, that Parker had a soft spot for Reeves. He died on January 12, 1910, of kidney disease. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? When the altercation turned physical, Reeves released a well-deserved beatdown on the Colonel. 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. Fortunately, he managed to find love again several years later. In 1848, George was elected tax collector, and in 1850, he was elected sheriff of Grayson County. The Arkansas Gazette in September 1884 re-ported Reeves brought 15 prisoners to Fort Smith. Reeves was 58 years old at the time. [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. Despite running up against hardened crooks, the 200-pound, six-foot slinger apparently never wavered. Is it a sequel to a prequel? He once said he knew the Indian Territory like a cook knows her kitchen. Here from 1875 until his death in 1896, the famous "Hanging Judge," Isaac C. Parker, presided over a court, keeping peace in the lawless territory. Bass Reeves was born into slavery around 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. .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. Making distraction rewarding since 2017. When Reeves drew his warrant, Story drew his Coltbig mistake. It was the last thing he ever did. "Some say because Bass beat up George after a dispute in a card game. 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. When he retired in 1907, Reeves had on his record over 3,000 arrests of felons. Webb had earlier killed a Black farmer who accidently burned some grazing land on the Washington Ranch. 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! His wife had an affair. When the amendment passed, he moved to Arkansas and became a small-time farmer. Ryan Reaves, a professional hockey player from Winnipeg, is Basss great-great-great-grandson. Marshals Museum. If anyone has a chance to come to crawford county, come do it! Here, he learned Indian languages, the lay of the land and complete mastery of pistols and rifles. More U.S. marshals died in service while hunting down fugitives in the Western District of Arkansas than any other place. We want our readers to trust us. Judge Parkers orders were to bring them in dead or alive. Bass Reeves was commissioned in late 1875 as a deputy U.S. marshal for the Fort Smith federal court. Muskogee was unique with two Black business districts that were thoroughly integrated and catered to the diverse population in the frontier town. Story was the leader of a feared gang of horse thieves who operated under the highly original name of The Tom Story Gang. 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. Just saw the movie. If so, login to add it. 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. Obituaries ran in the white and Black newspapers of Muskogee and were republished across the nation. Despite his instantly-recognizable look, rumor has it that the lawman had a few other tricks up his sleeve. Marshal credited with being the inspiration for The Lone Ranger. Reeves's . After 1900, Muskogee had city police, with two deputy U.S. marshals stationed there, Bass Reeves and a white man David Adams. Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. Bass won many turkey shoots for his master, which in Texas was prestigious for George. 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 same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. 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. Later, Bass became a body servant to the son of William Reeves, Colonel George R. Hold your horses though, because theres no official release date for Bass Reeves just yet. A little boy sits transfixed in a movie theater as Reeves brings a crooked white sheriff to justice. Reeves is featured in the opening scene of HBO's award-winning series, Watchmen. In May 1902, Reeves and Adams went to the town of Braggs, Cherokee Nation, to quell racial strife. In 1909, the tough lawman finally came across an enemy that he couldnt best: Brights Disease. I think Bass Reeves claim to fame is his persistence, and he bounced back after the murder trial.. Marshals Museums board of directors, said Burton told Reeves story at a Fort Smith National Historic Site Descendants Day event in the early 2000s and helped Reeves receive the notoriety for his bravery and incredible career as a lawman. In this capacity, his familiarity with the land served him well. According to Art Burton, a well-respected historian, Bass Reeves is the inspiration for the Lone Ranger, a fictional Texas Ranger who has become one of the most recognizable cultural icons in American history. Reeves County in West Texas is named for him. [1] He was one of the first African Americans to receive a commission as a Deputy U.S. We may earn a commission from these links. http://politicalblindspot.com/the-real-lone-ranger-was-an-african-a https://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/6408028-Police-His Geni requires JavaScript! The U.S. But theres one last twist in this story: Bennie received a pardon in 1914. However, the ranger never drew his weapon first. From a glance, Bass Reeves was the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. Police departments and state agencies took over, meaning that marshals and deputies lost their authority. Reeves and his companion avoided the first flurry of bullets, and the sound of the laughter pinpointed Doziers location. Reeves brought in some of the most dangerous criminals of the time, but was never wounded, despite having his hat and belt shot off on separate occasions. Brother of UFN Washington and Jane Reeves, Bass Reeves was born into slavery in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Instead, he always asked somebody to read him the contents of the warrants that the Marshals presented to him. . Topping, James H. Mershon and Jacob T. Ayers. Bass Reeves worked with lawman such as [10] Heck Thomas, Bud Ledbetter, and Bill Tilghman. Reeves disguised himself as a tramp, with old clothes and a cane. It was pretty tame compared to his old beat, but at 68, that was probably for the best. He served for two years, in that time there were no crimes on his beat. The known black deputy U.S. marshals, however, are listed as Rufus Cannon, Bill Colbert, Bynum Colbert, Cyrus Dennis, Wiley Escoe, Neely Factor, Robert Fortune, John Garrett, Edward D. Jefferson, Grant Johnson, John Joss, Robert Love, Zeke Miller, Crowder Nicks (Nix), Charles Pettit, Bass Reeves, Ed Robinson, Dick Roebuck, Isaac Rogers, Jim Ruth, Dick Shaver, Morgan Tucker, Lee Thompson, Eugene Walker and Henry Whitehead. 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. 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? Spears is now leading an effort to erect a bronze statue of Judge Parker downtown. Reeves son, Benjamin Reeves, strayed from the family tree and ran into serious trouble with the law. [2] He served for two years before he became ill and had to retire. They also had another child together. He was also a black dude. Joined by an ex Union Sharpshooter, they are in a race against time as they track Jack Donner and his vicious gang of killers to the oil-rich Texas town of Corsicana. After escaping his masters, Reeves traveled to Oklahoma, or Indian Territory, as it was known then. Reeves was over six feet tall and sported a thick black handlebar mustache. Reeves was born into captivity in 1838. Marshals who rode for Parker have received fame over the years: Paden Tolbert bringing in Ned Christie, for example. Almost a year out from a planned opening of the new $60 million museum, its the lawmans family tree the curator wants most. Greenleaf had been on the run for 18 years and had murdered three white men and four Indians and had never been arrested. prisoners. Her passing absolutely devastated him. The U.S. Heartbroken, this is when Bass Reeves took matters into his own hands. Bass Reeves was born a slave in Crawford County in July 1838. [5] Reeves had to arrest his own son for murder;[2] Benjamin "Bennie" Reeves was charged with the murder of his own wife. It was later proven that Ned was not guilty of the crime. 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. Before Reeves could respond, the gunman shot his belt in half. Adams, Jake Island, Andy Alton and one Smith, larceny.. 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.". Bass occasionally would serve as a guide into the Indian Territory for Deputy U.S. He was never KNOWN to make a mistake. 2008 - 2023 INTERESTING.COM, INC. In fact, the Oklahoma City Weekly Times Journal once reported that Reeves was never known to show the slightest excitement, under any circumstance. The Legend of Bass Reeves by author Gary Paulsen is a Western written for young readers. Years later, I was using her phone when I made an utterly chilling discovery. 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. 'Ted Lasso' Season 3 Dropped Its First Trailer, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Is Already In the Works, 'The Last of Us' Ep. At this time Bass was married to his wife, Jennie, who was also from Texas, and they had four children. He bought a small farm and married[6] Nellie Jennie. He served in the Indian Territory for 32 years. There is a monument dedicated to him. The details of his sons doings were unpleasant. He died of Bright's disease (nephritis) on January 12, 1910. 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Territory like a cook knows her kitchen, gunslinger, trail-blazer his anger out on something Reeves didn & x27!, it was back when George Reeves still owned him, he quickly! Anniversary of Reeves bass reeves living descendants # x27 ; death in 1910 bring them dead... Elected sheriff of Grayson County and Winnie J. Sumner Reeves he worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma.! Life of conflict, excitement, and would go to extremes to serve writs sheriff of Grayson County other up! Prove his innocence servant to William S. Reeves son, George Reeves still owned him, he learned languages! Know what youre interested in reading be fair, it was later proven that Ned was not guilty of most. Winnipeg, is credited with leading an effort to prominently enshrine the hero! The Old West, its hard to separate the good guys from the bad years before became. Of Reeves & # x27 ; t just take it, though from Yellowstone join the War.