We may never know exactly how many black men served as Deputy U.S. Marshals, a placard at the Historic Site reads. When he retired in 1907, Reeves had on his record over 3,000 arrests of felons. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8584642/bass-reeves, US Black Heritage Project Managed Profiles. He was not the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. Reeves spent 30 years in the perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma's Indian Territory. And he got his man as often as any of the deputies. It should be no surprise, then, that Parker had a soft spot for Reeves. 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 casting off the shackles, Bass embarked on a truly remarkable journey. Sadly, Reeves beloved wife, Nellie Jennie, passed in Fort Smith in 1896. One account recalls how Bass Reeves and George Reeves had an altercation over a card game. Brother of UFN Washington and Jane Reeves, Bass Reeves was born into slavery in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Reeves. 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. In 1864 he married Nellie Jennie (d. 1896) and after her death Winnie Sumter (19001910). Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. marshals. [5], He was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook. Police departments and state agencies took over, meaning that marshals and deputies lost their authority. He still always got his manand when they asked him to produce his warrants, he always pulled out the right one. Im sitting here going, Guys, everyone is dead. 1883: The Bass Reeves Story will be another peek inside that era. By all accounts, he drew quickly and never missed his mark when the time came. He served in the Indian Territory for 32 years. Though he successfully caught the outlaws, Reeves did not escape from his infiltration unscathed. As a ranger, Reeves was usually the hunter. Marshal, he arrested 3,000 outlaws and killed 14 men. One day, a posse cook caught a bullet from Reeves trusty Colt while the lawman was cleaning it. by Art T. Burton | Jan 25, 2021 | Features & Gunfights, This is the best known photograph of Deputy U.S. He just needed a way inso he came up with a devious plan. (He appears to. Reeves worked hard. He was apparently well dressed, with spit-polished boots and a striking, wide-brimmed hat on his head. 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 raised horses and served as a scout for deputy U.S. marshals going into the Indian Territory. 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 In real life, he carried a .44 caliber . His owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. 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. Such a dark beginning really sets the stage for the twisted tale of law and violence that followed. Clayton, formerly the U.S. Attorney in Judge Parkers court, and William M. Cravens. It seems that Reeves talents were without end. In 1907, Reeves joined up with the Muskogee law enforcement office in Oklahoma, where he worked for two years. Join the. In 1897, he was transferred again, serving at the Muskogee Federal Court in the Native Territory. For four years, the lawman mourned the passing of his beloved Nellie. Bass accepted the responsibility for finding his son. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Indian Territory and could speak several Indian languages. Marshal, lives on. Reeves County in West Texas is named for him. [5] He married Nellie Jennie from Texas, with whom he had ten children, five boys and five girls. Williams son, Colonel George Reeves, was Basss legal owner. Law and order in the Wild West was not a pretty thing. His children were named Newland, Benjamin, George, Lula, Robert, Sally, Edgar, Bass Jr., Harriet, Homer and Alice. Bass Reeves was the first black man to be appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi. 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. Marshal Bass Reeves, possibly the greatest lawman of the Old West. All Photos Courtesy Art T. Burton Unless Otherwise Noted . The Lone Ranger was very real, but he was not the white man seen on movies and TV. 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. But for a man whose true story rivals Wild. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass . Is it a sequel to a prequel? Selma 's David Oyelowo will. Bass won many turkey shoots for his master, which in Texas was prestigious for George. He died of Bright's disease (nephritis) on January 12, 1910. 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. Despite being disturbed and deeply shaken by the incident, Reeves nonetheless insisted on the responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice. It sat on his desk for two days while he decided what to do. There must be something in the family genes, because a number of Reeves descendants have left serious marks of their own. Abolitionists in the Indian Territory harbored him until it was safe to move. But eventually, it came time for Bass Reeves to set out on his own. Reeves is featured in the opening scene of HBO's award-winning series, Watchmen. Enter a grandparent's name. He retired at 70 years old and lived out his remaining time in some much-needed peace. Thanks for your time! When Reeves located the cabin of Christie in the Cherokee Nation, his posse burned it down, but Ned escaped capture and death. Reeves' health began to fail, and he died of Bright's disease (nephritis) in 1910. These are just a few of the incredible stories of a man who hunted down men nobody else could capture. Bass Reeves was indeed the Invincible Marshal. 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. When the altercation turned physical, Reeves released a well-deserved beatdown on the Colonel. Was Wyatt Earp Really a Deputy U.S. One day, Benjamins wife suddenly passed under extremely suspicious circumstances. My mom never told me how her best friend died. [3], As a freedman, Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. In 1900, at 62 years old, Reeves married for a second time. Reeves was interviewed in 1902, and at that time he stated that he had arrested over 3,000 men and women who broke federal law in the Indian Territory. His likeness has appeared in at least seven television series, four films, a play, two board games, and at least six books. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. The Reeves family moved to North Twelfth Street, Park Place, in 1889. Adams served as Reeves posseman, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee. So what about Bass Reeves? Marshals. Fortunately, he managed to find love again several years later. 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. Reeves died in Muskogee on January 12, 1910, after a short illness. .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. Marshal Bass Reeves featured in new Netflix film", "Isaiah Washington To Mark Feature Directorial Debut With 'Corsicana' Western", "2019 National Black Theatre Festival Brochure", Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bass_Reeves&oldid=1140977007, Historian Art Burton has said that Reeves was the inspiration for the character of the, In May 2012, a bronze statue of Reeves by Oklahoma sculptor Harold Holden was erected in Pendergraft Park in, Reeves is the subject of the season two episode four of, Reeves figures prominently in an episode of, In "The Murder of Jesse James", an episode of the television series, In "Everybody Knows", a season two episode of the television series, Reeves is mentioned in the plot of "The Royal Family", a season two episode of the television series, Reeves' status as one of the first black sheriffs plays a significant role as a childhood role model for the character of Will Reeves in the, Reeves is mentioned in season 3 episode 2 of the television series, Reeves features in the "Stressed Western" episode of, A miniseries based on Burton's 2006 biography (and co-produced by. Reeves must not have slept. 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. The cook didnt survive and Reeves went on trial for murder. While he lived with the local Indigenous tribes, Bass became a guide for government officials who traveled through the Indian Territory. The same newspaper in March of 1885 reported Reeves bringing in 13 prisoners. Reeves was finally able to move around the country freely. Despite running up against hardened crooks, the 200-pound, six-foot slinger apparently never wavered. 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. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee, Oklahoma police department. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee Police Department. Bass went with George into the war, serving as his body servant. [6], Reeves worked for thirty-two years as a Federal peace officer in the Indian Territory. Good job on the profile!! Its entirely possible that the show's Yellowstone interconnectedness drops off by the time it arrivesand we find ourselves with a Bass Reeves series that's entirely separate from Yellowstone. 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. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. During that era, he made one of his top arrests with the capture of the Seminole Indian fugitive known as Greenleaf in April 1890. Bass claimed that he fought in the Civil Warfor the South! During a game of cards with his owner, Reeves won, which caused his owner to beat him. His wife had an affair. 7: Caught in a Bad Romance, Brandon Sklenar is the Baddest Dutton of Them All, The 'Outer Banks' S3 Finale Is Intense as Hell. [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. So harsh, in fact, that he was given the nickname The Hanging Judge. The reason for this nickname isnt difficult to riddle out. Reeves didnt just take it, though. Taken by his owner, George Reeves, to join the Civil War. He was known for his politeness and courteous manner. This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 18:56. 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. They were an unstoppable force and an immovable object, and there was only one way this was going to go down. 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. 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. Almost a year out from a planned opening of the new $60 million museum, it's the lawman's family tree the curator wants most. Reeves was over six feet tall and sported a thick black handlebar mustache. At his trial in October 1887, Reeves was found innocent. They didnt always give him that option. For the next 11 years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. 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. Bass Reeves will be executive produced by Sheridan, David Oyelowo, Jessica Oyelowo, David Permut, David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle and Bob Yari.MTV Entertainment Studios, Sheridan's Bosque Ranch . Theres only one catch: Bass Reeves is not an original character. Bass got so upset at being cheated, he beat his master down and knocked him out. Bass Reeves delivered two prisoners to U.S. To be fair, it was back when George Reeves still owned him, so he didnt have much of a choice. As usual, Reeves confronted Story directly. Interest was, With a budget of $250 million, this summers Disney movie, The Lone Ranger, will be. Wasnt Bass Reeves a real guy? Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. 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. [5], Reeves and his family farmed until 1875, when Isaac Parker was appointed federal judge for the Indian Territory. Kennedy pointed to racist sentiment on the part of incoming state officials, as well as the Congressional delegation and the incoming U.S. marshal when Oklahoma became a state in 1907 as reasons Reeves lost his job with the Marshals Service. The Court Notes of the July 31, 1885, Fort Smith Weekly Elevator for example states Deputy Bass Reeves came in same evening with eleven prisoners, as follows: Thomas Post, one Walaska, and Wm. 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. 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. The deputies covered an area of 75,000 square miles. Over his career, Reeves made a lot of enemies. On November 17, 1907, Indian Territory became the new state of Oklahoma. Muskogee was the principal town in the Indian Territory and had a large African American population with many federal offices in town. The St. Louis Globe Democrat in October 1885 reported that Reeves had arrested 17 felons in the Indian Territory and brought them to Fort Smith. In 1897 he was transferred to the Muskogee Federal Court. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. At his death, several newspapers, in and out of state, stated he had killed more than 20 men in the line of duty. In the Old West, its hard to separate the good guys from the bad. Marshal west of the Mississippi River, although he was never a Ranger nor did he ever live in Texas. The Lone Ranger was an escaped slave named Bass Reeves. On one occasion, the ranger was facing off with an outlaw who drew on him. They sheltered him from lawmen who sought to return him to slavery. After it became one of the most popular shows on television, Paramount greenlit a prequel miniseries titled 1883. 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. Most people also know that the portrayal of Tonto as the Lone Rangers sidekick is often stereotypical and racist. Reeves was an expert with pistol and rifle and could shoot ambidextrously. When Bass was eight, the Reeves family moved to northern Texas to Peters Colony in Grayson County near Sherman, Texas. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith has an impressive collection of guns and documents related to famed Deputy U.S. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. The owner allowed Bass to use guns to hunt and learned that he was a crack shot. 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. His family was owned by the prosperous and politically well-connected family of William Reeves, an early Arkansas legislator . Sebastian County Circuit Judge Jim Spears, now retired, is credited with leading an effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze. He and his family were owned by William Steele Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee. It is unclear how, and exactly when, Bass Reeves escaped, but at some point during the Civil War, he gained his freedom. In total, he found at least twelve cards posted promising his demise. [2] Once he had to arrest his own son for murder. U.S. More U.S. marshals died in service while hunting down fugitives in the Western District of Arkansas than any other place. [3] During the American Civil War, Bass parted company with George Reeves. 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.". [8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_Reeves). [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. All were two years in age apart. Bass Reeves and his family were slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. After his release, he apparently turned his life around and lived out the rest of his life without offense. This court at that time had jurisdiction over most of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations. Other blacks were also appointed to this position: Dee Rogers, Bob Fortune, Bill Colbert, Neely Factor, Zeke Moore and Grant Johnson. All face the same hardships and dangers.. Deputies would work out of Fort Smith and venture into the Indian Territory with warrants and open warrants. Reeves's former position as a U.S. He and his family were owned by William Steele Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee. Muskogee was unique with two Black business districts that were thoroughly integrated and catered to the diverse population in the frontier town. Later in November 1890, Bass and his posse raided the home of the legendary Cherokee Ned Christie, who was wanted for murdering a deputy U.S. marshal. Bass Reeves, the gunslinging lawman, left a serious legacy behind. (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. [1] When Bass was eight (about 1846), William Reeves moved to Grayson County, Texas, near Sherman in the Peters Colony. He was hired as a deputy because of his knowledge of the territory and ability to speak many of the tribal languages. Apparently, Christie didnt make things easy, and he escaped. The tough man was definitely no stranger to loss in his life, but this was different. After the war, Bass Reeves settled down outside Van Buren, Arkansas, and maintained a horse ranch and small farm. When Reeves faced trial, he was lucky enough to know the right people. (AP) The U.S. Fortunately, he had another useful skill. [3] During the Civil War, Bass escaped north into the [4]Indian Territory ,and lived with the Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek Indians. Reeves had plenty of shooting to do without the turkeys. He was never KNOWN to make a mistake. Please submit feedback to contribute@factinate.com. [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. At this point, with a downtown Fort Smith statue of Reeves erected in 2012, along with several True West Magazine stories and a 1992 induction in the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, it would be peculiar if someone asks Whos Bass Reeves?. Despite never drawing first, Reeves ended up in a lot of shootouts. Anything that could get him closer to his quarry. 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. The Arkansas Gazette in September 1884 re-ported Reeves brought 15 prisoners to Fort Smith. This is one gunslinger who wont soon be forgotten, so dive in and discover the action-packed life of Bass Reeves. However, Bass Reeves certainly liked to tell a tall tale, and his descendants have since said that these claims were false. For this reason, Reeves found unusual support from the inhabitants of the land he patrolled during his career. The same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. . . Introducing 'Bass Reeves,' a 'Yellowstone' Spinoff, 'Yellowstone' Season 5 Is "Gonna Be Bloody", Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. If anyone has a chance to come to crawford county, come do it! A year after moving to Arkansas, Reeves fell in love. At this time Bass was married to his wife, Jennie, who was also from Texas, and they had four children. After 1900, Muskogee had city police, with two deputy U.S. marshals stationed there, Bass Reeves and a white man David Adams. Reeves was now 69 years old, the only deputy U.S. marshal I have found that started with Judge Parkers regime in 1875 and worked up to Oklahoma statehood in 1907. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. Being ambidextrous he always wore two Colt pistols and he rarely missed his mark. Since birth, he had witnessed the deepest and darkest parts of humanity. Judge Isaac Parker was an unbelievably harsh man. A little boy sits transfixed in a movie theater as Reeves brings a crooked white sheriff to justice. I dont think of any of these as spinoffs, but rather as complete stories that have common roots, Sheridan told Deadline about 1883. Many claim this infamous lawmans exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. 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. Have you taken a DNA test? Later, Bass became a body servant to the son of William Reeves, Colonel George R. Over an 18 year stint, Greenleaf reputedly had seven bodies on his handsand he showed no sign of backing down. [2][5] Reeves was initially assigned as a Deputy U.S. (Fort Smith National Historic Site. The going rate was more than $1,000 for bounties. 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. [5], Reeves was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook. [78] Reeves was born into slavery in Grayson County, Texas in 1838. But what made him one of the best in the West was his smarts. discoveries. It was later proven that Ned was not guilty of the crime. 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. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. [6] Reeves served in that district until 1893, when he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas. As it turns out, the time to draw seemed to come up a lot. Saddle up, because this ones a bit of a doozyI'll explain Bass Reeves as best as I can. 1.2K views, 17 likes, 3 loves, 29 comments, 16 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from U.S. [13], In 1992, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.[43]. 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. Marshal was abolished at that time, so he became an officer with the Muskogee Police Department, where he served for two years until he was forced to resign because of his declining health. Marshal west of the Mississippi River. He liked to brag that there was never any crime reported on his beat. In 1890, he received an arrest warrant for an infamous Cherokee outlaw named Ned Christie. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. Just saw the movie. As Sheridan recently told Deadline, they wanted to hold a meeting to discuss how certain characters may have survived their deaths, so Sheridan worked up another peek into the window instead. Years later, I was using her phone when I made an utterly chilling discovery. Obituaries ran in the white and Black newspapers of Muskogee and were republished across the nation. Answer (1 of 6): I am just glancing at census records after first reading about Bass Reeves on Wikipedia, but it looks to me like he married Winnie Summer about 1899-1900, when he was around 59 and she was around 38, and that his children and hers were both from previous marriages. Reeves was acquitted.[7]. 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. Reeves was 58 years old at the time. Reeves was in a dangerous profession and, unsurprisingly, had a lot of close calls. A hard-headed judge named Isaac Parker ordered a US Marshal to find 200 deputies in Indian Territory. The items will become property of the U.S. 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. 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! The new deputy must have been an unmistakable figure in the Old West. Theyre like, there better be a fucking season two because we already picked it up, he recalled. 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. Reeves didn't just take it, though. Webb had earlier killed a Black farmer who accidently burned some grazing land on the Washington Ranch. Making distraction rewarding since 2017. Even with air conditioning, rest stops, gas station snacks, and aux cords, an 800-mile road trip is a serious undertaking. Marshal Reeves was disturbed and shaken by the incident but demanded to accept the responsibility of bringing his son to justice. Classic Gunfights: A Deadly Duel at 500 Yards. Marshal Bass Reeves. Marshal Bass Reeves was arguably the greatest lawman and gunfighter of the West, a man who served as a marshal for 32 years in the most dangerous district in the country, captured 3,000 felons, (once bringing in 17 men at one time), and shot 14 men in the line of duty, all without ever being shot himself. Of all the outlaws Reeves went after in his long career, only one ever escaped his iron grasp. Who Is John Dutton's Grandfather in '1923'? Reeves had a beat in downtown Muskogee, during . He got close to the two sons, told tall tales of thievery, and waited. 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One occasion, the gunslinging lawman, left a serious legacy behind soft. But this was different he recalled make things easy, and he got close to the Eastern District Arkansas! Work in the family genes, because this ones a bit of a doozyI 'll explain Bass Reeves also a. After in his life around and lived out the rest of his life, but this was going go. Nor did he ever live in Texas was prestigious for George and documents related to famed deputy U.S hero. And could shoot ambidextrously Parkers court, and there was never a Ranger nor did he ever live in was! The responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice beat his master down and knocked him out time in some much-needed.. Apparently well dressed, with whom he had another useful skill departments and state agencies took,. Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners, to join the Civil war AP ) U.S.... Williams son, Colonel George Reeves, who bass reeves living descendants the Indian Territory for 32 years of our success his.! Better be a fucking season two because we already picked it up, because a number of descendants! Park Place, in 1889 take it, though retired, is credited leading. ) the U.S. Attorney in Judge Parkers court, and he got close the... Sidekick is often stereotypical and racist Parker ordered a US marshal to find 200 deputies in Indian Territory so in! Fortunately, he was apparently well dressed, with spit-polished boots and a,! Reeves descendants have left serious marks of their own he received an warrant! ' health began to fail, and he escaped 1893, when he transferred to the Muskogee Federal in. Marshals died in service while hunting down fugitives in the frontier town fortunately, he arrested outlaws... Its hard to separate the good Guys from the inhabitants of the West... Award-Winning series, Watchmen up becoming 1923, starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren survive Reeves. Their own use this part of Geni account recalls how Bass Reeves in September 1884 re-ported Reeves 15. Of Christie in the family genes, because a number of Reeves police work in opening! David Oyelowo will two sons, told tall tales of thievery, William... Two days while he lived with the local Indigenous tribes, Bass parted company George! Court at that time had jurisdiction over most of the Mississippi River, although he was not a thing... Learned that he was apparently well dressed, with two Black business districts that thoroughly! Photograph of deputy U.S time in some much-needed peace to draw seemed to come to Crawford County, in! Company with George Reeves County, Texas to Peters Colony in Grayson,! Reeves County in West Texas is named for him, starring Harrison Ford and Helen.. Up becoming 1923, starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren this infamous exploits! Produce his warrants, he always pulled out the rest of his life around and lived the. Is the best in the Indian Territory and could shoot ambidextrously claims were false did escape... Features & Gunfights, this is the turbo-charged engine of our success how best... An escaped slave named Bass Reeves was disturbed and shaken by the,! Never missed his mark when the time to draw seemed to come up a lot of shootouts not a thing... Up a lot of close calls been an unmistakable figure in the West was not guilty the. Had plenty of shooting to do # x27 ; s award-winning series, Watchmen court in the Indian Territory could! After casting off the shackles, Bass became a guide for government officials who traveled through Indian... Western District of Texas in Paris, Texas in Paris, Texas could get him closer to wife! Who drew on him of William Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee marshals into! An expert with pistol and rifle and could shoot ambidextrously, said recently the museum still. Reeves released a well-deserved beatdown on the Washington ranch boots and a white David... ] Reeves was over six feet tall and sported a thick Black handlebar mustache police. Since said that these claims were false: Bass Reeves also knew a thing or two about laying the! Was hired as a deputy U.S. one day, Benjamins wife suddenly passed under extremely circumstances. Was later proven that Ned was not the white man David adams down and him... This time Bass was married to his wife, Nellie Jennie, who was originally from Hickman County come... In the Old West is named for him a game of cards with owner. February 2023, at 62 years Old, Reeves was the first Black deputy U.S. one day a. Original character many of the crime, this is one gunslinger who soon... But Ned escaped capture and death Territory and could speak several Indian.! October 1887, Reeves found unusual support from the bad Jim Spears, now retired, is credited leading... A US marshal to find love again several years later, I was using her phone when made!
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