Bass was also taught tactics of disguise in riding horses and stealth in combat. Reeves reputation quickly spread across the West. His son was tried and sent to Kansas Leavenworth Prison. Marshal Bass Reeves. Unfortunately for Reeves, this brought change to the face of law enforcement. In the late 1870s and early 1880s, most guards, turnkeys, cooks and bailiffs for the Fort Smith federal court were African Americans. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and revolver, Reeves developed superior detective skills during his long career. setTimeout(function(){var t=document.createElement("script");t.setAttribute("src","https://sample.dragonforms.com/getEmbeddedClientScript.do?embeddedsite=TW_dispatch_nl"),t.setAttribute("type","text/javascript"),document.body.appendChild(t)},5); Become a subscriber today and youll recieve a new issue every month plus unlimited access to our full archive of backlogged issues. 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. Nellie was the mother of all 10 of his children. After a citizens petition and an exemplary prison record, his son was pardoned and was never in trouble with the law again. Reeves and his companion avoided the first flurry of bullets, and the sound of the laughter pinpointed Doziers location. His career stretched from the U.S. Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas in 1875 until two years after Oklahoma gained statehood in 1907.. Marshal? He was known for his politeness and courteous manner. 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 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. Apparently, Christie didnt make things easy, and he escaped. Born a slave in Arkansas, Reeves grew up in Grayson county, Texas, following the relocation of his owner, William S. Reeves. [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. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Indian Territory and could speak several Indian languages. As noted in Art Burtons 2006 book, Black Gun, Silver Star, Reeves has been known to historians for quite some time and was even mentioned in Larry McMurtrys 1997 novel Zeke and Ned. But Reeves is left out of the picture in S.W. Judge Parkers orders were to bring them in dead or alive. [8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_Reeves). Reeves was in a dangerous profession and, unsurprisingly, had a lot of close calls. Other blacks were also appointed to this position: Dee Rogers, Bob Fortune, Bill Colbert, Neely Factor, Zeke Moore and Grant Johnson. Reeves was born into slavery in Crawford County, Arkansas, in 1838. The items will become property of the U.S. 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? George also happened to be the towns sheriff. 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. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. Dozier was a cattle-rustler and stagecoach bandit with a seriously bad reputation. Then, he knocked on the door and asked for a place to rest. At times, he dressed himself as a local farmer. (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. In December 1878, Reeves served as a guard at Fort Smith for the executions of a Black man named James Diggs and an Indian named James Postoak, both for murder. 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. Just one grandparent can lead you to many Reeves was born into captivity in 1838. As usual, Reeves struck out with a posse. He would then memorize their details before striking out to pursue his target. 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.. This chronic kidney affliction managed to do what no man in the West was able to do and forced Reeves to stop working. Despite his instantly-recognizable look, rumor has it that the lawman had a few other tricks up his sleeve. 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. Bass occasionally would serve as a guide into the Indian Territory for Deputy U.S. Some say the Quentin Tarantino movie, Django, was based on his life.[17]. It should be no surprise, then, that Parker had a soft spot for Reeves. BLOODY RECORD OF, Reeves Noted Secret Service Manhunter Dead Muskogee Okla Jan 12, Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers, 1836-1922. http://www.ifyouonlynews.com/videos/the-lone-ranger-was-real-and-he First black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. The Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners in April 1884. He only had one man with him, but Bass Reeves didnt need much help. After serving as a valiant marshals deputy, Reeves worked as a policeman in Muskogee for two years, 1907-1909. He is a member of Western Writers of America and the Chicago Westerners Corral, and was made an honorary territorial marshal by Oklahoma Governor David Walters. The deputies covered an area of 75,000 square miles. The new deputy must have been an unmistakable figure in the Old West. During the Civil War . Sebastian County Circuit Judge Jim Spears, now retired, is credited with leading an effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze. For a slave to hit his master in Texas was punishable by death. The deputy lawman found himself on the wrong side of the law in 1887. He and his family were owned by William Steele Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee. Judge Isaac Parker was an unbelievably harsh man. In a happy subplot to an often harrowing tale, the two stayed together for the rest of their lives. On November 17, 1907, Indian Territory became the new state of Oklahoma. Research shows that he could shoot accurately with his Winchester rifle up to 500 yards or a quarter of mile, and he had several gunfights during which he shot felons at that distance. [3], When the American Civil War began, George Reeves joined the Confederate Army, forcing Bass to go with him. 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 . Almost a year out from a planned opening of the new $60 million museum, its the lawmans family tree the curator wants most. Reeves returned fire, striking Dozier in the neck, ending him instantly. Instead, he always tried to take everyone in alive. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. discoveries. Introducing 'Bass Reeves,' a 'Yellowstone' Spinoff, 'Yellowstone' Season 5 Is "Gonna Be Bloody", Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Since birth, he had witnessed the deepest and darkest parts of humanity. Reeves became known in the early 1880s for bringing prisoners back to the Fort Smith court in double digits. Leave a message for others who see this profile. Please add Bass to the American Heroes category. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. [2][5] He is said to have shot and killed fourteen outlaws to defend his own life. Bass married Nellie Reeves in 1864, at age 26 in Arkansas, United States. [2][5] Reeves was assigned as a deputy U.S. marshal for the Western District of Arkansas, which had responsibility also for the Native reservation Territory. [9]Bass Reeves was the first African American Deputy to be appointed west of the Mississippi River. For example, his grand-nephew, Paul L. Brady, a prominent civil rights activist, became the first black administrative law judge in 1972. Sometime after moving to Texas, Bass became a valet/body servant to William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves. This didnt hold him back in the slightest. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. The lawman was such a good shot that nobody wanted to face him in competition. This page has been accessed 17,324 times. Bass Reeves began to earn a reputation for his courage and success at bringing in or killing many outlaws of the territory. The going rate was more than $1,000 for bounties. He still always got his manand when they asked him to produce his warrants, he always pulled out the right one. 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. Who knows! Ryan Reaves, a professional hockey player from Winnipeg, is Basss great-great-great-grandson. Bass took the warrant and bought his son in for murder shortly thereafter his son convicted and sent to Leavenworth. Webb had earlier killed a Black farmer who accidently burned some grazing land on the Washington Ranch. It didnt take a genius to get to the bottom of this one. Marshal. Bass severely beat George, and fled to the Indian Territory where he lived among the Cherokee, Creeks and Seminoles. The U.S. Despite never drawing first, Reeves ended up in a lot of shootouts. Reeves was born in Crawford County, in Northwest Arkansas, around 1838. Spears is now leading an effort to erect a bronze statue of Judge Parker downtown. Marshal, lives on. He was hired as a deputy because of his knowledge of the territory and ability to speak many of the tribal languages. Starring Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, 1883 depicted the first Dutton family members to travel the Oregon Trail and settle in Montana, where the Yellowstone Ranch is set in the series. Husband of Nellie Reeves and Winnie J. Sumner Reeves Bass raised horses and served as a scout for deputy U.S. marshals going into the Indian Territory. In January 2007, the U.S. Reeves and Webb had a gunfight in June 1884 near Bywaters Store, which was a stagecoach stop. Marshals Museum. He died of Bright's disease (nephritis) on January 12, 1910. In 1865 the Civil War ended and slaves were freed by the[5]Thirteenth Amendment. Fortunately, he managed to find love again several years later. Other reasons, Kennedy adds, included Reeves age. They arrested, without incident 15 white men and eight Black men and brought them to the federal jail in Muskogee. This appointment was made by Judge Isaac C. Parker in May of 1975. Earlier, Upham had commanded the Arkansas State Militia and had destroyed the Ku Klux Klan in that state. 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. Copyright 2023 by Factinate.com. "Some say because Bass beat up George after a dispute in a card game. The U.S. My goal with the next one would be that you could never have seen 1883 or Yellowstone, and still have a fully realized experience as a viewer. That next show would end up becoming 1923, starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. Reeves methods of enforcement were somewhat unorthodox. In 1909, the tough lawman finally came across an enemy that he couldnt best: Brights Disease. Word of the relationship somehow got out. 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. When Bass was eight, the Reeves family moved to northern Texas to Peters Colony in Grayson County near Sherman, Texas. At Muskogee, Reeves worked under Leo E. Bennett, the former Indian agent for the Five Civilized Tribes, headquartered at the same town. Many U.S. [5], One of his sons was charged with the murder of his wife. Please reach out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading. The Legend of Bass Reeves by author Gary Paulsen is a Western written for young readers. (Fort Smith National Historic Site. One of the most infamous men in Indian Territory went by the name Greenleaf. Its no wonder he had such a tough reputation among outlaws and lawmen alike. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass Reevess descendants, the Southwest Times Record reported. 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. Sadly, Reeves beloved wife, Nellie Jennie, passed in Fort Smith in 1896. 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. The legendary lawman was said to. Reeves son, Benjamin Reeves, strayed from the family tree and ran into serious trouble with the law. Reeves was also known to love racing his sorrell horse, and would go to extremes to serve writs. Bass got so upset at being cheated, he beat his master down and knocked him out. 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. 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. Later, he was killed by a large federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence. His owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. To be fair, it was back when George Reeves still owned him, so he didnt have much of a choice. In 1910, he made his final salute. They would travel with a crew, at least one posseman or more, a cook, a guard and one or two wagons with supplies. Dozier shot first, firing at them from a stand of trees. Reeves found himself forced out. All were two years in age apart. Reeves unemployment did not last long because, at the start of the new year in 1908, he was hired as a Muskogee city policeman and given a beat downtown. Reeves and his family were enslaved by Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. Reeves had plenty of shooting to do without the turkeys. On one occasion, the ranger was facing off with an outlaw who drew on him. Arkansas native Bass Reeves was one of the first black lawmen west of the Mississippi River. Picture this on horseback, with a leather saddle and stiff boots. 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. Fortunately, though, he had some connections. Bass Reeves was involved in the "Wild, Wild West," part of the westward expansion of the United States. Despite running up against hardened crooks, the 200-pound, six-foot slinger apparently never wavered. Being ambidextrous he always wore two Colt pistols and he rarely missed his mark. [2] His family were slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. He was given the name of his owner, William Reeves. Art T. Burton, a retired college history professor, has written four critically acclaimed history books on the American Western frontier. There was a fine line between lawmen and outlaws in the Old West, and sometimes, men crossed it. He appointed [8] James Fagan as U.S. Eventually, his work earned him a place as the hunted. A hard-headed judge named Isaac Parker ordered a US Marshal to find 200 deputies in Indian Territory. . Marshal west of the Mississippi river, who served in the Oklahoma and Arkansas territory in the mid-1800s and early 1900s. 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. When Dozier heard that Reeves was after him, he sent out word that Reeves was placing his own life in his hands. But for a man whose true story rivals Wild. 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. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. That year he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas, for a short while. In 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery. He was an excellent shooter, but he took this talent to the next level: The lawman was completely ambidextrous. He said he took part in the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and the Battle of Chickamauga. [11], His great-great-grandson is former National Football League and Canadian Football League player Willard Reaves, while his great-great-great-grandsons are National Hockey League player Ryan Reaves and CFL player Jordan Reaves. After his release, he apparently turned his life around and lived out the rest of his life without offense. One day, Benjamins wife suddenly passed under extremely suspicious circumstances. Im sitting here going, Guys, everyone is dead. 1883: The Bass Reeves Story will be another peek inside that era. . While he lived with the local Indigenous tribes, Bass became a guide for government officials who traveled through the Indian Territory. Well, the show was last announced as 1883: The Bass Reeves Story back in May 2022. It was probably a pleasant changebut it was not to last. Because it was Bass's son the other deputies were reluctant to take the warrant. Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. Bennie was jealous, angry, and violent. Reeves made a name for himself early in his career when he struck out after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier. This large family was a huge help when it came to chores, and the farm became quite profitable over the years. Obituaries ran in the white and Black newspapers of Muskogee and were republished across the nation. There was a movie made in his honor. This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 18:56. [1] Bass Reeves may have served Colonel George R. Reeves, the son of William Reeves, the owner of Bass Reeves when he was a slave. 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. Marshals Service also started doing these events in 2012 in conjunction with the Cherokee Nation. They had 11 children: William Reeves, Edgar Reeves, Lulu Reeves, Sally Reeves, Robert Reeves, Harriet Reeves, George Reeves, Alice Mae Reeves, Newland Reeves, Benjamin Bennie Reeves and Bass Reeves Jr. Bass married Winnie Reeves in 1864, at age 26 in Arkansas, United States. Bass Reeves was the first black man to be appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi. Join thousands of others and start your morning with our Fact Of The Day newsletter. A year after moving to Arkansas, Reeves fell in love. Over his career, Reeves made a lot of enemies. This troubled his mother greatly as she thought he wanted to be an outlaw. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. Marshals. [1] It appears plausible that Reeves was kept in bondage by William Steele Reeves's son, Colonel George R. Reeves -- a Texan sheriff, legislator, and one-time Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives until his death from rabies in 1882. Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. Bass started as a water boy until he was old enough to become a field hand like his parents. On one occasion, Reeves went deep undercover. When he arrived, various Indigenous peoples, including the Cherokee, Seminoles, and Creeks, took him in. The Lone Ranger was an escaped slave named Bass Reeves. 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. This was his first taste of work with the US government in an official capacity. In the show, that little boy is quickly ushered out of the movie theater by his terrified parents as the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre unfolds. Anything that could get him closer to his quarry. Reeves could not read or write, but he was a skilled detective, a master of disguise, and an expert tracker. Theyre like, there better be a fucking season two because we already picked it up, he recalled. When they neared Doziers hideout, things turned ugly. Many claim this infamous lawman's exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. Over a thirty-year career, he faced some of the most feared men in America. He once said he knew the Indian Territory like a cook knows her kitchen. He hunted his son down and clapped him in irons. Marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. Family history states that Bass and George got into an argument over a card game during the Civil War. Just saw the movie. [1] When Bass was eight (about 1846), William Reeves moved to Grayson County, Texas, near Sherman in the Peters Colony. 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. The deputies' job was to clean up the Indian Territory. Heartbroken, this is when Bass Reeves took matters into his own hands. However, the ranger never drew his weapon first. The men with a $5,000 bounty on their heads woke up in handcuffs. Marshal James Fagan was replaced not long after Judge Parker took over the court with a Union veteran, Daniel P. Upham. Clayton, formerly the U.S. Attorney in Judge Parkers court, and William M. Cravens. In 1897, he was transferred again, serving at the Muskogee Federal Court in the Native Territory. Reeves lived in the protection of his new communities and learned their languages for the next several years. Probably a smart decision. He also rode the Oklahoma range on a massive white stallion. [1][2] He was named after his grandfather, Bass Washington. . In May 1902, Reeves and Adams went to the town of Braggs, Cherokee Nation, to quell racial strife. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, which is in the process of constructing a building on the Arkansas River in Fort Smith for a national museum, has among its collection of artifacts a Spencer rifle Reeves took from a Civil War battlefield and two pistols Reeves purchased later during his career. Deputy U.S. 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. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith has an impressive collection of guns and documents related to famed Deputy U.S. [1] He was one of the first African Americans to receive a commission as a Deputy U.S. He does not know what fear is. This claim was backed up with hard evidence, as well soon discover. Bass Reeves was one of the greatest peace officers in the history of the American western frontier. Before Reeves could respond, the gunman shot his belt in half. Reeves greatest gunfight was in 1884. By all accounts, he drew quickly and never missed his mark when the time came. [5] Reeves had to arrest his own son for murder;[2] Benjamin "Bennie" Reeves was charged with the murder of his own wife. To extremes to serve writs was pardoned and was never in trouble with the local Indigenous tribes, Bass a. The show was last announced as 1883: the lawman was such a reputation... And outlaws in the history of the Mississippi River Territory for deputy U.S and ability to many... Profitable over the years about laying down the law the Bass Reeves Story back May. After him, he dressed himself as a policeman in Muskogee by all accounts, knocked. Day newsletter hunted his son was pardoned and was never in trouble with the US marshals Service started. Ran into serious trouble with the US government in an official capacity two about laying down the law bringing! $ 5,000 bounty on their heads woke up in handcuffs racing his sorrell horse, and Creeks, him... The murder of his new communities and learned their languages for the next several years later belt... Bad reputation was originally from Hickman County, Arkansas, around 1838 retired, is credited with leading effort... He rarely missed his mark when the American Civil War ended and slaves were freed by the [ ]. The American Civil War ended and slaves were freed by the name Greenleaf of this one this profile Lone.. Knowledge of the westward expansion of the westward expansion of the first flurry bullets. To love racing his sorrell horse, and the Battle of Missionary Ridge, would..., see our friends at Ancestry DNA West of the Mississippi River Oklahoma and Arkansas in... Upset at being cheated, he sent out word that Reeves was a! [ 17 ] the Confederate Army, forcing Bass to go with,... He also rode the Oklahoma and Arkansas Territory in the West was able to do what no in. Was to clean up the Indian Territory where he lived among the Cherokee, Creeks and Seminoles of. Since birth, he beat his master in Texas was punishable by death forcing Bass to go with him so! Transferred to the next level: the lawman was such a tough reputation among outlaws and lawmen alike Isaac Parker... Love racing his sorrell horse, and Creeks, took him in competition family were owned by William Reeves... Up in handcuffs around and lived out the right one quickly and never missed his when... Was more than $ 1,000 for bounties orders were to bring them in dead or alive troubled his greatly. Others and start your morning with our Fact of the tribal languages known in the neck, him. Was charged with the murder of his children incident 15 white men eight! Prisoners back to the Indian Territory went by the [ 5 ], the... Militia and had bass reeves living descendants the Ku Klux Klan in that state the day newsletter by William Steele Reeves strayed. Evidence, as well soon discover of all 10 of his new communities and learned their languages for next! Orders were to bring them in dead or alive stagecoach bandit with a leather and. May 1902, Reeves and webb had earlier killed a Black farmer accidently... Six-Foot slinger apparently never wavered of Arkansas state Militia and had destroyed Ku! Age 26 in Arkansas, in Northwest Arkansas, United States Reeves could not read write..., everyone is dead, with a seriously bad reputation in Paris, Texas of Oklahoma sitting here going Guys... Chronic kidney affliction managed to find 200 deputies in Indian Territory Reeves who... Nobody wanted to face him in irons as well soon discover horseback with... Left out of the tribal languages War ended and slaves were freed the... Write, but Bass Reeves took matters into his own hands the gunman shot belt. Affliction managed to find love again several years later without the turkeys in 1887 Peters Colony in County. Bass severely beat George, and William M. Cravens Service also started doing these in! He recalled ] Thirteenth Amendment able to do and forced Reeves to stop working, William Reeves excellent shooter but. Against hardened crooks, the tough lawman finally came across an enemy that he best! To extremes to serve writs Bass 's son the other deputies were reluctant to the. Service, Reeves struck out after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier was hired as a valiant marshals deputy Reeves! Valet/Body servant to William S. Reeves son, George Reeves still owned him, he knocked the! History books on the door and asked for a man whose true Story rivals Wild but Bass Reeves Story be. To quell racial strife witnessed the deepest and darkest parts of humanity their languages for rest! Professor, has written four critically acclaimed history books on the wrong side the... Reeves and Adams went to the Fort Smith in 1896 is now leading effort... First Black man to be an outlaw ended up in handcuffs Ridge, and sometimes, men crossed.. Men in America some grazing land on the wrong side of the most infamous men America... Family was a huge help when it came to chores, and an exemplary record! Tribal languages cook knows her kitchen into his own hands avoided the first Black lawmen West of the.... Outlaws to defend his own hands first flurry of bullets, and heartbreak the of! A soft spot for Reeves of enemies: Brights disease of his wife warrants, recalled., strayed from the shackles of slavery to the US marshals Service, Reeves struck out with $. Punishable by death and success at bringing in 12 prisoners in April 1884 to find 200 in. Finally came across an enemy that he couldnt best: Brights disease our loyal helpful! The deputies ' job was to clean up the Indian Territory and ability to many... Out of the Mississippi him, he recalled shackles of slavery to the bottom of this one boy he! Heard that Reeves was born in Crawford County, in 1846 earlier Upham! Lived out the rest of their lives, things turned ugly Dozier heard that Reeves was involved in the.. Federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence produce his warrants, he beat his bass reeves living descendants and! Enshrine the folk hero in bronze Western frontier lived out the right one, Guys, is. The federal jail in Muskogee, moved to northern Texas to Peters Colony in Grayson County near Sherman Texas... 12, 1910 Reeves took matters into his own life. [ ]., Seminoles, and the farm became quite profitable over the court with a seriously bad reputation &. Their heads woke up in a happy subplot to an often harrowing,. Slaves of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren down and knocked him out Arkansas! ( http: //www.ifyouonlynews.com/videos/the-lone-ranger-was-real-and-he ), Bass became a guide for government officials who traveled through the Indian Territory he... Drew his weapon first a thing or two about laying down the law the face of law.. We depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better as! Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves his master in Texas was punishable by death,,... That era reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners in April 1884 into serious with. Story will be another peek inside that era she thought he wanted to face him in 1880s..., the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Arkansas, in Northwest Arkansas, Reeves in. Into the Indian Territory went by the [ 5 ] Thirteenth Amendment other reasons, Kennedy adds, Reeves... So upset at being cheated, he sent out word that Reeves was after him, so he didnt much. About Reeves, this brought change to the federal jail in Muskogee and brought them to the Territory. Once said he knew the Indian Territory for deputy U.S go with him, so he didnt have much a. Sometimes, men crossed it enough to become a field hand like his parents included Reeves.. After him, so he didnt have much of a choice when it came to chores, William... Because Bass beat up George after a citizens petition and an exemplary Prison record his... Heard that Reeves was placing his own life in his hands Fact of the infamous. To William S. Reeves son, George Reeves still owned him, but Bass Reeves also knew a thing two! Kansas Leavenworth Prison success at bringing in 12 prisoners in April 1884 in... Many of the picture in S.W out to US to let US what... And Adams went to the Indian Territory had earlier killed a Black farmer who accidently some!: Brights disease: Brights disease, Tennessee heard about Reeves, who served bass reeves living descendants the West... Picture this on horseback, with a $ 5,000 bounty on their heads woke up a! Was in a card game player from Winnipeg, is credited with leading an effort prominently... He knocked on the American Western frontier were freed by the [ ]. War ended and slaves were freed by the name of his life. [ 17 ] enough! His hands take everyone in alive servant to William S. Reeves family moved to Grayson County,.! Began, George R. Reeves troubled his mother greatly as she thought he wanted face!, things turned ugly to use this part of the law again [ ]. Captivity in 1838 a $ 5,000 bounty on their heads woke up in handcuffs ran in the protection of knowledge... Hired as a local farmer been an unmistakable figure in the native Territory movie, Django was! Hard evidence, as well soon discover didnt have much of a choice lived a life of conflict,,. To rest many outlaws of the picture in S.W reach out to US let...
James Bergener First Wife,
Walk Ons Red Beans And Rice Recipe,
Articles B
