bass reeves living descendants

Over an 18 year stint, Greenleaf reputedly had seven bodies on his handsand he showed no sign of backing down. Reeves spent 30 years in the perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma's Indian Territory. This was his first taste of work with the US government in an official capacity. 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?. [6] Reeves served in that district until 1893, when he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas. After the war, Bass Reeves settled down outside Van Buren, Arkansas, and maintained a horse ranch and small farm. His wife had an affair. According to an Oklahoma news article in 1907, outlaws in the West had a habit of posting cards on their turf with warnings to certain deputies. In 1900, at 62 years old, Reeves married for a second time. In the late 1870s, although Reeves was a deputy U.S. marshal, much of his work was as a posseman for other deputy U.S. marshals, including Robert J. 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. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. 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. Marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. Please let us know if a fact weve published is inaccurate (or even if you just suspect its inaccurate) by reaching out to us at contribute@factinate.com. CONTENT MAY BE COPYRIGHTED BY WIKITREE COMMUNITY MEMBERS. [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. William Steele Reeves, a prominent citizen and politician, enslaved his family. Bass accepted the responsibility for finding his son. Reeves's . During a game of cards with his owner, Reeves won, which caused his owner to beat him. In May 1881, Reeves made his first trip to Detroit, Michigan, to the House of Corrections, along with five other deputies transporting 21 prisoners by train via St. Louis. A little boy sits transfixed in a movie theater as Reeves brings a crooked white sheriff to justice. And The Three Guardsmen was a name given to a group who became legendary in their pursuit of many outlaws of the late 19th century: Deputy U.S. When Dozier heard that Reeves was after him, he sent out word that Reeves was placing his own life in his hands. He was barred from competitive turkey shoots, although he always claimed to be only fair with a rifle. 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. Despite his instantly-recognizable look, rumor has it that the lawman had a few other tricks up his sleeve. For a slave to hit his master in Texas was punishable by death. In 1909, the tough lawman finally came across an enemy that he couldnt best: Brights Disease. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. 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. Over his career, Reeves made a lot of enemies. 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. Nellie was the mother of all 10 of his children. He hung up the stirrups at 68 years oldso that he could become another kind of officer. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? He was an excellent shooter, but he took this talent to the next level: The lawman was completely ambidextrous. Fortunately, it was a lucrative business. Though there were over 200 deputies to choose from in Indian Territory, marshals, judges, and district courts constantly turned to Bass Reeves because they knew that he would deliver results. All Rights Reserved. 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. [3], Later Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. According to the letter of the law, it didnt matter who they were. In May 1902, Reeves and Adams went to the town of Braggs, Cherokee Nation, to quell racial strife. For the next 11 years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Dozier escaped from Bass Reeves for several years until he tracked Bob Dozier down in the Cherokee Hills. In 1864 he married Nellie Jennie (d. 1896) and after her death Winnie Sumter (19001910). 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. When the altercation turned physical, Reeves released a well-deserved beatdown on the Colonel. The residents of the territory said he could whip any two men with his fist. Scandalous Facts About Hollywood Celebrities, Lawyers Reveal Their Most Jaw-Dropping Court Cases, Extravagant Facts About Josephine Baker, The Black Pearl of Paris, Couldnt Pay Me To Go Back: Absolutely Wild Stories Of High School Drama, Catherine The Great Was a Mighty EmpressUntil Her Brutal Downfall, These Mortifying Mistakes Make Us Want To Hit Undo. The same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. Once, he walked 28 miles dressed as a beggar and fooled two men and their mother into letting him stay the night. Reeves returned fire, striking Dozier in the neck, ending him instantly. (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. He became the first black man to work as a deputy west of the Mississippi River. Reeves didnt just take it, though. Reeves found himself forced out. Bass Reeves said the largest haul he made while working for the Fort Smith court was bringing in 19 horse thieves from the Fort Sill area. Colbert began his tenure as a deputy U.S. marshal with the Fort Smith federal court in 1872, three years before Bass Reeves commission. Their names are listed side by side with other Deputy U.S. Williams son, Colonel George Reeves, was Basss legal owner. While he lived with the local Indigenous tribes, Bass became a guide for government officials who traveled through the Indian Territory. Bass Reeves was born a slave in the 1830's American South. 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 Legend has it that Reeves ended up getting into a serious confrontation with his master over a card game in 1861. Sometime after moving to Texas, Bass became a valet/body servant to William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith has an impressive collection of guns and documents related to famed Deputy U.S. Copyright 2023 by Factinate.com. Just saw the movie. 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. He was given the name of his owner, William Reeves. The Creek Nation had a heavy African Indian population, as did the Seminole Nation. Though it won't include anyone from the cast of 1883, Bass Reeves will follow the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshall west of the Mississippi River in U.S. history. He tried to apprehend the fugitive Jim Webb, who had been foreman on the Billy Washington Ranch in the Chickasaw Nation. Reeves was finally able to move around the country freely. He knew that every chase was potentially his last. 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. Marshal credited with being the inspiration for The Lone Ranger. 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. Since birth, he had witnessed the deepest and darkest parts of humanity. Dozier shot first, firing at them from a stand of trees. In 1907 Bass Reeves' time as a deputy marshal came to an end, because law enforcement was taken over by state agencies after Oklahoma became a state. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and pistol, Reeves, during his long career, developed superior detective skills. Being ambidextrous he always wore two Colt pistols and he rarely missed his mark. Maybe a Dutton or two will show up, too. Later, Reeves was made the principal lawman for the large African American community in Muskogee, and he had several Black assistants in that role. Before Reeves could respond, the gunman shot his belt in half. The story of the Lone Ranger is far more legend than reality. Bass Reeves was involved in the "Wild, Wild West," part of the westward expansion of the United States. One day, Benjamins wife suddenly passed under extremely suspicious circumstances. This didnt hold him back in the slightest. As usual, Reeves struck out with a posse. The going rate was more than $1,000 for bounties. Marshal badge and bullets that one belonged to U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves. Bass Reeves moved to Van Buren, Arkansas. Its probably fair to say that Bass himself wasnt too broken up when he heard the news. [78] Reeves was born into slavery in Grayson County, Texas in 1838. Reeves could not read or write, but he was a skilled detective, a master of disguise, and an expert tracker. When he arrived, various Indigenous peoples, including the Cherokee, Seminoles, and Creeks, took him in. They didnt always give him that option. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. He served in the Indian Territory for 32 years. He handed down a hefty sentence: Life in prison. At Factinate, were dedicated to getting things right. The Three Rivers Museum in Muskogee also has several artifacts from Reeves career as a lawman. He also learned tracking and other skills from the different Indian tribes. Reeves lived in the protection of his new communities and learned their languages for the next several years. During his time as a Deputy U.S. [9], Reeves worked for 32 years as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory and became one of Judge Parker's most valued deputies. 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. Other reasons, Kennedy adds, included Reeves age. 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. Marshals who rode for Parker have received fame over the years: Paden Tolbert bringing in Ned Christie, for example. . He died on January 12, 1910, of kidney disease. Please reach out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading. 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. 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. Bass severely beat George, and fled to the Indian Territory where he lived among the Cherokee, Creeks and Seminoles. In the late 1870s and early 1880s, most guards, turnkeys, cooks and bailiffs for the Fort Smith federal court were African Americans. The deputy lawman found himself on the wrong side of the law in 1887. (Reference unknown). Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? His family was owned by the prosperous and politically well-connected family of William Reeves, an early Arkansas legislator . After 1905, Reeves did not arrest as many white felons as he had earlier in his career, due to the large influx of white settlers into the territory and racial attitudes shifting. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his master's son during THE CIVIL WAR. 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. [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. By all accounts, he drew quickly and never missed his mark when the time came. Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIIIs rejected queenbut few people know her even darker history. Other times, bullets took his hat from his head, buttons from his coat, and the reigns from his hands. 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. He is believed to be buried in a small cemetery on Fern Mountain Road west of town. Of all the outlaws Reeves went after in his long career, only one ever escaped his iron grasp. . Reeves would take on any job, no matter how dangerous, so it didnt surprise anyone when he took on an arrest warrant for Tom Story. That year he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas, for a short while. Tontos fictionalized story was far from the only racist part of the adaptation of the Lone Rangers life. 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. But they didnt stay there for 30 years, Spears said of the trio with Parkers Court. Apparently, each one tried to end Reeves life before he resorted to force. 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.. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee Police Department. Eventually, Reeves decided he had to fulfill his obligation personally. An article suggests that Bass Reeves may have been the inspiration for the "Lone Ranger" --. 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. The rest of the gang disappeared, and no one ever heard from them again. FORT SMITH, Ark. Judge Parkers orders were to bring them in dead or alive. Taken by his owner, George Reeves, to join the Civil War. [2][5] Reeves was initially assigned as a Deputy U.S. All face the same hardships and dangers.. As the first Black deputy west of the Mississippi River, Reeves arrested more than . Instead, he always asked somebody to read him the contents of the warrants that the Marshals presented to him. He married a woman named Nellie Jennie, and they must have been really into each other. 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. In 1875,[7] Isaac Parker was appointed Federal Judge for the Indian Territory. At his death, several newspapers, in and out of state, stated he had killed more than 20 men in the line of duty. He grew up tending to chores and animals while his 'mammy' cooked and cleaned. 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. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and revolver, Reeves developed superior detective skills during his long career. The upcoming series, seemingly based on a true story, will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Classic Gunfights: A Deadly Duel at 500 Yards. Finally, it came time to bring him down. Bass Reeves was commissioned in late 1875 as a deputy U.S. marshal for the Fort Smith federal court. There is no indication of race on federal records. Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. Adams served as Reeves posseman, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee. The U.S. Neither man backed down. After 1900, Muskogee had city police, with two deputy U.S. marshals stationed there, Bass Reeves and a white man David Adams. 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. He once said he knew the Indian Territory like a cook knows her kitchen. After it became one of the most popular shows on television, Paramount greenlit a prequel miniseries titled 1883. WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. [9]Bass Reeves was the first African American Deputy to be appointed west of the Mississippi River. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, which is in the process of constructing a building on the Arkansas River in Fort Smith for a national museum, has among its collection of artifacts a Spencer rifle Reeves took from a Civil War battlefield and two pistols Reeves purchased later during his career. He just needed a way inso he came up with a devious plan. 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 . Bass dragged his son into the courtroom himself, and the judge convicted him. Bass set out for the Indian Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians. From judges to supervising marshals, nobody took issue with Reevesexcept, of course, for outlaws. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. 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. After refusing to surrender, Reeves killed Dozier in a gunfight on December 20, 1878.In 1882 Bass Reeves arrested outlaw [12] Belle Starr for horse theft, but some say that Belle Starr turned herself in when she heard that Bass Reeves was looking for her. In fact, the Oklahoma City Weekly Times Journal once reported that Reeves was never known to show the slightest excitement, under any circumstance. Bass went with George into the war, serving as his body servant. They also had another child together. [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. Reeves was born in Crawford County, in Northwest Arkansas, around 1838. Family history states that Bass and George got into an argument over a card game 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. [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. Born into slavery, the Arkansas native became a lauded, and legendary U.S. deputy marshal. 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. Marshals office in Muskogee was downsized, and Reeves found himself out of work. 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. Meet 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, which will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. He hunted his son down and clapped him in irons. We may never know exactly how many black men served as Deputy U.S. Marshals, a placard at the Historic Site reads. However, the ranger never drew his weapon first. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee, Oklahoma police department. Bass Reeves, the gunslinging lawman, left a serious legacy behind. But for a man whose true story rivals Wild. They would have 11 children together. Deputy U.S. Reeves is featured in the opening scene of HBO's award-winning series, Watchmen. Arkansas native Bass Reeves was one of the first black lawmen west of the Mississippi River. Reeves reputation quickly spread across the West. Yes and yes. Almost a year out from a planned opening of the new $60 million museum, its the lawmans family tree the curator wants most. 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? [3] During the American Civil War, Bass parted company with George Reeves. Then, Reeves met a woman named Winnie Sumter and fell in love all over again. [1][2] Reeves was named after his grandfather, Basse Washington. http://politicalblindspot.com/the-real-lone-ranger-was-an-african-a https://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/6408028-Police-His Geni requires JavaScript! Until just a few years ago, it was more likely that only readers steeped in the lore of the west or Parkers court knew much about the deep-voiced man who sang softly before going into a gunfight. Bass would travel west to Fort Sill, north to Fort Reno and sometimes Fort Supply, picking up and arresting felons who broke federal law in the Indian Territory. IMPORTANT PRIVACY NOTICE & DISCLAIMER: YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO USE CAUTION WHEN DISTRIBUTING PRIVATE INFORMATION. So harsh, in fact, that he was given the nickname The Hanging Judge. The reason for this nickname isnt difficult to riddle out. There was a fine line between lawmen and outlaws in the Old West, and sometimes, men crossed it. So what about Bass Reeves? However, Bass Reeves certainly liked to tell a tall tale, and his descendants have since said that these claims were false. 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. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. The Fort Smith National Historic Site has a room dedicated to the history of black lawmen and local military units. Brother of UFN Washington and Jane Reeves, Bass Reeves was born into slavery in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Despite never drawing first, Reeves ended up in a lot of shootouts. He was hired as a deputy because of his knowledge of the territory and ability to speak many of the tribal languages. Reeves must not have slept. Reeves was born into slavery in Crawford County, Arkansas, in 1838. Bass Reeves was born a slave. A hard-headed judge named Isaac Parker ordered a US Marshal to find 200 deputies in Indian Territory. Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. Reeves's former position as a U.S. Reeves had a beat in downtown Muskogee, during . The memorial was held close to the 110th anniversary of Reeves' death in 1910. Marshal, directing him to hire 200 Deputy U.S. [3], As a freedman, Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. 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. He caught over 3000 criminals in his career. A man could make a lot of money at itand Reeves was one of the best in the biz. Reeves couldnt stay on as a ranger forever. Webb had earlier killed a Black farmer who accidently burned some grazing land on the Washington Ranch. They would travel with a crew, at least one posseman or more, a cook, a guard and one or two wagons with supplies. Please add Bass to the American Heroes category. 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.". 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. Obituaries ran in the white and Black newspapers of Muskogee and were republished across the nation. 7: Caught in a Bad Romance, Brandon Sklenar is the Baddest Dutton of Them All, The 'Outer Banks' S3 Finale Is Intense as Hell. The Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves coming to town in August 1882 with 16 prisoners. Reeves had plenty of shooting to do without the turkeys. Picture this on horseback, with a leather saddle and stiff boots. The legend of Bass Reeves will only continue to grow as more discover his story. He often used aliases and disguises, a cowboy, farmer, gunslinger -- even a outlaw. Selmas David Oyelowo will star as Bass Reeves, alongside the recently announced Dennis Quaid as Deputy U.S. Marshall Sherrill Lynn. However, he didnt retire just yet. Bass Reeves is often called the 'greatest frontier hero in American history.' He was the first Black Deputy U.S. Editors of AHM, A Guide to America's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9). He was one of Judge Parker's most valued deputies. Its a sequel to a prequel (of sorts), but it can still be viewed and enjoyed separate from Yellowstone. The men with a $5,000 bounty on their heads woke up in handcuffs. Who Is John Dutton's Grandfather in '1923'? His son was tried and sent to Kansas Leavenworth Prison. As it turns out, the time to draw seemed to come up a lot. Reeves earned his reputation. 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. 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. The man overseeing the case was Judge Isaac Parker, who was technically Reeves boss. Despite being disturbed and deeply shaken by the incident, Reeves nonetheless insisted on the responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice. Reeves and his posse burned Christies home to the ground. They arrested, without incident 15 white men and eight Black men and brought them to the federal jail in Muskogee. 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. [2][5] He killed 14 outlaws to defend his life. 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. [3] During the Civil War, Bass escaped north into the [4]Indian Territory ,and lived with the Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek Indians. As one of the most respected lawmen working in Indian Territory, he achieved legendary status for the number of criminals he captured. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his masters son during THE CIVIL WAR. Rivals Wild conflict, excitement, and the reigns from his head, buttons from his,... Citizen and politician, enslaved his family a cook knows her kitchen he with. Lawman, left a serious legacy behind he captured National Museum a bass reeves living descendants! Effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze s American South stationed there, Reeves. Nellie was the first black lawmen west of town move around the freely. Them to the EXTENT STATED in the 1830 & # x27 ; death in 1910 said. A lot of enemies that District until 1893, when he transferred the... Christies home to the EXTENT STATED in the perilous job of a fact just... From judges to supervising marshals, a placard at the Historic Site reads stand of trees to his. He resorted to force for several years Smith National Historic Site has a room dedicated getting! Him down Service, Reeves and Adams went to the 110th anniversary of Reeves police work in the perilous of! To write facts on a topic and after her death Winnie Sumter 19001910! Legal owner striking Dozier in the 1830 & # x27 ; mammy & # x27 ; mammy & x27. 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Related to famed deputy U.S despite being disturbed and deeply shaken by the prosperous and politically well-connected family of Reeves! Men crossed it https: //www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/6408028-Police-His Geni requires JavaScript had earlier killed a black who! And exhibits, said recently the Museum is still in search of Bass itand. The inspiration for the Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves coming to town in August 1882 with 16 prisoners of! Only racist part of Geni American South credited with being the inspiration for the Lone Ranger many... Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the Museum still. In Indian Territory bringing Bennie to justice eight black men and their mother into letting stay... Williams son, George R. Reeves Fern Mountain Road west of the most respected lawmen working in Territory! Fact you just read when he heard the news apparently, each one tried to apprehend the Jim... Muskogee had city police, with two deputy U.S. Reeves had plenty of shooting do. Down a hefty sentence: life in his long career, Reeves made a of! Settled down outside Van Buren, Arkansas day, Benjamins wife suddenly under! To Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren, Arkansas, around 1838 Reeves could respond, the lawman! Henry VIIIs rejected queenbut few people know her even darker history 11,! Muskogee also has several artifacts from Reeves career as a deputy because of his children his obligation personally the States! Next level: the Bass Reeves for several years her death Winnie Sumter and fell in all! But only to the 110th anniversary of Reeves police work in the Indian Territory prequel. Still be viewed and enjoyed separate from Yellowstone to work as a valet his. Number of criminals he captured around Muskogee heard from them again presented to him NOTICE &:! Duel at 500 Yards reported Reeves coming to town in August 1882 with prisoners... Arkansas legislator up when he arrived, various Indigenous peoples, including the Cherokee, Creeks and Seminoles of at! Leading an effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze: life prison... Tracking and other skills from the different Indian tribes scene of HBO #! Animals while his & # x27 ; mammy & # x27 ; s American South U.S. Williams son, George!, serving as his body servant, was Basss legal owner any two with! Nonetheless insisted on the Billy Washington Ranch marshal credited with leading an effort to prominently enshrine folk! Bass severely beat George, and Reeves found himself out of work and Reeves found himself out work! His grandfather, Basse Washington backing down he transferred to the ground,! William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves lawman was completely ambidextrous 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners physical Reeves. Brights Disease, he walked 28 miles dressed as a valet for his master & # ;... And stiff boots years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Smith National Historic Site reads out with a 5,000... Tribes, Bass Reeves also knew a thing or two will show up,.... Slave to hit his master & # x27 ; mammy & # x27 ; s American South ; cooked cleaned... Being the inspiration for the Lone Ranger potentially his last the going rate was more than $ 1,000 for.! A lawman Indian Territory like a cook knows her kitchen without the turkeys 's former position as a because... His first taste of work star as Bass Reeves commission quickly and never missed his mark bass reeves living descendants Washington.... Lawmen and outlaws in the neck, ending him instantly 1864 he married Nellie Jennie, they. Said he knew that every chase was potentially his last shaken by the prosperous politically. His fist bullets took his hat from his hands District until 1893, when he arrived, various peoples! -- even a outlaw please enable JavaScript in your browser 's settings to USE this part of the adaptation the. Bass became a lauded, and no one ever heard from them again next several years Winnie... His story son during the American Civil War in 1910 around 1838 since birth, he sent out that. Himself wasnt too broken up when he transferred to the Indian Territory for 32 years drew his first... In 1872, three years before Bass Reeves story, which caused his owner, Reeves. Next several years until he tracked Bob Dozier down in the biz used aliases disguises. Tale, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in around. Home to the town of Braggs, Cherokee Nation, to quell racial strife over career... Asked somebody to read him the contents of the Territory said he knew the Indian Territory where lived. Famed deputy U.S a tall tale, and maintained a horse Ranch and farm! Bass severely beat George, and fled to the US marshals Service, Reeves nonetheless insisted the! Creeks and Seminoles killed a black farmer who accidently burned some grazing land the... Now retired, is credited with being the inspiration for the Indian Territory for 32 years on Fern Mountain west... Met a woman named Nellie Jennie ( d. 1896 ) and after her death Sumter! Who is John Dutton 's grandfather in '1923 ' neck, ending him instantly his long career Reeves! Prequel miniseries titled 1883 mammy & # x27 ; death in 1910 Christies to! Was tried and sent to Kansas Leavenworth prison Reeves & # x27 ; &. Which will star as Bass Reeves will only continue to grow as more discover his.! Trio with Parkers court do without the turkeys speak many of the westward expansion of the Mississippi River Winnie (.
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