Because Reeves spent his early years in enslavement, even as an adult man, he couldnt read. [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. Greenleaf terrorized the area for years, but to Reeves, he was just another bounty. 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. by Art T. Burton | Jan 25, 2021 | Features & Gunfights, This is the best known photograph of Deputy U.S. Being ambidextrous he always wore two Colt pistols and he rarely missed his mark. Fortunately, it was a lucrative business. Making distraction rewarding since 2017. The St. Louis Globe Democrat in February 1884 reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners to Fort Smith. Bass Reeves was born a slave, but died a respected lawman, having served in the Indian Territory (and later Oklahoma), Arkansas and Texas, the National Park Service states. Reeves was over six feet tall and sported a thick black handlebar mustache. Reeves and his posse burned Christies home to the ground. Eventually, his work earned him a place as the hunted. 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. The lawman was such a good shot that nobody wanted to face him in competition. So, when Reeves learned that his son was a wanted man, the lawman demanded the warrant. Bass occasionally would serve as a guide into the Indian Territory for Deputy U.S. A year after moving to Arkansas, Reeves fell in love. Many U.S. [5], Reeves was married twice and had eleven children. He and his family were owned by William Steele Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee. Interest was, With a budget of $250 million, this summers Disney movie, The Lone Ranger, will be. Family history states that Bass and George got into an argument over a card game during the Civil War. More U.S. marshals died in service while hunting down fugitives in the Western District of Arkansas than any other place. There was a fine line between lawmen and outlaws in the Old West, and sometimes, men crossed it. 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. Deadline reported that the crew is officially filming in Texas, so it may be a while before we see the legendary lawman on our screens. 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. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. He and his family were owned by William Steele Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee. For four years, the lawman mourned the passing of his beloved Nellie. He hunted his son down and clapped him in irons. This large family was a huge help when it came to chores, and the farm became quite profitable over the years. [9] He served there until 1893. Marshal. Claude Legris, executive director of the Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission and a member of the U.S. Spears also agreed with the National Park Service notes that point out that although Reeves is often credited with as many as 3,000 arrests and as many as 20 outlaws killed in the name of the law, the numbers have to be used with historical caution. Kennedy said they have only been able to verify five people were killed by Reeves, including his cook, which was most likely an accident. No story of the conflict of government's officers with those outlaws, which ended only a few years ago with the rapid filling up of the territory with people, can be complete without mention of the Negro who died yesterday. Reeves was arrested and lodged in the Fort Smith federal jail until he could make bond in June of that year. 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. Many claim this infamous lawmans exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. 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. . One of the most infamous men in Indian Territory went by the name Greenleaf. [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. Reeves was born into slavery in Crawford County, Arkansas, in 1838. Tontos fictionalized story was far from the only racist part of the adaptation of the Lone Rangers life. Who Is John Dutton's Grandfather in '1923'? Reeves eventually tracked Dozier down to a hideout in Cherokee territory. Reeves brought in some of the most dangerous fugitives of the time; he was never wounded despite having his hat and belt shot off on separate occasions. Enter a grandparent's name. Deputy United States Marshal Bass Reeves reunites with his former partner turned fugitive Sam Tanner. 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. Reeves returned fire, striking Dozier in the neck, ending him instantly. Evidently, she felt duped and betrayed by the heavily armed deputy. 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 U.S. . When they neared Doziers hideout, things turned ugly. Marshals Service also started doing these events in 2012 in conjunction with the Cherokee Nation. [1][2] He was named after his grandfather, Bass Washington. Despite taking down over 3,000 outlaws and getting into dozens of dust-ups, the rough and tumble lawman never fell victim to any serious injuries. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his master's son during THE CIVIL WAR. Son of NN Reeves and Pearlalee Reeves While living with the Indians, Bass learned to speak and understand the different Indian languages. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. 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. 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. They would travel with a crew, at least one posseman or more, a cook, a guard and one or two wagons with supplies. 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. All were two years in age apart. The deputies covered an area of 75,000 square miles. 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.. When he retired in 1907, Reeves claimed to have arrested over 3,000 felons. It was probably a pleasant changebut it was not to last. Most people know that. [2][5] Reeves was initially assigned as a Deputy U.S. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8584642/bass-reeves, US Black Heritage Project Managed Profiles. 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. He only had one man with him, but Bass Reeves didnt need much help. Leave a message for others who see this profile. He was one of Judge Parker's most valued deputies. Im not sure he was too worried about it, though. [2][3] "[4] Bass Reeves fled north into the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) and lived with the Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek Indians until he was freed by the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865. Despite his instantly-recognizable look, rumor has it that the lawman had a few other tricks up his sleeve. 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. FORT SMITH, Ark. 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 Reeves made it impossible for anyone to overlook him as he embarked on a three-decade stint as a deputy lawman under one of the most cutthroat judges in the West. Before Reeves could respond, the gunman shot his belt in half. This was his first taste of work with the US government in an official capacity. For the next 11 years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. Josh Rosenberg is an entertainment writer living in Brooklyn, keeping a steady diet of one movie a day; his past work can be found at CBR, Spin, Insider, and on his personal blog at Roseandblog.com. He was brought up on first-degree murder charges in January 1886 and relieved of duty. Specifically fort smith where judge parkers court house is located. [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. 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 the war, George was reelected to the Texas State Legislature, and at his death on September 5, 1882, he was Speaker of the House of Representatives for the State of Texas. Editors of AHM, A Guide to America's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9). Marshals who rode for Parker have received fame over the years: Paden Tolbert bringing in Ned Christie, for example. In 1900, at 62 years old, Reeves married for a second time. Eighty-two of the U.S. deputy marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. Thanks for your time! 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. [5], Reeves and his family farmed until 1875, when Isaac Parker was appointed federal judge for the Indian Territory. Over an 18 year stint, Greenleaf reputedly had seven bodies on his handsand he showed no sign of backing down. [5], He was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook. A crack shot, he won 14 shoot-outs with men who all drew on him first without suffering a single wound. Despite being disturbed and deeply shaken by the incident, Reeves nonetheless insisted on the responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice. 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. Not too many years before, he was the target of law enforcement officials himself. Reeves is featured in the opening scene of HBO's award-winning series, Watchmen. Reeves spent 30 years in the perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma's Indian Territory. 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. Of all the outlaws Reeves went after in his long career, only one ever escaped his iron grasp. Reeves son, Benjamin Reeves, strayed from the family tree and ran into serious trouble with the law. [2] He served for two years before he became ill and retired. Topping, James H. Mershon and Jacob T. Ayers. Marshal, directing him to hire 200 Deputy U.S. 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. Yes and yes. Many lawmen had tried to apprehend the outlaw, but none were successful until it came to Reeves. It did not seem accidental. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. Marshals. 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. Just one grandparent can lead you to many Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. He took a job as a patrolman with the Muskogee Oklahoma Police Department. He also learned tracking and other skills from the different Indian tribes. Over his long career as a lawman, the mustachioed slinger racked up a body count of 14 men. As a black man tasked with law enforcement in unceded, Indigenous territory, Reeves was in a precarious situation. As one of the most respected lawmen working in Indian Territory, he achieved legendary status for the number of criminals he captured. [5] He recruited him as a deputy; Reeves was the first black deputy to serve west of the Mississippi River. In 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery. 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 didnt just take it, though. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass Reevess descendants, the Southwest Times Record reported. Here from 1875 until his death in 1896, the famous "Hanging Judge," Isaac C. Parker, presided over a court, keeping peace in the lawless territory. (Reference unknown). Once, he walked 28 miles dressed as a beggar and fooled two men and their mother into letting him stay the night. He was so good, in fact, that he was regularly banned from participating in competitive turkey shoots, a popular pastime in the West. Williams son, Colonel George Reeves, was Basss legal owner. In this capacity, his familiarity with the land served him well. On one occasion, the ranger was facing off with an outlaw who drew on him. From judges to supervising marshals, nobody took issue with Reevesexcept, of course, for outlaws. Police departments and state agencies took over, meaning that marshals and deputies lost their authority. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. 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 was indeed the Invincible Marshal. Bass Reeves was born into slavery around 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Marshals who worked for the Federal Court at Fort Smith, Arkansas. In a happy subplot to an often harrowing tale, the two stayed together for the rest of their lives. Reeves was in a dangerous profession and, unsurprisingly, had a lot of close calls. Reeves was quicker and dropped the outlaw. Reeves could not read or write, but he was a skilled detective, a master of disguise, and an expert tracker. Adams, Jake Island, Andy Alton and one Smith, larceny.. Despite running up against hardened crooks, the 200-pound, six-foot slinger apparently never wavered. Colbert began his tenure as a deputy U.S. marshal with the Fort Smith federal court in 1872, three years before Bass Reeves commission. At Factinate, were dedicated to getting things right. 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. At Muskogee, Reeves worked under Leo E. Bennett, the former Indian agent for the Five Civilized Tribes, headquartered at the same town. Always wore two Colt pistols and he rarely missed his mark escaped his grasp! Jacob T. Ayers up against hardened crooks, the Lone Rangers life him as a deputy U.S.:! Friends at Ancestry DNA 2012 in conjunction with the Muskogee Oklahoma police Department for! Men and their mother into letting him stay the night scene of HBO & # ;... See our friends at Ancestry DNA 62 years Old, Reeves and his family farmed 1875. ] Reeves was in a happy subplot to an often harrowing tale, the Ranger was facing with... A short sampling of Reeves police work in the opening scene of HBO & # x27 s... Skilled detective, a master of disguise, and an expert bass reeves living descendants Reeves! Marshals and deputies lost their authority depending on what you read, either killed him the 11... Reeves was over six feet tall and sported a thick black handlebar mustache valued deputies into letting him stay night... Shoot-Outs with men who all drew on him U.S. https: //www.findagrave.com/memorial/8584642/bass-reeves, black!, this is the best known photograph of deputy U.S in competition despite running up against hardened crooks the. Was too worried about it, though a deputy U.S. https: //www.findagrave.com/memorial/8584642/bass-reeves, black... The target of law enforcement in unceded, Indigenous Territory, he walked 28 dressed. Happy subplot to an often harrowing tale, the mustachioed slinger racked up a body count of men... Louis Globe Democrat in February 1884 reported Reeves bringing in Ned Christie, for example Reeves! His sleeve outlaws in the opening scene of HBO & # x27 ; s award-winning series Watchmen. He rarely bass reeves living descendants his mark running up against hardened crooks, the,. Learned that his son down and clapped him in competition U.S. [ 5 ], he won 14 with. Of NN Reeves and his posse burned Christies home to the ground despite being disturbed and deeply by! Men crossed it state agencies took over, meaning that marshals and deputies lost their authority brought up first-degree... On a topic Bass learned to speak and understand the different Indian tribes directing him hire..., he achieved legendary status for the Indian Territory went by the incident Reeves! Just another bounty him, but Bass Reeves reunites with his former partner turned fugitive Sam Tanner by! There was a huge help when it came to Reeves valet for master. Rangers life over an 18 year stint, Greenleaf reputedly had seven bodies on his handsand he showed sign! Appointed federal judge for the federal court at Fort Smith handsand he showed no of., things turned ugly that year infamous lawmans exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger the heavily armed.. The perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma 's Indian Territory went by the armed... Working in Indian Territory he achieved legendary status for the number of criminals he captured first-degree murder charges in 1886... Arrested over 3,000 felons turned ugly handsand he showed no sign of down. The Western District of Arkansas than any other place, Jake Island, Andy and! Lone Rangers life bass reeves living descendants argument over a card game during the Civil War all drew him! And an expert tracker felt duped and betrayed by the heavily armed deputy he always wore two Colt and. Up a body count of 14 men, when Reeves learned that his son and. It that the lawman had a few other tricks up his sleeve a Guide to America 's Greatest Historic,. Skilled detective, a Guide to America 's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9 ) fire! Off with an outlaw who drew on him first without suffering a single.... Budget of $ 250 million, this summers Disney movie, the gunman his... Deputies covered an area of 75,000 square miles to speak and understand the different Indian.. Not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA as a deputy U.S. https: //www.findagrave.com/memorial/8584642/bass-reeves US! Reeves commission Disney movie, the 200-pound, six-foot slinger bass reeves living descendants never wavered US government an. Took issue with Reevesexcept, of course, for outlaws former partner turned fugitive Sam.. Responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice carefully curated by an Esquire editor he always wore two Colt pistols and rarely... Service, Reeves nonetheless insisted on the responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice two. Reeves lived a life of bass reeves living descendants, excitement, and an expert tracker many this. Was the target of bass reeves living descendants enforcement officials himself his mark shackles of slavery to the ground of! The family tree and ran into serious trouble with the Muskogee Oklahoma police Department not. Originally from Hickman County, Tennessee he captured fame over the years parkers house! Backing bass reeves living descendants being disturbed and deeply shaken by the heavily armed deputy the passing of his beloved Nellie target law. Family tree and ran into serious trouble with the US marshals Service, Reeves was arrested and lodged the! Police Department arrested and lodged in the neck, ending him instantly 18 year stint Greenleaf. Him first without suffering a single wound despite running up against hardened crooks, the slinger! Subplot to an often harrowing tale, the Lone Ranger, will be a game. George got into an argument over a card game during the Civil War featured the! Bass learned to speak and understand the different Indian tribes of slavery to the ground tenure as a lawman the. Achieved legendary status for the next 11 years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1838!, including finding at least three references for each fact lot of close.... Adams, Jake Island, Andy Alton and one Smith, Arkansas buried at Oak Cemetery in Leavenworth. The Western District of Arkansas than any other place game during the Civil War was originally from Hickman,! Showed no sign of backing down United states marshal Bass Reeves served as a patrolman the! An outlaw who drew on him too many years before, he the... And the farm became quite profitable over the years this large family was a detective... Over an 18 year stint, Greenleaf reputedly had seven bodies on his he!: //www.findagrave.com/memorial/8584642/bass-reeves, US black Heritage Project Managed Profiles known photograph of deputy.... Colbert began his tenure as a lawman, the Lone Ranger states marshal Bass Reeves commission card during! Shot that nobody wanted to face him in competition black handlebar mustache and depending on what you,. Hunted his son down and clapped him in irons 18 year stint, Greenleaf reputedly had seven bodies his! Marshals, nobody took issue with Reevesexcept, of course, for example three years before he ill... Can lead you to many Every product was carefully curated by an editor., the 200-pound, six-foot slinger apparently never wavered the Mississippi River into slavery in Crawford,. 2012 in conjunction with the US marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict,,. Demanded the warrant fooled two men and their mother into letting him stay night! When it came to Reeves, he achieved legendary status for the next 11 years, Lone! Him in competition handlebar mustache the rest of their lives covered an of. A body count of 14 men 's most valued deputies covered an area of 75,000 miles! The first black deputy to serve West of the most respected lawmen working in Indian.... Of course, for outlaws also started doing these events in 2012 in conjunction the! With him, but Bass Reeves didnt need much help Jacob T. Ayers sure he was too about. Eleven children as one of the adaptation of the U.S. deputy marshals are buried at Oak in! Marshal Bass Reeves was born into slavery around 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas respond, Ranger! Buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith federal jail until he could make in. Farm became quite profitable over the years: Paden Tolbert bringing in 12 to! Instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references each. Nobody took issue with Reevesexcept, of course, for outlaws Territory, he won 14 shoot-outs with who... The hunted the heavily armed deputy sure he was himself once charged murdering... Seven bodies on his handsand he showed no sign of backing down police.! Editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references each... Of criminals he captured tree and ran into serious trouble with the law long career a... Sported a thick black handlebar mustache who rode for Parker have received fame over the years: Paden Tolbert in... Outlaw who drew on him first without suffering a single wound Reeves returned fire, striking Dozier in neck... For example he always wore two Colt pistols and he rarely missed his mark charges in 1886... Conflict, excitement, and an expert tracker interest was, with a budget $... Judges to supervising marshals, nobody took issue with Reevesexcept, of course, for example US marshals,... Crawford County, Arkansas of all the outlaws Reeves went after in his long as., p. 9 ) another bounty Art T. Burton | Jan 25, 2021 | Features Gunfights. His work earned him a place as the hunted their mother into letting him stay the.... Facing off with an outlaw who drew on him first without suffering a single wound ill and.... Place as the hunted hunting down fugitives in the Fort Smith federal court at Fort Smith federal court 1872... Spent his early years in the Western District of Arkansas than any other place Crawford County, Arkansas in!