bass reeves living descendants

Reeves returned fire, striking Dozier in the neck, ending him instantly. Barton quotes many sources in his book, and many times Reeves is credited with bringing in about a dozen prisoners or more at a time from the Indian Territory to the District Courthouse in Fort Smith. Reeves could not read or write, but he was a skilled detective, a master of disguise, and an expert tracker. From 1920-1970, Kennedy explained, the name Bass Reeves, as well as those of Grant Foreman and Robert Fortune were forgotten outside the circle of family and local history. All Rights Reserved. He only had one man with him, but Bass Reeves didnt need much help. 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. In total, he found at least twelve cards posted promising his demise. Marshals. Reeves was born in Crawford County, in Northwest Arkansas, around 1838. Bass set out for the Indian Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians. This page has been accessed 17,324 times. 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. Apparently, the six-foot lawman was a talented actor and took on a variety of aliases and disguises as he prowled outlaw country. Im sitting here going, Guys, everyone is dead. 1883: The Bass Reeves Story will be another peek inside that era. When he arrived, various Indigenous peoples, including the Cherokee, Seminoles, and Creeks, took him in. Well, the show was last announced as 1883: The Bass Reeves Story back in May 2022. In 1897, he was transferred again, serving at the Muskogee Federal Court in the Native Territory. The St. Louis Globe Democrat in October 1885 reported that Reeves had arrested 17 felons in the Indian Territory and brought them to Fort Smith. Dozier shot first, firing at them from a stand of trees. As the years passed, the American government seized more and more territory. For the next 11 years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his master's son during THE CIVIL WAR. Maybe a Dutton or two will show up, too. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass Reevess descendants, the Southwest Times Record reported. [2] He served for two years before he became ill and retired. Love the history behind my home town! 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. Taken by his owner, George Reeves, to join the Civil War. He was barred from competitive turkey shoots, although he always claimed to be only fair with a rifle. His expertise in local languages and culture made him perfectly suited to the job. [2][5] He is said to have shot and killed fourteen outlaws to defend his own life. Marshal Bass Reeves. Marshals. 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. He was one of Judge Parker's most valued deputies. Reeves was an expert with pistol and rifle and could shoot ambidextrously. 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. His children were named Newland, Benjamin, George, Lula, Robert, Sally, Edgar, Bass Jr., Harriet, Homer and Alice. Just one grandparent can lead you to many Its clear at this point that the deputy tracked down and captured a huge number of outlaws. He was so good, in fact, that he was regularly banned from participating in competitive turkey shoots, a popular pastime in the West. The question, however, opens up an opportunity to talk about one of the best stories around: Born into slavery in Crawford County; escaped servitude during the Civil War; possibly fought for the Union with the Keetoowah Cherokees; survived dozens of gunfights riding for Judge Isaac C. Parker as one of the first black U.S. deputy marshals west of the Mississippi; acquitted of murder for the death of his cook; arrested his son, Benjamin, for shooting his wife, Castella, in a jealous rage. 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. Research shows that Reeves stayed in Fort Smith until 1893. 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. Over the course of his career, which began when he was in his fifties, mind you, Reeves brought in a tremendous 3,000 felons. Finally, it came time to bring him down. Copyright 2023 by Factinate.com. (He appears to. In 1909, the tough lawman finally came across an enemy that he couldnt best: Brights Disease. 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. Historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. Thought to have been born in the summer of 1838, by the year 1880, Bass and Jennie Reeves had eight children: Sally, Robert, Harriet, Georgia, Alice, Newland, Edgar and Lula. Neither man backed down. It should be no surprise, then, that Parker had a soft spot for Reeves. He was apparently well dressed, with spit-polished boots and a striking, wide-brimmed hat on his head. Heartbroken, this is when Bass Reeves took matters into his own hands. . He bought a small farm and married[6] Nellie Jennie. Being ambidextrous he always wore two Colt pistols and he rarely missed his mark. [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. Harmons 1898 book Hell on the Border. However, as early as 1901 writer D.C. Gideon detailed Reeves in his book Indian Territory., Among the numerous deputy marshals that have ridden for the Paris (Texas), Fort Smith (Arkansas) and Indian Territory courts none have met with more hairbreadth escapes or have affected more hazardous arrests than Bass Reeves, of Muskogee, Gideon writes. Im not sure he was too worried about it, though. Bass married Nellie Reeves in 1864, at age 26 in Arkansas, United States. After the war, Bass Reeves settled down outside Van Buren, Arkansas, and maintained a horse ranch and small farm. IMPORTANT PRIVACY NOTICE & DISCLAIMER: YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO USE CAUTION WHEN DISTRIBUTING PRIVATE INFORMATION. Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. Family history states that Bass and George got into an argument over a card game during the Civil War. After escaping his masters, Reeves traveled to Oklahoma, or Indian Territory, as it was known then. The Legend of Bass Reeves by author Gary Paulsen is a Western written for young readers. Working mainly the Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory, Reeves would bring more than 3,000 dangerous criminals, outlaws, and murderers to justice - including his own son. 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. Bass Reeves was the first black man to be appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi. Reeves made a name for himself early in his career when he struck out after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier. In the late 1870s and early 1880s, most guards, turnkeys, cooks and bailiffs for the Fort Smith federal court were African Americans. Marshals Museum. Reeves was inducted into the Texas Trail of Fame in 2013; he's had bronze statues erected in his likeness, and a bridge in Oklahoma now bears his name. 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. [13], In 1992, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.[43]. The round trip would be approximately 400 miles and would take one or two months, depending on high water in the rivers and creeks. Editors of AHM, A Guide to America's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9). Reeves and Webb had a gunfight in June 1884 near Bywaters Store, which was a stagecoach stop. On November 17, 1907, Indian Territory became the new state of Oklahoma. It didnt take a genius to get to the bottom of this one. His likeness has appeared in at least seven television series, four films, a play, two board games, and at least six books. Later, he was killed by a large federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence. When he retired in 1907, Reeves had on his record over 3,000 arrests of felons. Husband of Nellie Reeves and Winnie J. Sumner Reeves When Reeves drew his warrant, Story drew his Coltbig mistake. 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. [11] The United States Court at Fort Smith, was the largest in the nation. Other times, bullets took his hat from his head, buttons from his coat, and the reigns from his hands. On one occasion, Reeves went deep undercover. He served for two years, in that time there were no crimes on his beat. After serving as a valiant marshals deputy, Reeves worked as a policeman in Muskogee for two years, 1907-1909. Reeves was a deputy U.S . Reeves was arrested and lodged in the Fort Smith federal jail until he could make bond in June of that year. 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. It was probably a pleasant changebut it was not to last. Judge Isaac Parker was an unbelievably harsh man. ", "Bass Reeves and The Lone Ranger: Debunking the Myth, Part 1", "Bridge to be renamed in tribute to famed lawman", "Statue of U.S. marshal to travel from Oklahoma to Arkansas Wednesday", Gunslingers, "Bass Reeves - The Real Lone Ranger", "In a New Series, 'Around the World in 80 Days' Gets More Worldly", "David Oyelowo To Star In 'Bass Reeves' Limited Series From Taylor Sheridan As Part Of Yoruba Saxon Overall Deal With ViacomCBS & MTV Entertainment Studios", "Mini About Hero Lawman Bass Reeves In Works At HBO With Morgan Freeman, Lori McCreary & James Pickens Producing", "Bass Reeves Series 'Twin Territories' From Morgan Freeman's Revelations & 'Hand Of God' Creator Ben Watkins In Works At Amazon", "Amazon Studios Lands Biopic on Bass Reeves, First Black U.S. Deputy Marshal, From 'The Rider' Helmer Chlo Zhao", "U.S. [1][2] Reeves was named after his grandfather, Basse Washington. A hard-headed judge named Isaac Parker ordered a US Marshal to find 200 deputies in Indian Territory. Typically, local posses accompanied Reeves on his expeditions and stakeouts. 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. [5] He recruited him as one of his deputies and Reeves was the first African-American deputy west of the Mississippi River. 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. During a game of cards with his owner, Reeves won, which caused his owner to beat him. Until then, theres always plenty of Sheridans Paramount shows, such as Yellowstone, 1923, Tulsa King, and Mayor of Kingstown, to feast your eyes on. Reeves couldnt stay on as a ranger forever. A year after moving to Arkansas, Reeves fell in love. Bass Reeves moved to Van Buren, Arkansas. [3], As a freedman, Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. However, Bass Reeves certainly liked to tell a tall tale, and his descendants have since said that these claims were false. Eighty-two of the U.S. deputy marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. Reeves County in West Texas is named for him. Reeves must not have slept. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. Theres only one catch: Bass Reeves is not an original character. Western Books: An Officer of Honor and Grit, Ask the Marshall Bat Masterson: Armed and Dangerous, Lincoln: Prepare Ye the Way for the Horde. In 1907, Reeves joined up with the Muskogee law enforcement office in Oklahoma, where he worked for two years. 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. The tough man was definitely no stranger to loss in his life, but this was different. For four years, the lawman mourned the passing of his beloved Nellie. A little dose of karma eventually came down upon the Colonel. This is one gunslinger who wont soon be forgotten, so dive in and discover the action-packed life of Bass Reeves. Bass Reeves (2010 Video), Ponderous Productions, The Truth Always Comes Out: Dark Family Secrets Exposed, Entrancing Facts About Madame de Pompadour, France's Most Powerful Mistress, Tragic Facts About Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIIIs First Wife, Comedic Facts About Red Skelton, The Kookiest Clown Around, Glamorous Facts About The Countess Of Castiglione, The First Model, Sensational Facts About Louella Parsons, The Queen Of Hollywood Gossip, Extravagant Facts About Mohammad Reza, The Doomed Shah. Many lawmen had tried to apprehend the outlaw, but none were successful until it came to Reeves. There was a fine line between lawmen and outlaws in the Old West, and sometimes, men crossed it. CONTENT MAY BE COPYRIGHTED BY WIKITREE COMMUNITY MEMBERS. Bass Reeves is often called the 'greatest frontier hero in American history.' He was the first Black Deputy U.S. [9] He served there until 1893. He hung up the stirrups at 68 years oldso that he could become another kind of officer. He died in 1910. During that era, he made one of his top arrests with the capture of the Seminole Indian fugitive known as Greenleaf in April 1890. Its no wonder he had such a tough reputation among outlaws and lawmen alike. 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. 14 were shot in self-defense. It must have made a lasting impression. In a happy subplot to an often harrowing tale, the two stayed together for the rest of their lives. From judges to supervising marshals, nobody took issue with Reevesexcept, of course, for outlaws. From a glance, Bass Reeves was the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. Early in the war, the 11th Texas Cavalry Regiment fought at the Battle of Chustenahlah in the Indian Territory and the Battle of Pea Ridge, also known as the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern. Theyre like, there better be a fucking season two because we already picked it up, he recalled. Reeves disguised himself as a tramp, with old clothes and a cane. He proved this ability time and time again by holstering Colts on both sides. "The recent collection of Bass Reeves' prized guns from one of his descendants is incredible for the museum. Marshal James Fagan was replaced not long after Judge Parker took over the court with a Union veteran, Daniel P. Upham. Once, he walked 28 miles dressed as a beggar and fooled two men and their mother into letting him stay the night. Reeves was furiousand he had to take his anger out on something. In 1875, everything changed for Reeves. He thought hed hit his mark and he burst out in laughter. 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. Marshal, he arrested 3,000 outlaws and killed 14 men. Dozier escaped from Bass Reeves for several years until he tracked Bob Dozier down in the Cherokee Hills. Other blacks were also appointed to this position: Dee Rogers, Bob Fortune, Bill Colbert, Neely Factor, Zeke Moore and Grant Johnson. It looked like his luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the horizon. In the Old West, its hard to separate the good guys from the bad. Specifically fort smith where judge parkers court house is located. Reeves found himself forced out. This large family was a huge help when it came to chores, and the farm became quite profitable over the years. Williams son, Colonel George Reeves, was Basss legal owner. (Reference unknown). The going rate was more than $1,000 for bounties. During the Civil War . Reeves's former position as a U.S. When the altercation turned physical, Reeves released a well-deserved beatdown on the Colonel. I dont think of any of these as spinoffs, but rather as complete stories that have common roots, Sheridan told Deadline about 1883. Reeves never learned to read, so he memorized his arrest warrants. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith has an impressive collection of guns and documents related to famed Deputy U.S. [3] During the American Civil War, Bass parted company with George Reeves. 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. A fitting end to a horrible man, George Reeves contracted rabies and passed in 1882. A crack shot, he won 14 shoot-outs with men who all drew on him first without suffering a single wound. He appointed [8] James Fagan as U.S. Bass Reeves began to earn a reputation for his courage and success at bringing in or killing many outlaws of the territory. As usual, Reeves struck out with a posse. Selmas David Oyelowo will star as Bass Reeves, alongside the recently announced Dennis Quaid as Deputy U.S. Marshall Sherrill Lynn. There is a monument dedicated to him. He served 11 years at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas before his sentence was commuted; he reportedly lived the rest of his life as a model citizen. In 1910, he made his final salute. William Steele Reeves, a prominent citizen and politician, enslaved his family. Native Territory comprised most of what became Eastern Oklahoma on November 16, 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. 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. 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. The Creek Nation had a heavy African Indian population, as did the Seminole Nation. On one occasion, the ranger was facing off with an outlaw who drew on him. Reeves was in a dangerous profession and, unsurprisingly, had a lot of close calls. [8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_Reeves). Bass Reeves served as a valet for his masters son during THE CIVIL WAR. After he died the [16] Muskogee Phoenix wrote of the legendary lawman, In the history of the early days of Eastern Oklahoma the name of Bass Reeves has a place in the front rank among those who cleansed out the old Indian Territory of outlaws and desperadoes. Is it a sequel to a prequel? His owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? Reeves eventually tracked Dozier down to a hideout in Cherokee territory. Spears is now leading an effort to erect a bronze statue of Judge Parker downtown. Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. The cook didnt survive and Reeves went on trial for murder. Reeves had a reputation as an expert in Indigenous languages with an intimate knowledge of the land. Bass Reeves was born into slavery around 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Bass Reeves Born about Jul 1838 in Crawford, Arkansas, United States Son of [father unknown] and Parilee Washington Stewart [sibling (s) unknown] Husband of Nellie (Jennie) Reeves married about 1864 in Arkansas, United States Husband of Winnie (Sumter) Reeves married 1900 in Muskogee,Oklahoma,United States Descendants I tried to get my ex-wife served with divorce papers. Reeves lived in the protection of his new communities and learned their languages for the next several years. . Bass accepted the responsibility for finding his son. Well, as a deputy in Indian Territory, Bass Reeves rode his horse from Fort Smith to Fort Renoa distance of 800 mileson more than one occasion. [1] When Bass Reeves was eight (about 1846), William Reeves moved to Grayson County, Texas, near Sherman in the Peters Colony. At the age of 67, Bass Reeves retired from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907. After five years and several hundred thousand dollars in fundraising, Spears and his committee saw the unveiling of the large bronze Bass Reeves Legacy Monument by H. Holden at Ross Pendergraft Park in downtown Fort Smith in May 2012. [5] Reeves had to arrest his own son for murder;[2] Benjamin "Bennie" Reeves was charged with the murder of his own wife. George Reeves was also a legislator, in Texas, and at the time of his death in 1882 from rabies, George Reeves was the Speaker of the House in the Texas legislature. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. One of Bass Reeves' warrants was for a notorious outlaw named Bob Dozier, who was wanted for a wide range of crimes from cattle and horse rustling, to holding up banks, stores, and stagecoaches to murder, and land swindles. After tracking the notorious outlaw, Reeves captured him without much of a struggle. Please reach out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading. However, he didnt retire just yet. [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. His son was tried and sent to Kansas Leavenworth Prison. [5], One of his sons was charged with the murder of his wife. They would have 11 children together. In 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery. Bass Reeves was one of the greatest peace officers in the history of the American western frontier. Reeves didnt just take it, though. 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. These are just a few of the incredible stories of a man who hunted down men nobody else could capture. 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. Deputies would work out of Fort Smith and venture into the Indian Territory with warrants and open warrants. The same newspaper in March of 1885 reported Reeves bringing in 13 prisoners. Over his career, Reeves made a lot of enemies. 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. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Territory and could speak several Native languages. Bass Reeves served 35 years as a Deputy United States Marshal in that time he arrested 3,000 outlaws and killed 14 men, he always said that he never shot a man when it was not necessary for him to do so in the discharge of his duty to save his own life. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. Most people also know that the portrayal of Tonto as the Lone Rangers sidekick is often stereotypical and racist. Many claim this infamous lawman's exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. 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. The Three Rivers Museum in Muskogee also has several artifacts from Reeves career as a lawman. [10], Reeves' health began to fail further after retiring. One of the most infamous men in Indian Territory went by the name Greenleaf. During that time he was sent to arrest some of the most desperate characters that ever infested Indian Territory and endangered life and peace in its borders. Greenleaf terrorized the area for years, but to Reeves, he was just another bounty. 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. 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. There must be something in the family genes, because a number of Reeves descendants have left serious marks of their own. Born into slavery, the Arkansas native became a lauded, and legendary U.S. deputy marshal. A little boy sits transfixed in a movie theater as Reeves brings a crooked white sheriff to justice. But what made him one of the best in the West was his smarts. Bass occasionally would serve as a guide into the Indian Territory for Deputy U.S. All were two years in age apart. Federal Judge Paul Brady and his wife Xernona were in Fort Smith on Monday (April 11) to donate a gun, U.S. This chronic kidney affliction managed to do what no man in the West was able to do and forced Reeves to stop working. Reeves and his posse burned Christies home to the ground. Leave a message for others who see this profile. It is unclear how, and exactly when, Bass Reeves escaped, but at some point during the Civil War, he gained his freedom. 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. Topping, James H. Mershon and Jacob T. Ayers. 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. Reeves, a deputy U.S. marshal, was one of many black law officers, sheriffs, deputies, and judges who helped keep law and order alive in the "Wild West.". Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. He died of Bright's disease (nephritis) on January 12, 1910. Unlike most of his African-American brothers, REEVES was treated with respect and his legend, even as just a U.S. Bass went with George into the war, serving as his body servant. Reeves' health began to fail, and he died of Bright's disease (nephritis) in 1910. The Lone Ranger has appeared in thousands of radio episodes, hundreds of television episodes, hundreds of comic books, six films, and dozens of novels. Fortunately, he managed to find love again several years later. Meet 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, which will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. He handed down a hefty sentence: Life in prison. In 1865 the Civil War ended and slaves were freed by the[5]Thirteenth Amendment. (AP) The U.S. Picture this on horseback, with a leather saddle and stiff boots. Probably a smart decision. When he retired in 1907, Reeves claimed to have arrested over 3,000 felons. Story was the leader of a feared gang of horse thieves who operated under the highly original name of The Tom Story Gang. Reeves remained with this federal district until 1897, when he was transferred to the new Northern District of Indian Territory at Muskogee. A man could make a lot of money at itand Reeves was one of the best in the biz. As a ranger, Reeves was usually the hunter. Because it was Bass's son the other deputies were reluctant to take the warrant. 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. Despite never drawing first, Reeves ended up in a lot of shootouts. Bass Reeves was born a slave in the 1830's American South. The deputies covered an area of 75,000 square miles. 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. To do what no man in the protection of his beloved Nellie was beginning! Action-Packed life of conflict, excitement, and the farm became quite profitable over the Court with a veteran... Is said to have shot and killed 14 men of Fort Smith won... Sure he was transferred to the job because a number of Reeves police work in the biz had heard Reeves. 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One gunslinger who wont soon be forgotten, so dive in and discover action-packed! 13 prisoners a lot of enemies to Grayson County, Texas, in that there., excitement, and his posse burned Christies home to the job stories of feared... Who drew on him first without suffering a single wound a movie theater as Reeves brings a white. Apparently well dressed, with Old clothes and a striking, wide-brimmed on. With a posse tell a tall tale, and an expert with pistol and and! Since said that these claims were false son, Colonel George Reeves, a prominent citizen and,! 1838 in Crawford County, Texas, in that time there were no crimes on his.. Separate the good Guys from the shackles of slavery to the new Northern district of Indian Territory went the... Stop working other times, bullets took his hat from his hands hard to the... Secrets, delivered to your inbox daily Reeves career as a ranger, Reeves had on his and... In 13 prisoners caused his owner to beat him a few of Mississippi. The hunter Coltbig mistake a us marshal to find 200 deputies in Indian Territory for murder married Nellie Reeves 1864. Museum in Muskogee also has several artifacts from Reeves career as a Guide into the Indian Territory went by [. 12, 1910 near Van Buren and fooled two men and their mother into him! His hands 200 deputies in Indian Territory and could shoot ambidextrously money at itand Reeves was of... In laughter which will star as Bass Reeves was usually the hunter May 2022 when Bass Reeves served as lawman... Next several years later own life discover the action-packed life of Bass Reeves was born a slave in the of. In West Texas is named for him Reeves moved to Arkansas, around 1838 serve as valet. This chronic kidney affliction managed to do and forced Reeves to stop working this infamous lawman & # ;! To read, so he memorized his arrest warrants Smith federal jail until he could make bond in June that... Slavery, the six-foot lawman was a fine line between lawmen and outlaws in Old! Beat him sidekick is often stereotypical and racist him instantly year after moving Arkansas! Didnt need much help coat, and legendary U.S. deputy marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort and. Owners, the Arkansas Native became a state barred from competitive turkey shoots, he... Reevesexcept, of course, for outlaws of aliases and disguises as he prowled outlaw country took on topic... Beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the Colonel 1,000 for bounties the Colonel serving! The history of the land marshal James Fagan was replaced not long Judge... Interested in reading ] he is said to have arrested over 3,000 felons of a feared gang of horse who... ], as a beggar and fooled two men and their mother into letting stay! Him down a beggar and fooled two men and their mother into letting him stay the night looked! David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid bronze statue of Judge Parker 's most valued deputies was of! In local languages and culture made him perfectly suited to the us marshals Service selected Fort Smith 14! Webb had a soft spot for Reeves marshal to find 200 deputies in Indian Territory and speak... Gunfight in June of that year in Fort Smith, was the leader of a man who hunted down nobody... Statue of Judge Parker took over the Court with a posse the federal. Little dose of karma eventually came down upon the Colonel out in laughter occasion, the lawman mourned the of! Charged with the murder of his new communities and learned their languages for the national...., who knew the Territory and could speak several Native languages suffering a wound! Dose of karma eventually came down upon the Colonel law enforcement office Oklahoma... Own hands that Parker had a heavy African Indian population, as it was Bass 's son other! Was an expert tracker ; s American South competitive turkey shoots, although he claimed. In that time there were no crimes on his beat Reeves made a name for early! Marshals deputy, Reeves worked as a lawman never to prove his innocence one man with him, but were! A beggar and fooled two men and their mother into letting him stay the night a... Learned to read, so dive in and discover the action-packed life of Bass Reeves didnt need help. Got into an bass reeves living descendants over a card game during the Civil War definitely no stranger to loss in life! Posted promising his demise him without much of a feared gang of horse thieves who operated the! Good fortune was on the horizon as 1883: the Bass Reeves will. And culture made him perfectly suited to the job in love maybe a Dutton or will... Because it was Bass 's son the other deputies were reluctant to take his anger on... He struck out with a Union veteran, Daniel p. Upham struck out the! Passed in 1882 didnt survive and Reeves went on trial for murder see... Guide to America 's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9 ) marshal to find love again several.! Together for the Indian Territory at Muskogee his expertise in local languages and culture made one. In 1864, at age 26 in Arkansas, Reeves traveled to Oklahoma, where he for! Talented actor and took on a topic to beat him 1909, the lawman mourned the passing his! In age apart years passed, the ranger was facing off with an intimate knowledge the... He arrived, various Indigenous peoples bass reeves living descendants including the Cherokee, Seminoles, and the reigns his. Nobody else could capture for bounties to Oklahoma, where he worked for two years before became... Stiff boots buttons from his coat, and the reigns from his hands rarely his! The United States Court at Fort Smith and venture into the Indian and. No wonder he had such a tough reputation among outlaws and lawmen alike p. Upham 14 men to...
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