bass reeves living descendants

The Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners in April 1884. When the altercation turned physical, Reeves released a well-deserved beatdown on the Colonel. Bass Reeves was born a slave in the 1830's American South. He was barred from competitive turkey shoots, although he always claimed to be only fair with a rifle. Marshal, directing him to hire 200 Deputy U.S. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. He was given the name of his owner, William Reeves. He died of Bright's disease (nephritis) on January 12, 1910. When he arrived, various Indigenous peoples, including the Cherokee, Seminoles, and Creeks, took him in. Fortunately, he had another useful skill. Bass also served as bodyguard, coachman and butler. Marshal west of the Mississippi river, who served in the Oklahoma and Arkansas territory in the mid-1800s and early 1900s. At Muskogee, Reeves worked under Leo E. Bennett, the former Indian agent for the Five Civilized Tribes, headquartered at the same town. This large family was a huge help when it came to chores, and the farm became quite profitable over the years. Bass Reeves delivered two prisoners to U.S. Finally, it came time to bring him down. The U.S. For a slave to hit his master in Texas was punishable by death. The rest of the gang disappeared, and no one ever heard from them again. Dozier was a cattle-rustler and stagecoach bandit with a seriously bad reputation. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. Reeves reputation quickly spread across the West. He hunted his son down and clapped him in irons. Not too many years before, he was the target of law enforcement officials himself. Please submit feedback to contribute@factinate.com. Bass Reeves was the first black man to be appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi. Is it a sequel to a prequel? Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. In 1897 he was transferred to the Muskogee Federal Court. 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. 14 were shot in self-defense. So harsh, in fact, that he was given the nickname The Hanging Judge. The reason for this nickname isnt difficult to riddle out. Bennie was subsequently captured, tried, and convicted. The Three Rivers Museum in Muskogee also has several artifacts from Reeves career as a lawman. Tragically, Reeves accidentally shot his cook on one of his trips into the Indian Territory in 1884. 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. 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. The deputies' job was to clean up the Indian Territory. Western Books: An Officer of Honor and Grit, Ask the Marshall Bat Masterson: Armed and Dangerous, Lincoln: Prepare Ye the Way for the Horde. When Dozier heard that Reeves was after him, he sent out word that Reeves was placing his own life in his hands. And he got his man as often as any of the deputies. Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. He tracked two outlaws to their mothers house in the Red River Valley. More U.S. marshals died in service while hunting down fugitives in the Western District of Arkansas than any other place. Most people also know that the portrayal of Tonto as the Lone Rangers sidekick is often stereotypical and racist. "Bass Reeves Some have suggested a possible historical inspiration was Bass Reeves, the first Black deputy U.S. Though it hasnt been explicitly stated, many outlets have just been calling the series Bass Reeves. The residents of the territory said he could whip any two men with his fist. [5] He married Nellie Jennie from Texas, with whom he had ten children, five boys and five girls. 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. [3] During the Civil War, Bass escaped north into the [4]Indian Territory ,and lived with the Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek Indians. Reeves methods of enforcement were somewhat unorthodox. Other times, bullets took his hat from his head, buttons from his coat, and the reigns from his hands. ", "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. Spears said Bill Black presented the idea for a Bass Reeves statue after Spears effort for a statue of President Zachary Taylor did not get traction. He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. So, when Reeves learned that his son was a wanted man, the lawman demanded the warrant. All Rights Reserved. Sometime after moving to Texas, Bass became a valet/body servant to William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves. WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. Born a slave in Arkansas, Reeves grew up in Grayson county, Texas, following the relocation of his owner, William S. Reeves. At Factinate, were dedicated to getting things right. Reeves. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and revolver, Reeves developed superior detective skills during his long career. He caught over 3000 criminals in his career. Join the. His son was tried and sent to Kansas Leavenworth Prison. Reeves remained with this federal district until 1897, when he was transferred to the new Northern District of Indian Territory at Muskogee. Many historians believe that Reeves would later go on to be partial inspiration for the Lone Ranger. So, this semi-biographical series about a real guy is going to be part of the Yellowstone series? Reeves made a name for himself early in his career when he struck out after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier. Reeves was arrested and lodged in the Fort Smith federal jail until he could make bond in June of that year. 2008 - 2023 INTERESTING.COM, INC. Eighty-two of the U.S. deputy marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. 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. In Black Gun, Silver Star, Burton recounts some stories from Adam Grayson, a former resident of Indian Territory, saying that Reeves tore up at least one warrant for a prisoner who outraced his sorrell steed. I think Bass Reeves claim to fame is his persistence, and he bounced back after the murder trial.. Making distraction rewarding since 2017. Police departments and state agencies took over, meaning that marshals and deputies lost their authority. In the Old West, its hard to separate the good guys from the bad. Reeves died in Muskogee on January 12, 1910, after a short illness. Reeves son, Benjamin Reeves, strayed from the family tree and ran into serious trouble with the law. This court at that time had jurisdiction over most of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations. Information from: Southwest Times Record, http://www.swtimes.com/, Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Reeves was an expert with pistol and rifle and could shoot ambidextrously. [9] He served there until 1893. 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. Spears is now leading an effort to erect a bronze statue of Judge Parker downtown. .css-gk9meg{display:block;font-family:Lausanne,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;padding-top:0.25rem;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-gk9meg:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.15;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 73.75rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}Celebrities Who Voice Cartoon Characters, 'The Mandalorian' Season 3 is About to Commence, The Underworld Crossover of the Century Is Coming. In 1871, the federal court and jail were moved to nearby Fort Smith. However, Bass Reeves certainly liked to tell a tall tale, and his descendants have since said that these claims were false. Reeves spent 30 years in the perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma's Indian Territory. He handed down a hefty sentence: Life in prison. 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. Marshals who rode for Parker have received fame over the years: Paden Tolbert bringing in Ned Christie, for example. They arrested, without incident 15 white men and eight Black men and brought them to the federal jail in Muskogee. 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 is believed to be buried in a small cemetery on Fern Mountain Road west of town. The going rate was more than $1,000 for bounties. Were always looking for your input! Meet 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, which will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. A year after moving to Arkansas, Reeves fell in love. http://politicalblindspot.com/the-real-lone-ranger-was-an-african-a https://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/6408028-Police-His Geni requires JavaScript! His family was owned by the prosperous and politically well-connected family of William Reeves, an early Arkansas legislator . The upcoming series, seemingly based on a true story, will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. It sat on his desk for two days while he decided what to do. His expertise in local languages and culture made him perfectly suited to the job. Apparently, the six-foot lawman was a talented actor and took on a variety of aliases and disguises as he prowled outlaw country. [3], Later Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. For example, his grand-nephew, Paul L. Brady, a prominent civil rights activist, became the first black administrative law judge in 1972. FORT SMITH, Ark. Reeves was over six feet tall and sported a thick black handlebar mustache. 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. . He once said he knew the Indian Territory like a cook knows her kitchen. Selmas David Oyelowo will star as Bass Reeves, alongside the recently announced Dennis Quaid as Deputy U.S. Marshall Sherrill Lynn. In 1875, everything changed for Reeves. Neither man backed down. The deputies covered an area of 75,000 square miles. 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. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. But eventually, it came time for Bass Reeves to set out on his own. Nellie was the mother of all 10 of his children. Eventually, Reeves decided he had to fulfill his obligation personally. Reeves and his companion avoided the first flurry of bullets, and the sound of the laughter pinpointed Doziers location. Bass Reeves, a former slave, fiercely defended the Old West during his 32-year tenure as deputy U.S. marshal. He recruited Bass Reeves as one of his deputies because of his knowledge of the territory and tribes. [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. The Reeves family moved to North Twelfth Street, Park Place, in 1889. [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. He tried to apprehend the fugitive Jim Webb, who had been foreman on the Billy Washington Ranch in the Chickasaw Nation. Reeves shot Webb with his Winchester at 500 yards after Webb narrowly missed him several times. His wife had an affair. Muskogee was the principal town in the Indian Territory and had a large African American population with many federal offices in town. Bass Reeves is a part of US Black history. Copyright 2023 by Factinate.com. 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. He appointed [8] James Fagan as U.S. He served for two years, in that time there were no crimes on his beat. Talk about motherly love! They would later have 11 children in the household. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Indian Territory and could speak several Indian languages. One of the most infamous men in Indian Territory went by the name Greenleaf. At his trial in October 1887, Reeves was found innocent. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee, Oklahoma police department. 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 lived in the protection of his new communities and learned their languages for the next several years. Marshal Bass Reeves. Research shows that he could shoot accurately with his Winchester rifle up to 500 yards or a quarter of mile, and he had several gunfights during which he shot felons at that distance. 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 captured the two gang members in the Red River Valley, but it wasnt exactly simple: The boys mother chased him for three miles, cursing his name the whole time! Marshal Bass Reeves, possibly the greatest lawman of the Old West. All Photos Courtesy Art T. Burton Unless Otherwise Noted . The St. Louis Globe Democrat in February 1884 reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners to Fort Smith. 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. (Fort Smith National Historic Site. After a citizens petition and an exemplary prison record, his son was pardoned and was never in trouble with the law again. 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. IMPORTANT PRIVACY NOTICE & DISCLAIMER: YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO USE CAUTION WHEN DISTRIBUTING PRIVATE INFORMATION. There is a monument dedicated to him. by Art T. Burton | Jan 25, 2021 | Features & Gunfights, This is the best known photograph of Deputy U.S. 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 Some say the Quentin Tarantino movie, Django, was based on his life.[17]. Tontos fictionalized story was far from the only racist part of the adaptation of the Lone Rangers life. [5], Reeves was married twice and had eleven children. Marshal, lives on. Reeves greatest gunfight was in 1884. Many claim this infamous lawman's exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. Marshal? The details of his sons doings were unpleasant. Oklahoma became a state in 1907. Reeves and his family were enslaved by Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. [5], Reeves was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook. 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. 1.2K views, 17 likes, 3 loves, 29 comments, 16 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from U.S. 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. Native Territory comprised most of what became Eastern Oklahoma on November 16, 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. The Arkansas Gazette in September 1884 re-ported Reeves brought 15 prisoners to Fort Smith. [5], Reeves and his family farmed until 1875, when Isaac Parker was appointed federal judge for the Indian Territory. [5] He was an uncle of Paul L. Brady, the first African-American appointed a Federal Administrative Law Judge (in 1972). He was 62 tall and extraordinarily strong. [2] Once he had to arrest his own son for murder. 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.. Abolitionists in the Indian Territory harbored him until it was safe to move. 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. 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 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. Fortunately, he managed to find love again several years later. When he retired in 1907, Reeves had on his record over 3,000 arrests of felons. Dozier shot first, firing at them from a stand of trees. An article suggests that Bass Reeves may have been the inspiration for the "Lone Ranger" --. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith has an impressive collection of guns and documents related to famed Deputy U.S. Deputy United States Marshal Bass Reeves reunites with his former partner turned fugitive Sam Tanner. Theres only one catch: Bass Reeves is not an original character. However, he didnt retire just yet. Despite never drawing first, Reeves ended up in a lot of shootouts. Despite running up against hardened crooks, the 200-pound, six-foot slinger apparently never wavered. It should be no surprise, then, that Parker had a soft spot for Reeves. Reeves was eventually believed and acquitted, possibly based on his exceptional record. He does not know what fear is. This claim was backed up with hard evidence, as well soon discover. Please reach out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading. When Reeves faced trial, he was lucky enough to know the right people. (AP) The U.S. [2][5] Reeves was initially assigned as a Deputy U.S. The Creek Nation had a heavy African Indian population, as did the Seminole Nation. Dozier escaped from Bass Reeves for several years until he tracked Bob Dozier down in the Cherokee Hills. Its not known exactly where Bass Reeves is buried, but in the 1990s the Oklahombres organization placed a small marker bearing Reeves name in the Old Agency Cemetery in Muskogee. He often used aliases and disguises, a cowboy, farmer, gunslinger -- even a outlaw. So what about Bass Reeves? He was never KNOWN to make a mistake. At this time Bass was married to his wife, Jennie, who was also from Texas, and they had four children. Here, he learned Indian languages, the lay of the land and complete mastery of pistols and rifles. He was hired as a deputy because of his knowledge of the territory and ability to speak many of the tribal languages. Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. marshals. In 1875,[7] Isaac Parker was appointed Federal Judge for the Indian Territory. He still always got his manand when they asked him to produce his warrants, he always pulled out the right one. 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. Apparently, each one tried to end Reeves life before he resorted to force. He grew up tending to chores and animals while his 'mammy' cooked and cleaned. Fortunately, it was a lucrative business. "Some say because Bass beat up George after a dispute in a card game. Later, Reeves was made the principal lawman for the large African American community in Muskogee, and he had several Black assistants in that role. 'Ted Lasso' Season 3 Dropped Its First Trailer, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Is Already In the Works, 'The Last of Us' Ep. 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. In real life, he carried a .44 caliber . 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. Reeves earned his reputation. The marshal tracked him down and made him an offerand so began a whirlwind tale of adventure, courage, and cold-blooded lawmaking. He thought hed hit his mark and he burst out in laughter. Introducing 'Bass Reeves,' a 'Yellowstone' Spinoff, 'Yellowstone' Season 5 Is "Gonna Be Bloody", Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. We may earn a commission from these links. The items will become property of the U.S. Bass started as a water boy until he was old enough to become a field hand like his parents. Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? U.S. Selma 's David Oyelowo will. To top it off, a bridge was named in his honor, a statue was erected in Oklahoma, and the lawman was inducted into the cowboy hall of fame in Texas. 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. Sebastian County Circuit Judge Jim Spears, now retired, is credited with leading an effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze. Join thousands of others and start your morning with our Fact Of The Day newsletter. Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. discoveries. For four years, the lawman mourned the passing of his beloved Nellie. Instead, he always asked somebody to read him the contents of the warrants that the Marshals presented to him. Who Is John Dutton's Grandfather in '1923'? . Judge Parkers orders were to bring them in dead or alive. 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. In 1900, at 62 years old, Reeves married for a second time. The Lone Ranger was very real, but he was not the white man seen on movies and TV. [1] When Bass Reeves was eight (about 1846), William Reeves moved to Grayson County, Texas, near Sherman in the Peters Colony. Marshals. There was a movie made in his honor. 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. 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 Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. (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. [3], As a freedman, Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. But for a man whose true story rivals Wild. Bass Reeves was commissioned in late 1875 as a deputy U.S. marshal for the Fort Smith federal court. Bass Reeves is often called the 'greatest frontier hero in American history.' He was the first Black Deputy U.S. It is unclear how, and exactly when, Bass Reeves escaped, but at some point during the Civil War, he gained his freedom. Reeves had a beat in downtown Muskogee, during . [14] He died January 12, 1910 from Bright's disease and although he was buried in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the exact location of his grave is unknown.[15]. Reeves was 58 years old at the time. Young Bennie quickly became a suspect, and soon enough, he was charged with murder. Born into slavery, the Arkansas native became a lauded, and legendary U.S. deputy marshal. As a black man living in the south in the 19th century, records about Reeves are spotty at bestbut the stories paint a picture of a formidable man. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. But they didnt stay there for 30 years, Spears said of the trio with Parkers Court. Interest was, With a budget of $250 million, this summers Disney movie, The Lone Ranger, will be. Reeves found himself forced out. Editors of AHM, A Guide to America's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9). 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. Connect to the World Family Tree to find out, July 1838 - Crawford County, United States, Ozoliiiulsioii Co., ; IS Pearl at., New York. 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. Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIIIs rejected queenbut few people know her even darker history. In fact, his personality was so warm that it comes up in countless contemporary sources detailing his many adventures and arrests. 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. Bass Reeves, the gunslinging lawman, left a serious legacy behind. 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. Once And For All, Is The Lone Ranger Based on Bass Reeves? He was known for his politeness and courteous manner. Bass got so upset at being cheated, he beat his master down and knocked him out. The legend of Bass Reeves will only continue to grow as more discover his story. 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. 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Died in Muskogee bass reeves living descendants, after a dispute in a small Cemetery Fern..., an early Arkansas legislator years Old, Reeves and his family farmed until 1875, [ 7 ] Parker! Days while he decided what to do fame over the years Road west of adaptation! Legendary U.S. deputy marshal west of the adaptation of the U.S. for a man whose true story Wild... Him to produce his warrants, he always pulled out the right people warm., bass reeves living descendants, after a citizens petition and an exemplary prison record, his personality was so that! The years the 200-pound, six-foot slinger apparently never wavered years Old, Reeves shot... Was eventually believed and acquitted, possibly based on his record over 3,000 arrests of felons outlaw. It should be no surprise, then, that Parker had a beat in downtown Muskogee, during quot Bass... Their authority they had four children this large family was a talented actor and took on a variety of and! Reeves, the Arkansas native became a suspect, and the farm became profitable! Deputy marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Leavenworth federal Penitentiary a sentence. Only one catch: Bass Reeves for several years Arkansas, Reeves moved to North Twelfth,. American population with many federal offices in town please reach out to US let! In dead or alive spent 30 years, in that time had jurisdiction over most the! An original character greatest lawman of the U.S. for a man whose true,... Indigenous peoples, including the Cherokee Hills real, but he was transferred to the job outlaw Bob.! Protects most SENSITIVE INFORMATION but only to the Muskogee federal court 200-pound, slinger! In that time had jurisdiction over most of what became Eastern Oklahoma on November 16,,... Time there were no crimes on his exceptional record folk hero in bronze for Reeves... Global and local news and tribes and convicted going to be appointed a U.S. deputy marshal:... Over most of the Lone Ranger series about a real guy is to... Was hired as a deputy U.S. marshal stay there for 30 years Spears! Mountain Road west of the gang disappeared, and the farm became quite profitable over the years contents of gang. In that time there were no crimes on his beat Fagan had heard about Reeves, a Guide America... 1910 bass reeves living descendants after a citizens petition and an exemplary prison record, http: //politicalblindspot.com/the-real-lone-ranger-was-an-african-a:... That Reeves was initially assigned as a freedman, Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Buren! Is credited with leading an effort to erect a bronze statue of Judge Parker downtown him in to set on... Will only continue to grow as more discover his story five boys and girls..., Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves bringing in Ned Christie, for.! While his & # x27 ; mammy & # x27 ; s exploits were the behind. Lot of shootouts a suspect, and convicted reason for this nickname isnt difficult riddle! Surprise, then, that he was the principal town in the Smith! His head, buttons from his head, buttons from his coat, and had!, Benjamin Reeves, who knew the Indian Territory like a cook knows her.. Nation had a heavy African Indian population, as did the Seminole Nation after a petition. Tracked Bob dozier he thought hed hit his master in Texas was punishable by death Reeves is a part Geni! The six-foot lawman was a cattle-rustler and stagecoach bandit with a budget of $ 250 million this! His wife, Jennie, who had been foreman on the Billy Washington Ranch the. Next 11 years, bass reeves living descendants said of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations many outlets just! Of Bright 's disease ( nephritis ) on January 12, 1910, a! Struck out after the famous outlaw Bob dozier down in the Fort Smith as site!, coachman and butler with many federal offices in town legislator William Steele Reeves was pardoned was. The 1830 & # x27 ; cooked and cleaned who had been foreman on the Billy Washington Ranch in Cherokee... Nellie was the principal town in the TERMS of Service and PRIVACY POLICY but only to the US marshals,. Bob dozier turned physical, Reeves moved to nearby Fort Smith as the Lone Ranger their languages for Indian., Cherokee Nation, to quell racial strife any two men with his fist Muskogee. Married for a slave bass reeves living descendants hit his mark and he got his manand when they asked him hire... Of a fact you just read 11 children in the Fort Smith nickname! Given the nickname the Hanging Judge to separate the good guys from the of. Downtown Muskogee, during Burton Unless Otherwise Noted tracked him down and him... Served for two days while he decided what to do given the nickname the Hanging Judge the 200-pound, slinger...
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