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One day, a posse cook caught a bullet from Reeves trusty Colt while the lawman was cleaning it. All Rights Reserved. The Three Rivers Museum in Muskogee also has several artifacts from Reeves career as a lawman. As the years passed, the American government seized more and more territory. If so, login to add it. Marshal Bass Reeves. Son of NN Reeves and Pearlalee Reeves Clayton, formerly the U.S. Attorney in Judge Parkers court, and William M. Cravens. The items will become property of the U.S. Other than a few scrapes and bruises, Reeves made it through his career entirely unscathed. Bass Reeves was indeed the Invincible Marshal. My goal with the next one would be that you could never have seen 1883 or Yellowstone, and still have a fully realized experience as a viewer. That next show would end up becoming 1923, starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. As early as 1867 there was a posse out of Van Buren, Arkansas, sent to investigate a stagecoach robbery at Atoka, Choctaw Nation, that was led by a deputy U.S. marshal named Negro Smith. Born into slavery, the Arkansas native became a lauded, and legendary U.S. deputy marshal. Bass Reeves was born in Crawford County, Arkansas in 1838. He died of Bright's disease (nephritis) on January 12, 1910. The same newspaper in March of 1885 reported Reeves bringing in 13 prisoners. He is a member of Western Writers of America and the Chicago Westerners Corral, and was made an honorary territorial marshal by Oklahoma Governor David Walters. On one occasion, the ranger was facing off with an outlaw who drew on him. He served his time in Ft. Leavenworth in Kansas before being released and living the rest of his life as a responsible and model citizen. 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. [78] Reeves was born into slavery in Grayson County, Texas in 1838. Because it was Bass's son the other deputies were reluctant to take the warrant. Reeves could not read or write, but he was a skilled detective, a master of disguise, and an expert tracker. 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. Bass severely beat George, and fled to the Indian Territory where he lived among the Cherokee, Creeks and Seminoles. He is believed to be buried in a small cemetery on Fern Mountain Road west of town. An article suggests that Bass Reeves may have been the inspiration for the "Lone Ranger" --. He was hired as a deputy because of his knowledge of the territory and ability to speak many of the tribal languages. Bass went with George into the war, serving as his body servant. Probably a smart decision. He was not the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. 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. In the card game Cartaventura Oklahoma, one plays the fictional escape of Bass Reeves with five possible outcomes. He served in the Indian Territory for 32 years. As noted by the U.S. Park Service in a history of Bass Reeves, Judge Parker believed that black men would make great officers of the law in the Indian Territory, due to shared mistrust that existed between Indians and blacks toward the white man. That entry also notes that racial tensions were particularly high at the time and caused whites to feel anger toward a black man who had the power to arrest them.. The Lone Ranger was an escaped slave named Bass Reeves. [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. Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. Nellie was the mother of all 10 of his children. Reeves never learned to read, so he memorized his arrest warrants. This is one gunslinger who wont soon be forgotten, so dive in and discover the action-packed life of Bass Reeves. Last edited on 22 February 2023, at 18:56, Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, "Bass Reeves, the Most Feared U.S. Deputy Marshal", "Judge Paul L. Brady Retires from Job Safety Commission", "Reaves putting Kane feud aside, joining him for 'much bigger cause', "Rangers winger Ryan Reaves discovers the history behind the family name", "Was the Original 'Lone Ranger' a Black Man? Western Books: An Officer of Honor and Grit, Ask the Marshall Bat Masterson: Armed and Dangerous, Lincoln: Prepare Ye the Way for the Horde. The Lone Ranger was very real, but he was not the white man seen on movies and TV. Reeves returned fire, striking Dozier in the neck, ending him instantly. He died in 1910. 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. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. Bass Reeves, a former slave, fiercely defended the Old West during his 32-year tenure as deputy U.S. marshal. The same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. On one occasion, Reeves went deep undercover. Judge Parker ruled on the situation and acquitted Reeves of all charges. Many lawmen had tried to apprehend the outlaw, but none were successful until it came to Reeves. When Dozier heard that Reeves was after him, he sent out word that Reeves was placing his own life in his hands. Bass married Nellie Reeves in 1864, at age 26 in Arkansas, United States. Please add Bass to the American Heroes category. "Some say because Bass beat up George after a dispute in a card game. He was known for his politeness and courteous manner. Bynum Colbert, a Choctaw Freedmen, was a veteran of an Arkansas United States Colored Regiment of the Civil War and served seven years with the 10th U.S. Cavalry Regiment post-Civil War. 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. At times, he dressed himself as a local farmer. (He appears to. However, the ranger never drew his weapon first. [9] He served there until 1893. 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. The man overseeing the case was Judge Isaac Parker, who was technically Reeves boss. Reeves was in a dangerous profession and, unsurprisingly, had a lot of close calls. Marshals who worked for the Federal Court at Fort Smith, Arkansas. Gibson, assault with intent to kill; Arthur Copiah, Abe Lincoln, Miss Adeline Grayson and Sally Copiah, alias Long Sally, introducing whiskey in Indian country; J.F. [5] Reeves had to arrest his own son for murder;[2] Benjamin "Bennie" Reeves was charged with the murder of his own wife. Husband of Nellie Reeves and Winnie J. Sumner Reeves (AP) The U.S. In 1855, George was elected to the Texas House of Representatives from Grayson County. He was a real-life gunslinger and lawman who lived from 1838 to 1910, and he was said to have recorded over 3,000 arrests during his lifetime. But theres one last twist in this story: Bennie received a pardon in 1914. Bass Reeves began to earn a reputation for his courage and success at bringing in or killing many outlaws of the territory. In 1875,[7] Isaac Parker was appointed Federal Judge for the Indian Territory. Almost a year out from a planned opening of the new $60 million museum, its the lawmans family tree the curator wants most. As one of the most respected lawmen working in Indian Territory, he achieved legendary status for the number of criminals he captured. He was apparently well dressed, with spit-polished boots and a striking, wide-brimmed hat on his head. When they neared Doziers hideout, things turned ugly. Selma 's David Oyelowo will. Even with air conditioning, rest stops, gas station snacks, and aux cords, an 800-mile road trip is a serious undertaking. Many U.S. Leave a message for others who see this profile. However, Bass Reeves certainly liked to tell a tall tale, and his descendants have since said that these claims were false. CONTENT MAY BE COPYRIGHTED BY WIKITREE COMMUNITY MEMBERS. A little boy sits transfixed in a movie theater as Reeves brings a crooked white sheriff to justice. Join thousands of others and start your morning with our Fact Of The Day newsletter. Well, the show was last announced as 1883: The Bass Reeves Story back in May 2022. His estate came to less than $500. Editors of AHM, A Guide to America's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9). Bass set out for the Indian Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians. He was also a black dude. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Territory and could speak several Native languages. 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. When the men fell asleep, he burst into their room and threw them each in handcuffs. Sometime after moving to Texas, Bass became a valet/body servant to William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves. Marshal, lives on. 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. The Fort Smith National Historic Site has a room dedicated to the history of black lawmen and local military units. 1.2K views, 17 likes, 3 loves, 29 comments, 16 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from U.S. Reeves lived in the protection of his new communities and learned their languages for the next several years. 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. He was never KNOWN to make a mistake. prisoners. The lawman was such a good shot that nobody wanted to face him in competition. He was brought up on first-degree murder charges in January 1886 and relieved of duty. IMPORTANT PRIVACY NOTICE & DISCLAIMER: YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO USE CAUTION WHEN DISTRIBUTING PRIVATE INFORMATION. Later, Bass became a body servant to the son of William Reeves, Colonel George R. Im not sure he was too worried about it, though. 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. Native Territory comprised most of what became Eastern Oklahoma on November 16, 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. Despite being disturbed and deeply shaken by the incident, Reeves nonetheless insisted on the responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice. Reeves shot Webb with his Winchester at 500 yards after Webb narrowly missed him several times. Reeves couldnt stay on as a ranger forever. 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. They sheltered him from lawmen who sought to return him to slavery. Claude Legris, executive director of the Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission and a member of the U.S. As usual, Reeves struck out with a posse. Meet 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, which will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. Enter a grandparent's name. [2] He served for two years before he became ill and had to retire. Bass started as a water boy until he was old enough to become a field hand like his parents. In a happy subplot to an often harrowing tale, the two stayed together for the rest of their lives. He once said he knew the Indian Territory like a cook knows her kitchen. Reeves remained with this federal district until 1897, when he was transferred to the new Northern District of Indian Territory at Muskogee. In 1890, he received an arrest warrant for an infamous Cherokee outlaw named Ned Christie. The talented marksman and guide quickly started making a name for himself. The Lone Ranger has appeared in thousands of radio episodes, hundreds of television episodes, hundreds of comic books, six films, and dozens of novels. Reeves was eventually believed and acquitted, possibly based on his exceptional record. . Several bad men have gone to their long home for refusing to halt when commanded to by Bass.. [3], When the American Civil War began, George Reeves joined the Confederate Army, forcing Bass to go with him. Anything that could get him closer to his quarry. Since birth, he had witnessed the deepest and darkest parts of humanity. They would later have 11 children in the household. It looked like his luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the horizon. As it turns out, the time to draw seemed to come up a lot. President Ulysses S. Grant appointed a U.S. congressman from Missouri named Isaac C. Parker to take over the Fort Smith federal court in March 1875. 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. 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. 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. He still always got his manand when they asked him to produce his warrants, he always pulled out the right one. Bass also served as bodyguard, coachman and butler. It must have made a lasting impression. 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. [5], He was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook. The tough man was definitely no stranger to loss in his life, but this was different. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. Reeves was one of those men. Story was the leader of a feared gang of horse thieves who operated under the highly original name of The Tom Story Gang. The St. Louis Globe Democrat in February 1884 reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners to Fort Smith. Evidently, she felt duped and betrayed by the heavily armed deputy. He retired at 70 years old and lived out his remaining time in some much-needed peace. FORT SMITH, Ark. [1] He was one of the first African Americans to receive a commission as a Deputy U.S. Over the course of his career, which began when he was in his fifties, mind you, Reeves brought in a tremendous 3,000 felons. Sadly, Reeves beloved wife, Nellie Jennie, passed in Fort Smith in 1896. Once And For All, Is The Lone Ranger Based on Bass Reeves? Given the 30-odd years he spent as a ranger, this is quite a remarkable achievement. Reeves was finally able to move around the country freely. Reeves had plenty of shooting to do without the turkeys. Deputies would work out of Fort Smith and venture into the Indian Territory with warrants and open warrants. He served for two years, in that time there were no crimes on his beat. Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIIIs rejected queenbut few people know her even darker history. When the altercation turned physical, Reeves released a well-deserved beatdown on the Colonel. Bass Reeves was one of the greatest peace officers in the history of the American western frontier. discoveries. He also learned tracking and other skills from the different Indian tribes. Marshals who rode for Parker have received fame over the years: Paden Tolbert bringing in Ned Christie, for example. Yes and yes. 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. I dont think of any of these as spinoffs, but rather as complete stories that have common roots, Sheridan told Deadline about 1883. [5][6][7][8], Reeves and his family farmed until 1875 when Isaac Parker was appointed federal judge for the Indian Territory. During a game of cards with his owner, Reeves won, which caused his owner to beat him. One account recalls how Bass Reeves and George Reeves had an altercation over a card game. The U.S. Federal Judge Paul Brady and his wife Xernona were in Fort Smith on Monday (April 11) to donate a gun, U.S. 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. Ironically, Reeves was brought up on first-degree murder charges, not manslaughter or criminal negligence, after a new U.S. marshal was hired, the first former Confederate officer Reeves would work for. For a slave to hit his master in Texas was punishable by death. 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. (Reference unknown). But for a man whose true story rivals Wild. The Reeves family moved to North Twelfth Street, Park Place, in 1889. [5] He was an uncle of Paul L. Brady, the first African-American appointed a Federal Administrative Law Judge (in 1972). 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. At Factinate, were dedicated to getting things right. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. [10], Reeves' health began to fail further after retiring. [11], His great-great-grandson is former National Football League and Canadian Football League player Willard Reaves, while his great-great-great-grandsons are National Hockey League player Ryan Reaves and CFL player Jordan Reaves. 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. Bass Reeves is a part of US Black history. Reeves was 58 years old at the time. At the age of 67, Bass Reeves retired from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907. Though he had a hard reputation, Reeves was, by all accounts, a mild-mannered and polite man. Who knows! Their names are listed side by side with other Deputy U.S. Marshals Bill Tilghman (1854-1924), Chris Madsen (1851-1944), and Heck Thomas (1850-1912). And he got his man as often as any of the deputies. Apart from that, 1883 was largely its own show. It was pretty tame compared to his old beat, but at 68, that was probably for the best. [5] He married Nellie Jennie from Texas, with whom he had ten children, five boys and five girls. Word of the relationship somehow got out. Copyright 2023 by Factinate.com. Marshal Bass Reeves, possibly the greatest lawman of the Old West. All Photos Courtesy Art T. Burton Unless Otherwise Noted . Reeves was born into slavery in Crawford County, Arkansas, in 1838. 7: Caught in a Bad Romance, Brandon Sklenar is the Baddest Dutton of Them All, The 'Outer Banks' S3 Finale Is Intense as Hell. At the outbreak of the Civil War, George was made an officer in the 11th Texas Cavalry Regiment, second in command to Col. William G. Young. [2][5] Reeves was initially assigned as a Deputy U.S. [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. Reeves found himself forced out. [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 made a name for himself early in his career when he struck out after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier. 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. In the Old West, its hard to separate the good guys from the bad. He hunted his son down and clapped him in irons. 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. Reeves was furiousand he had to take his anger out on something. The series will star David Oyelowo as Bass Reeves, a real-life former slave who became the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi in the 1870s. . Tragically, Reeves accidentally shot his cook on one of his trips into the Indian Territory in 1884. [5], Reeves was married twice and had eleven children. During a game of cards with his owner, Reeves won, which caused his owner to beat him. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and revolver, Reeves developed superior detective skills during his long career. Its probably fair to say that Bass himself wasnt too broken up when he heard the news. The details of his sons doings were unpleasant. Reeves's former position as a U.S. He took a job as a patrolman with the Muskogee Oklahoma Police Department. Reeves was acquitted.[7]. Hold your horses though, because theres no official release date for Bass Reeves just yet. 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. Fortunately, he managed to find love again several years later. 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. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith has an impressive collection of guns and documents related to famed Deputy U.S. It was the last thing he ever did. Marshals. Reeves was over six feet tall and sported a thick black handlebar mustache. When Bass was eight, the Reeves family moved to northern Texas to Peters Colony in Grayson County near Sherman, Texas. Bass was also very quick and accurate with a pistol. He was an excellent shooter, but he took this talent to the next level: The lawman was completely ambidextrous. Brother of UFN Washington and Jane Reeves, Bass Reeves was born into slavery in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. marshals. "Bass Reeves Some have suggested a possible historical inspiration was Bass Reeves, the first Black deputy U.S. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee, Oklahoma police department. Marshal credited with being the inspiration for The Lone Ranger. The marshal tracked him down and made him an offerand so began a whirlwind tale of adventure, courage, and cold-blooded lawmaking. The Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves coming to town in August 1882 with 16 prisoners. Here, he learned Indian languages, the lay of the land and complete mastery of pistols and rifles. Apparently, Christie didnt make things easy, and he escaped. 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. After escaping his masters, Reeves traveled to Oklahoma, or Indian Territory, as it was known then. Reeves was born in Crawford County, in Northwest Arkansas, around 1838. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. There was a movie made in his honor. Born a slave in Arkansas, Reeves grew up in Grayson county, Texas, following the relocation of his owner, William S. Reeves. Fortunately, it was a lucrative business. This troubled his mother greatly as she thought he wanted to be an outlaw. All were two years in age apart. Bass Reeves was the first black man to be appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi. Marshals Museums board of directors, said Burton told Reeves story at a Fort Smith National Historic Site Descendants Day event in the early 2000s and helped Reeves receive the notoriety for his bravery and incredible career as a lawman. 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. Deputy United States Marshal Bass Reeves reunites with his former partner turned fugitive Sam Tanner. As usual, Reeves confronted Story directly. Reeves is featured in the opening scene of HBO's award-winning series, Watchmen. After a citizens petition and an exemplary prison record, his son was pardoned and was never in trouble with the law again. It was probably a pleasant changebut it was not to last. Marshal Leo Bennett in Muskogee, Oklahoma, only to find[13] his own son had been charged with the murder of his wife. 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. Specifically fort smith where judge parkers court house is located. Reeves methods of enforcement were somewhat unorthodox. He often used aliases and disguises, a cowboy, farmer, gunslinger -- even a outlaw. 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By Seminole and Creek Indians heard that Reeves was born in Crawford County, in 1889 a reputation for courage! Their names are listed side by side with other deputy U.S will become property of the land complete...