Reeves was one tough lawman, but apparently, his boss was even tougher. Even with air conditioning, rest stops, gas station snacks, and aux cords, an 800-mile road trip is a serious undertaking. Sebastian County Circuit Judge Jim Spears, now retired, is credited with leading an effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze. Bass Reeves is often called the 'greatest frontier hero in American history.' He was the first Black Deputy U.S. WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. [78] Reeves was born into slavery in Grayson County, Texas in 1838. In 1897, he was transferred again, serving at the Muskogee Federal Court in the Native Territory. . Reeves. 1 of 3 In a statue of Bass Reeves residing in the Lamar County Courthouse, sculptor Eddie Dixon arms the famed lawman with a double-barreled shotgun. The Reeves family moved to North Twelfth Street, Park Place, in 1889. At this point, with a downtown Fort Smith statue of Reeves erected in 2012, along with several True West Magazine stories and a 1992 induction in the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, it would be peculiar if someone asks Whos Bass Reeves?. Reeves is featured in the opening scene of HBO's award-winning series, Watchmen. Bass took the warrant and bought his son in for murder shortly thereafter his son convicted and sent to Leavenworth. His expertise in local languages and culture made him perfectly suited to the job. For a slave to hit his master in Texas was punishable by death. 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. Typically, local posses accompanied Reeves on his expeditions and stakeouts. After tracking the notorious outlaw, Reeves captured him without much of a struggle. 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. (AP) The U.S. [5] He was an uncle of Paul L. Brady, the first African-American appointed a Federal Administrative Law Judge (in 1972). He proved this ability time and time again by holstering Colts on both sides. Selmas David Oyelowo will star as Bass Reeves, alongside the recently announced Dennis Quaid as Deputy U.S. Marshall Sherrill Lynn. Connect to the World Family Tree to find out, July 1838 - Crawford County, United States, Ozoliiiulsioii Co., ; IS Pearl at., New York. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. After serving as a valiant marshals deputy, Reeves worked as a policeman in Muskogee for two years, 1907-1909. The actual number might shock you, however. "Bass Reeves Some have suggested a possible historical inspiration was Bass Reeves, the first Black deputy U.S. At his trial in October 1887, Reeves was found innocent. George also happened to be the towns sheriff. As usual, Reeves confronted Story directly. 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. [1] Bass Reeves may have served Colonel George R. Reeves, the son of William Reeves, the owner of Bass Reeves when he was a slave. Marshals Bill Tilghman (1854-1924), Chris Madsen (1851-1944), and Heck Thomas (1850-1912). A little boy sits transfixed in a movie theater as Reeves brings a crooked white sheriff to justice. Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIIIs rejected queenbut few people know her even darker history. 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. 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. Almost a year out from a planned opening of the new $60 million museum, it's the lawman's family tree the curator wants most. Bass married Nellie Reeves in 1864, at age 26 in Arkansas, United States. Webb had earlier killed a Black farmer who accidently burned some grazing land on the Washington Ranch. 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. During his time as a Deputy U.S. In real life, he carried a .44 caliber . Reeves didnt just take it, though. Unfortunately for Reeves, this brought change to the face of law enforcement. They would later have 11 children in the household. Most people know that. 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. Reeves was also known to love racing his sorrell horse, and would go to extremes to serve writs. Marshal, he arrested 3,000 outlaws and killed 14 men. Federal Judge Paul Brady and his wife Xernona were in Fort Smith on Monday (April 11) to donate a gun, U.S. Eventually, Reeves decided he had to fulfill his obligation personally. Husband of Nellie Reeves and Winnie J. Sumner Reeves The men with a $5,000 bounty on their heads woke up in handcuffs. Historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. The deputy lawman found himself on the wrong side of the law in 1887. As a ranger, Reeves was usually the hunter. The owner allowed Bass to use guns to hunt and learned that he was a crack shot. A little dose of karma eventually came down upon the Colonel. Thanks for your time! Marshal Leo Bennett in Muskogee, Oklahoma, only to find[13] his own son had been charged with the murder of his wife. Bass Reeves was involved in the "Wild, Wild West," part of the westward expansion of the United States. Its entirely possible that the show's Yellowstone interconnectedness drops off by the time it arrivesand we find ourselves with a Bass Reeves series that's entirely separate from Yellowstone. His children were named Newland, Benjamin, George, Lula, Robert, Sally, Edgar, Bass Jr., Harriet, Homer and Alice. Neither man backed down. 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. Marshal badge and bullets that one belonged to U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves. They would travel with a crew, at least one posseman or more, a cook, a guard and one or two wagons with supplies. Thanks for your help! These are just a few of the incredible stories of a man who hunted down men nobody else could capture. Reeves was over six feet tall and sported a thick black handlebar mustache. The memorial was held close to the 110th anniversary of Reeves' death in 1910. Reeves didn't just take it, though. When he retired in 1907, Reeves claimed to have arrested over 3,000 felons. On one occasion, Reeves went deep undercover. Josh Rosenberg is an entertainment writer living in Brooklyn, keeping a steady diet of one movie a day; his past work can be found at CBR, Spin, Insider, and on his personal blog at Roseandblog.com. Here, he learned Indian languages, the lay of the land and complete mastery of pistols and rifles. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas, which also had responsibility for the Indian Territory. Reeves made a name for himself early in his career when he struck out after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier. When Reeves drew his warrant, Story drew his Coltbig mistake. Marshal, directing him to hire 200 Deputy U.S. Selma 's David Oyelowo will. That year he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas, for a short while. Despite running up against hardened crooks, the 200-pound, six-foot slinger apparently never wavered. 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. Over a thirty-year career, he faced some of the most feared men in America. This didnt hold him back in the slightest. [2][5] He killed 14 outlaws to defend his life. Reeves shot Webb with his Winchester at 500 yards after Webb narrowly missed him several times. 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. His son was eventually tracked and captured, tried and convicted. Reeves son, Benjamin Reeves, strayed from the family tree and ran into serious trouble with the law. And he got his man as often as any of the deputies. (Fort Smith National Historic Site. Unlike most of his African-American brothers, REEVES was treated with respect and his legend, even as just a U.S. Ryan Reaves, a professional hockey player from Winnipeg, is Basss great-great-great-grandson. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. Williams son, Colonel George Reeves, was Basss legal owner. Other blacks were also appointed to this position: Dee Rogers, Bob Fortune, Bill Colbert, Neely Factor, Zeke Moore and Grant Johnson. It was probably a pleasant changebut it was not to last. He hunted his son down and clapped him in irons. After the war, Bass Reeves settled down outside Van Buren, Arkansas, and maintained a horse ranch and small farm. Marshals Museum. In 1865 the Civil War ended and slaves were freed by the[5]Thirteenth Amendment. Bass claimed that he fought in the Civil Warfor the South! Marshals Museum in Fort Smith has an impressive collection of guns and documents related to famed Deputy U.S. People in period dress were at the Bass Reeves Memorial on Saturday at Three Rivers Museum. Reeves had plenty of shooting to do without the turkeys. The legend of Bass Reeves will only continue to grow as more discover his story. Marshal? Despite his instantly-recognizable look, rumor has it that the lawman had a few other tricks up his sleeve. Its clear at this point that the deputy tracked down and captured a huge number of outlaws. 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. His expeditions often lasted for several months and involved riding through rough terrain, living wherever he could find lodging, and risking his life taking on the toughest outlaws in the west. As the years passed, the American government seized more and more territory. 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. On November 17, 1907, Indian Territory became the new state of Oklahoma. Reeves was born into captivity in 1838. Bass Reeves worked with lawman such as [10] Heck Thomas, Bud Ledbetter, and Bill Tilghman. Its no wonder he had such a tough reputation among outlaws and lawmen alike. In a happy subplot to an often harrowing tale, the two stayed together for the rest of their lives. It is unclear how, and exactly when, Bass Reeves escaped, but at some point during the Civil War, he gained his freedom. Hold your horses though, because theres no official release date for Bass Reeves just yet. Born into slavery, the Arkansas native became a lauded, and legendary U.S. deputy marshal. When Reeves faced trial, he was lucky enough to know the right people. In 1910, he made his final salute. 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! [1][2] Reeves was named after his grandfather, Basse Washington. He retired at 70 years old and lived out his remaining time in some much-needed peace. Picture this on horseback, with a leather saddle and stiff boots. 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 The only significant remains of the second fort [built in 1839] are the old stone Commissary Building and Judge Parker's Courtroom, which has been restored. In 1893, Bass Reeves was transferred to the Eastern District federal court at Paris, Texas. Bass Reeves was indeed the Invincible Marshal. Reeves methods of enforcement were somewhat unorthodox. Reeves was born in Crawford County, in Northwest Arkansas, around 1838. Im not sure he was too worried about it, though. 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. Police departments and state agencies took over, meaning that marshals and deputies lost their authority. Bass Reeves began to earn a reputation for his courage and success at bringing in or killing many outlaws of the territory. There is a monument dedicated to him. Reeves had a beat in downtown Muskogee, during . Sometime after moving to Texas, Bass became a valet/body servant to William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves. Legend has it that Reeves ended up getting into a serious confrontation with his master over a card game in 1861. 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. [2] He served for two years before he became ill and had to retire. Probably a smart decision. 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. (AP) The U.S. In 1909, the tough lawman finally came across an enemy that he couldnt best: Brights Disease. The residents of the territory said he could whip any two men with his fist. 7: Caught in a Bad Romance, Brandon Sklenar is the Baddest Dutton of Them All, The 'Outer Banks' S3 Finale Is Intense as Hell. Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. Introducing 'Bass Reeves,' a 'Yellowstone' Spinoff, 'Yellowstone' Season 5 Is "Gonna Be Bloody", Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Given the 30-odd years he spent as a ranger, this is quite a remarkable achievement. Then, he knocked on the door and asked for a place to rest. The U.S. Bass Reeves made it impossible for anyone to overlook him as he embarked on a three-decade stint as a deputy lawman under one of the most cutthroat judges in the West. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. 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. . One day, Benjamins wife suddenly passed under extremely suspicious circumstances. Join thousands of others and start your morning with our Fact Of The Day newsletter. Scandalous Facts About Hollywood Celebrities, Lawyers Reveal Their Most Jaw-Dropping Court Cases, Extravagant Facts About Josephine Baker, The Black Pearl of Paris, Couldnt Pay Me To Go Back: Absolutely Wild Stories Of High School Drama, Catherine The Great Was a Mighty EmpressUntil Her Brutal Downfall, These Mortifying Mistakes Make Us Want To Hit Undo. 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. He and his family were owned by William Steele Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee. [9] He served there until 1893. They also had another child together. The man overseeing the case was Judge Isaac Parker, who was technically Reeves boss. Reeves was one of those men. Bass Reeves was born a slave in Crawford County in July 1838. Marshals. They didnt always give him that option. 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. 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. Almost a year out from a planned opening of the new $60 million museum, its the lawmans family tree the curator wants most. In this capacity, his familiarity with the land served him well. 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. However, the ranger never drew his weapon first. Bass Reeves was born a slave in the 1830's American South. Marshal Reeves was disturbed and shaken by the incident but demanded to accept the responsibility of bringing his son to justice. After some malfeasance and misappropriations of federal funds, William Story was fired as the judge of the Western District of Arkansas federal court at Fort Smith. After that, Reeves had little choice but to flee his bondage and ride off into the sunset in search of a life as a free man. At his death, several newspapers, in and out of state, stated he had killed more than 20 men in the line of duty. But they didnt stay there for 30 years, Spears said of the trio with Parkers Court. He is believed to be buried in a small cemetery on Fern Mountain Road west of town. [12] Ryan Reaves's grandfather changed the family name from Reeves to Reaves. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. Instead, he always asked somebody to read him the contents of the warrants that the Marshals presented to him. 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. Later, Bass became a body servant to the son of William Reeves, Colonel George R. [5], Reeves was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook. But, no matter how well the farm did, Bass Reeves was never meant to be a farmer. So harsh, in fact, that he was given the nickname The Hanging Judge. The reason for this nickname isnt difficult to riddle out. Bass Reeves was born into slavery around 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. He still always got his manand when they asked him to produce his warrants, he always pulled out the right one. Of all the outlaws Reeves went after in his long career, only one ever escaped his iron grasp. 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. The Three Rivers Museum in Muskogee also has several artifacts from Reeves career as a lawman. We want our readers to trust us. It was the last thing he ever did. He was apparently well dressed, with spit-polished boots and a striking, wide-brimmed hat on his head. He appointed [8] James Fagan as U.S. The new deputy must have been an unmistakable figure in the Old West. Reeves, it seems, was the most famous of them all. One day, a posse cook caught a bullet from Reeves trusty Colt while the lawman was cleaning it. 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. [3], As a freedman, Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. Their names are listed side by side with other Deputy U.S. There is no indication of race on federal records. Tontos fictionalized story was far from the only racist part of the adaptation of the Lone Rangers life. Bass Reeves, the gunslinging lawman, left a serious legacy behind. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Indian Territory and could speak several Indian languages. Bass Reeves delivered two prisoners to U.S. 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. In January 2007, the U.S. During that era, he made one of his top arrests with the capture of the Seminole Indian fugitive known as Greenleaf in April 1890. A man could make a lot of money at itand Reeves was one of the best in the biz. The Lone Ranger was very real, but he was not the white man seen on movies and TV. He grew up tending to chores and animals while his 'mammy' cooked and cleaned. In fact, the Oklahoma City Weekly Times Journal once reported that Reeves was never known to show the slightest excitement, under any circumstance. Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. This large family was a huge help when it came to chores, and the farm became quite profitable over the years. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Territory and could speak several Native languages. During the Civil War . [2] Once he had to arrest his own son for murder. Greenleaf had been on the run for 18 years and had murdered three white men and four Indians and had never been arrested. The Fort Smith National Historic Site has a room dedicated to the history of black lawmen and local military units. 2008 - 2023 INTERESTING.COM, INC. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. Reeves was arrested and lodged in the Fort Smith federal jail until he could make bond in June of that year. Many claim this infamous lawmans exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. In 1875,[7] Isaac Parker was appointed Federal Judge for the Indian Territory. Reeves was headquartered at Calvin in the Choctaw Nation and carried many of his prisoners to the federal commissioner at Pauls Valley in the Chickasaw Nation. It looked like his luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the horizon. Bass won many turkey shoots for his master, which in Texas was prestigious for George. When the men fell asleep, he burst into their room and threw them each in handcuffs. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and pistol, Reeves, during his long career, developed superior detective skills. Abolitionists in the Indian Territory harbored him until it was safe to move. Until then, theres always plenty of Sheridans Paramount shows, such as Yellowstone, 1923, Tulsa King, and Mayor of Kingstown, to feast your eyes on. When Bass was eight, the Reeves family moved to northern Texas to Peters Colony in Grayson County near Sherman, Texas. 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. Then, Reeves met a woman named Winnie Sumter and fell in love all over again. Apparently, the six-foot lawman was a talented actor and took on a variety of aliases and disguises as he prowled outlaw country. Evidently, she felt duped and betrayed by the heavily armed deputy. Instead, he always tried to take everyone in alive. (He appears to. 'Ted Lasso' Season 3 Dropped Its First Trailer, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Is Already In the Works, 'The Last of Us' Ep. More U.S. marshals died in service while hunting down fugitives in the Western District of Arkansas than any other place. I tried to get my ex-wife served with divorce papers. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. When the altercation turned physical, Reeves released a well-deserved beatdown on the Colonel. By all accounts, he drew quickly and never missed his mark when the time came. Two weeks later he returned to Muskogee with his son and turned him over to Marshal Bennett. 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. Tragically, Reeves accidentally shot his cook on one of his trips into the Indian Territory in 1884. Who knows! While living with the Indians, Bass learned to speak and understand the different Indian languages. Up becoming 1923, starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren incredible stories a. 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