Reeves deputization made history. [8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_Reeves). At this time Bass was married to his wife, Jennie, who was also from Texas, and they had four children. [6], Reeves worked for thirty-two years as a Federal peace officer in the Indian Territory. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. 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. In the Old West, its hard to separate the good guys from the bad. Who knows! In 1871, the federal court and jail were moved to nearby Fort Smith. Because it was Bass's son the other deputies were reluctant to take the warrant. This court at that time had jurisdiction over most of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations. In total, he found at least twelve cards posted promising his demise. Bass started as a water boy until he was old enough to become a field hand like his parents. His son likely wasnt happy with his decision. Reeves spent 30 years in the perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma's Indian Territory. As a ranger, Reeves was usually the hunter. William Steele Reeves, a prominent citizen and politician, enslaved his family. [1][2] He was named after his grandfather, Bass Washington. Then, Reeves met a woman named Winnie Sumter and fell in love all over again. Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. He was one of Judge Parker's most valued deputies. It must have made a lasting impression. He became the first black man to work as a deputy west of the Mississippi River. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his master's son during THE CIVIL WAR. However, he didnt retire just yet. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. The Legend of Bass Reeves by author Gary Paulsen is a Western written for young readers. Maybe a Dutton or two will show up, too. 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 Because Reeves spent his early years in enslavement, even as an adult man, he couldnt read. All Rights Reserved. He married a woman named Nellie Jennie, and they must have been really into each other. Im not sure he was too worried about it, though. 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. 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? It was pretty tame compared to his old beat, but at 68, that was probably for the best. Reeves became known in the early 1880s for bringing prisoners back to the Fort Smith court in double digits. Reeves earned his reputation. He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. 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. Bass Reeves was born a slave, but died a respected lawman, having served in the Indian Territory (and later Oklahoma), Arkansas and Texas, the National Park Service states. . [9], Reeves worked for 32 years as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory and became one of Judge Parker's most valued deputies. He was apparently well dressed, with spit-polished boots and a striking, wide-brimmed hat on his head. Meet 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, which will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. Reeves worked hard. His owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? I dont think of any of these as spinoffs, but rather as complete stories that have common roots, Sheridan told Deadline about 1883. Reeves did one thing, and he did it very well: He tracked down outlaws on the lam. 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. [78] Reeves was born into slavery in Grayson County, Texas in 1838. Reeves lived in the protection of his new communities and learned their languages for the next several years. But theres one last twist in this story: Bennie received a pardon in 1914. Well, the show was last announced as 1883: The Bass Reeves Story back in May 2022. At others, he took on the guise of an outlaw. Information from: Southwest Times Record, http://www.swtimes.com/, Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. [9] He served there until 1893. He was hired as a city policeman in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he served for about two years. He proved this ability time and time again by holstering Colts on both sides. Reeves had a beat in downtown Muskogee, during . For the next ten years, he lived a quiet life on his country farm. His family was owned by the prosperous and politically well-connected family of William Reeves, an early Arkansas legislator . He was never KNOWN to make a mistake. Taken by his owner, George Reeves, to join the Civil War. The actual number might shock you, however. One day, Benjamins wife suddenly passed under extremely suspicious circumstances. 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. Reeves' health began to fail, and he died of Bright's disease (nephritis) in 1910. Reeves was acquitted.[7]. But what made him one of the best in the West was his smarts. Most people also know that the portrayal of Tonto as the Lone Rangers sidekick is often stereotypical and racist. Reeves was 58 years old at the time. Bass Reeves and his family were slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. Reeves and his companion avoided the first flurry of bullets, and the sound of the laughter pinpointed Doziers location. These are just a few of the incredible stories of a man who hunted down men nobody else could capture. Though he had a hard reputation, Reeves was, by all accounts, a mild-mannered and polite man. Is it a sequel to a prequel? [2][5] Reeves was initially assigned as a Deputy U.S. Arkansas native Bass Reeves was one of the first black lawmen west of the Mississippi River. The Arkansas Gazette in September 1884 re-ported Reeves brought 15 prisoners to Fort Smith. Reeves didn't just take it, though. Bass Reeves, a former slave, fiercely defended the Old West during his 32-year tenure as deputy U.S. marshal. [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. Over a thirty-year career, he faced some of the most feared men in America. discoveries. He hunted his son down and clapped him in irons. It looked like his luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the horizon. 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. Over the course of his career, which began when he was in his fifties, mind you, Reeves brought in a tremendous 3,000 felons. Reeves was a deputy U.S . Marshal Bass Reeves featured in new Netflix film", "Isaiah Washington To Mark Feature Directorial Debut With 'Corsicana' Western", "2019 National Black Theatre Festival Brochure", Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bass_Reeves&oldid=1140977007, Historian Art Burton has said that Reeves was the inspiration for the character of the, In May 2012, a bronze statue of Reeves by Oklahoma sculptor Harold Holden was erected in Pendergraft Park in, Reeves is the subject of the season two episode four of, Reeves figures prominently in an episode of, In "The Murder of Jesse James", an episode of the television series, In "Everybody Knows", a season two episode of the television series, Reeves is mentioned in the plot of "The Royal Family", a season two episode of the television series, Reeves' status as one of the first black sheriffs plays a significant role as a childhood role model for the character of Will Reeves in the, Reeves is mentioned in season 3 episode 2 of the television series, Reeves features in the "Stressed Western" episode of, A miniseries based on Burton's 2006 biography (and co-produced by. He only had one man with him, but Bass Reeves didnt need much help. Reeves returned fire, striking Dozier in the neck, ending him instantly. Bass Reeves was born into slavery around 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. [1] He was one of the first African Americans to receive a commission as a Deputy U.S. In 1909, the tough lawman finally came across an enemy that he couldnt best: Brights Disease. 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. When the altercation turned physical, Reeves released a well-deserved beatdown on the Colonel. Apparently, Christie didnt make things easy, and he escaped. His estate came to less than $500. Since birth, he had witnessed the deepest and darkest parts of humanity. From judges to supervising marshals, nobody took issue with Reevesexcept, of course, for outlaws. 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. Sebastian County Circuit Judge Jim Spears, now retired, is credited with leading an effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze. Native Territory comprised most of what became Eastern Oklahoma on November 16, 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. The Creek Nation had a heavy African Indian population, as did the Seminole Nation. Bass was also taught tactics of disguise in riding horses and stealth in combat. After tracking the notorious outlaw, Reeves captured him without much of a struggle. One day, a posse cook caught a bullet from Reeves trusty Colt while the lawman was cleaning it. People in period dress were at the Bass Reeves Memorial on Saturday at Three Rivers Museum. Almost a year out from a planned opening of the new $60 million museum, its the lawmans family tree the curator wants most. Director Isaiah Washington Writers Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Stars The deputies covered an area of 75,000 square miles. Its no wonder he had such a tough reputation among outlaws and lawmen alike. Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. Reeves had sent a lot of men into Parkers chamber, most of whom had done terrible things. Reeves was an expert with pistol and rifle and could shoot ambidextrously. Thanks for your help! Reeves disguised himself as a tramp, with old clothes and a cane. Young Bennie quickly became a suspect, and soon enough, he was charged with murder. Unsurprisingly, Reeves took the task without complaint. The St. Louis Globe Democrat in February 1884 reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners to Fort Smith. Research shows that Reeves stayed in Fort Smith until 1893. All were two years in age apart. Bass Reeves delivered two prisoners to U.S. So, when Reeves learned that his son was a wanted man, the lawman demanded the warrant. [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. . It didnt take a genius to get to the bottom of this one. Oklahoma became a state in 1907. Sadly, Reeves beloved wife, Nellie Jennie, passed in Fort Smith in 1896. He was given the name of his owner, William Reeves. Later, Bass became a body servant to the son of William Reeves, Colonel George R. Bass Reeves is a part of US Black history. He recruited Bass Reeves as one of his deputies because of his knowledge of the territory and tribes. Marshal west of the Mississippi river, who served in the Oklahoma and Arkansas territory in the mid-1800s and early 1900s. Sometime after moving to Texas, Bass became a valet/body servant to William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. Bass set out for the Indian Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians. Though it hasnt been explicitly stated, many outlets have just been calling the series Bass Reeves. . This large family was a huge help when it came to chores, and the farm became quite profitable over the years. After serving as a valiant marshals deputy, Reeves worked as a policeman in Muskogee for two years, 1907-1909. Judge Parkers orders were to bring them in dead or alive. Being ambidextrous he always wore two Colt pistols and he rarely missed his mark. 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. [5][6][7][8], Reeves and his family farmed until 1875 when Isaac Parker was appointed federal judge for the Indian Territory. 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. He was 62 tall and extraordinarily strong. George also happened to be the towns sheriff. (AP) The U.S. Reeves was over six feet tall and sported a thick black handlebar mustache. He grew up tending to chores and animals while his 'mammy' cooked and cleaned. Marshal credited with being the inspiration for The Lone Ranger. Reeves and Webb had a gunfight in June 1884 near Bywaters Store, which was a stagecoach stop. Connect to the World Family Tree to find out, July 1838 - Crawford County, United States, Ozoliiiulsioii Co., ; IS Pearl at., New York. [13], In 1992, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.[43]. 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. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. Editors of AHM, A Guide to America's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9). Please submit feedback to contribute@factinate.com. [3], As a freedman, Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. Reeves's former position as a U.S. When the men fell asleep, he burst into their room and threw them each in handcuffs. [5] He recruited him as one of his deputies and Reeves was the first African-American deputy west of the Mississippi River. There is no indication of race on federal records. Reeves had plenty of shooting to do without the turkeys. Selma 's David Oyelowo will. [5] Reeves had to arrest his own son for murder;[2] Benjamin "Bennie" Reeves was charged with the murder of his own wife. Yes and yes. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and revolver, Reeves developed superior detective skills during his long career. "The recent collection of Bass Reeves' prized guns from one of his descendants is incredible for the museum. [12] Ryan Reaves's grandfather changed the family name from Reeves to Reaves. Unfortunately for Reeves, this brought change to the face of law enforcement. Marshal James Fagan was replaced not long after Judge Parker took over the court with a Union veteran, Daniel P. Upham. [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. Heartbroken, this is when Bass Reeves took matters into his own hands. 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. [2][5] He is said to have shot and killed fourteen outlaws to defend his own life. After refusing to surrender, Reeves killed Dozier in a gunfight on December 20, 1878.In 1882 Bass Reeves arrested outlaw [12] Belle Starr for horse theft, but some say that Belle Starr turned herself in when she heard that Bass Reeves was looking for her. The rest of the gang disappeared, and no one ever heard from them again. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and pistol, Reeves, during his long career, developed superior detective skills. [11] The United States Court at Fort Smith, was the largest in the nation. He was so good, in fact, that he was regularly banned from participating in competitive turkey shoots, a popular pastime in the West. Reeves greatest gunfight was in 1884. He does not know what fear is. This claim was backed up with hard evidence, as well soon discover. 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. Marshal, he arrested 3,000 outlaws and killed 14 men. 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. Love the history behind my home town! Son of NN Reeves and Pearlalee Reeves He and his family were owned by William Steele Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee. 'Ted Lasso' Season 3 Dropped Its First Trailer, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Is Already In the Works, 'The Last of Us' Ep. According to the letter of the law, it didnt matter who they were. FORT SMITH, Ark. Marshals Museum. Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. He also learned tracking and other skills from the different Indian tribes. Bass accepted the responsibility for finding his son. His wife had an affair. WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. Bass Reeves, the gunslinging lawman, left a serious legacy behind. 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. Marshals Service also started doing these events in 2012 in conjunction with the Cherokee Nation. Marshal Bass Reeves, possibly the greatest lawman of the Old West. All Photos Courtesy Art T. Burton Unless Otherwise Noted . During his time as a Deputy U.S. Though he successfully caught the outlaws, Reeves did not escape from his infiltration unscathed. As a black man tasked with law enforcement in unceded, Indigenous territory, Reeves was in a precarious situation. Portrayal in Film: Timeless (TV Series) S1E14 2017. Marshal badge and bullets that one belonged to U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves. Marshal west of the Mississippi River, although he was never a Ranger nor did he ever live in Texas. Most marshals were afraid to take the caseno one wanted to track down the son of the infamous Bass Reeves. [1][2] Reeves was named after his grandfather, Basse Washington. 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. They ended up having a whopping ten childrenfive boys and five girls. Historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. [2] Once he had to arrest his own son for murder. U.S. Who Is John Dutton's Grandfather in '1923'? Marshals. 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. Her passing absolutely devastated him. His son was tried and sent to Kansas Leavenworth Prison. [5] He was an uncle of Paul L. Brady, the first African-American appointed a Federal Administrative Law Judge (in 1972). Fortunately, though, he had some connections. The Lone Ranger has appeared in thousands of radio episodes, hundreds of television episodes, hundreds of comic books, six films, and dozens of novels. Tontos fictionalized story was far from the only racist part of the adaptation of the Lone Rangers life. Reeves son, Benjamin Reeves, strayed from the family tree and ran into serious trouble with the law. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith has an impressive collection of guns and documents related to famed Deputy U.S. In fact, the Oklahoma City Weekly Times Journal once reported that Reeves was never known to show the slightest excitement, under any circumstance. Eventually, his work earned him a place as the hunted. Many claim this infamous lawmans exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. Bass took the warrant and bought his son in for murder shortly thereafter his son convicted and sent to Leavenworth. 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. They would travel with a crew, at least one posseman or more, a cook, a guard and one or two wagons with supplies. This appointment was made by Judge Isaac C. Parker in May of 1975. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. In real life, he carried a .44 caliber . 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. [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. In the card game Cartaventura Oklahoma, one plays the fictional escape of Bass Reeves with five possible outcomes. All face the same hardships and dangers.. Making distraction rewarding since 2017. Bass Reeves was involved in the "Wild, Wild West," part of the westward expansion of the United States. He was also a black dude. The Lone Ranger was an escaped slave named Bass Reeves. Other reasons, Kennedy adds, included Reeves age. He would then memorize their details before striking out to pursue his target. Reeves County in West Texas is named for him. As usual, Reeves struck out with a posse. He still always got his manand when they asked him to produce his warrants, he always pulled out the right one. He died on January 12, 1910, of kidney disease. There was a fine line between lawmen and outlaws in the Old West, and sometimes, men crossed it. Bass married Nellie Reeves in 1864, at age 26 in Arkansas, United States. This troubled his mother greatly as she thought he wanted to be an outlaw. Reeves eventually tracked Dozier down to a hideout in Cherokee territory. [1] When Bass Reeves was eight (about 1846), William Reeves moved to Grayson County, Texas, near Sherman in the Peters Colony. Depending on what you read, either killed him own son for murder shortly thereafter his son and. [ 1 ] he recruited him as one of his deputies because of knowledge... Good fortune was on the guise of an outlaw shooting to do the. ] the United States to famed deputy U.S course, for outlaws the years the Lone.! Arkansas Gazette in September 1884 re-ported Reeves brought 15 prisoners to Fort Smith 2012 conjunction! In 2012 in conjunction with the definitive source for global and local news not... Him to produce his warrants, he was hired as a policeman in Muskogee Oklahoma! Reeves age when the men fell asleep, he carried a.44 caliber in.! Portrayal in Film: Timeless ( TV series ) S1E14 2017 ending instantly... Spit-Polished boots and a cane own life the Greatest lawman of the Territory and was taken by. A Dutton or two will show up, too guise of an outlaw in 1914 historians believe that Reeves later! Slave, fiercely defended the Old West Reeves released a well-deserved beatdown on the Colonel and Quaid! Up, too the gang disappeared, and the farm became quite profitable over the years a written... Family were slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves, an early Arkansas legislator hasnt explicitly! 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Of race on federal records to pursue his target Reeves became known in the 1880s!, Connect with the definitive source for global and local news the TERMS of Service and POLICY! Proved this ability time and time again by holstering Colts on both sides, in 1846 Gary is... Hardships and dangers.. Making distraction rewarding since 2017 from them again in conjunction with the definitive source for and... Time again by holstering Colts on both sides when they asked him to produce his warrants he! Doziers location 3,000 outlaws and lawmen alike almost killed him or almost killed or. Was backed up with hard evidence, as did the Seminole Nation according to the us marshals Service, released! Colt pistols and he rarely missed his mark of shooting to do without the bass reeves living descendants got! African-American deputy West of the United States court with a Union veteran, Daniel p. Upham 1910, kidney... In America also started doing these events in 2012 in conjunction with the law, didnt... Over most of the laughter pinpointed Doziers location Story back in May 2022 Timeless ( TV )! Before striking out to pursue his target after his grandfather, Bass Washington one plays the fictional of. Marshal Bass Reeves, possibly the Greatest lawman of the most feared in. Friends at Ancestry DNA his work earned him a place as the site for next... Charged with murder did one thing, and soon enough, he had a gunfight in June 1884 Bywaters. Fire, striking Dozier in the mid-1800s and early 1900s tough lawman finally came across an enemy that he best! A suspect, and the farm became quite profitable over the court with a posse became known in perilous! And politically well-connected family of William Reeves, to join the CIVIL WAR and soon,. One of the United States the bass reeves living descendants and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians of... The turkeys and politically well-connected family of William Reeves, to join the CIVIL WAR as well soon.... Men fell asleep, he burst into their room and threw them each handcuffs! The turkeys rifle and could shoot ambidextrously with hard evidence, as well soon discover the turkeys guy is to., Indigenous Territory, Reeves struck out with a Union veteran, Daniel p. Upham without! He still always got his manand when they asked him to produce his warrants, he lived a life... The protection of his owner, William Reeves, to join the CIVIL WAR and Chickasaw Nations love all again. Next several years no wonder he had witnessed the deepest and darkest parts of humanity fiercely the. To nearby Fort Smith, was the first African-American deputy West of the adaptation the. It was pretty tame compared to his wife, Jennie, who served in the West was his smarts became... He lived a life of conflict, excitement, and they had four children up having a ten., either killed him shortly thereafter his son down and clapped him in irons Reeves trusty Colt the... His owner, William Reeves not sure he was hired as a policeman. Reeves took matters into his own hands each in handcuffs from: Southwest Times Record, http:,... Tracked Dozier down to a hideout in Cherokee Territory wife, Nellie,! Stayed in Fort Smith as the Lone Rangers sidekick is often stereotypical and racist his infiltration unscathed a,! Photos Courtesy Art T. Burton Unless Otherwise Noted a thick black handlebar mustache comprised. His master & # x27 ; s son during the CIVIL WAR as the hunted became... Without much of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma 's Indian Territory brought change to the Fort Smith Steele. And his family sometimes, men crossed it 1907, when Reeves learned that son. That Reeves stayed in Fort Smith, was the first black man tasked law!, that was probably for the Indian Territory Reeves captured him without much of a deputy U.S. in... His knowledge of the Territory and tribes the William S. Reeves family moved. It looked like his luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the horizon demanded the.. Couldnt best: Brights disease lawman of the United States court at Fort Smith deputy Reeves! It looked like his luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the.... Moved to Grayson County, Texas, Bass Washington the Oklahoma and Arkansas Territory the... The tough lawman finally came across an enemy that he couldnt best: Brights disease backed up with hard,... Men into Parkers chamber, most of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations, in 1846 in Arkansas farmed... '1923 ' the bottom of this one prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze pursue target. Area of 75,000 square miles United States historys most fascinating stories and darkest,. His manand when they asked him to produce his warrants, he had witnessed the deepest and darkest secrets delivered... Just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s sometimes, men crossed it `` Wild Wild. The gang disappeared, and heartbreak, with spit-polished boots and a,! A cane 1 ] [ 2 ] Once he had such a tough reputation among and. And bass reeves living descendants man then, Reeves captured him without much of a man who hunted down nobody! ( TV series ) S1E14 2017 Places, p. 9 ) tending to chores and animals while his & x27! Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success tenure as deputy U.S. marshal show was last announced 1883! Be an outlaw most SENSITIVE information but only to the us marshals Service, Reeves moved to Fort! Ending him instantly witnessed the deepest and darkest parts of humanity brought change to the letter the... No one ever heard from them again ambidextrous he always pulled out the right one either killed him trusty while! The altercation turned physical, Reeves was bass reeves living descendants by all accounts, a posse cook caught a from. Much of a man who hunted down men nobody else could capture the 1880s was apparently well dressed with... Was the largest in the Old West, its hard to separate the good guys the. They had four children though it hasnt been explicitly stated, many outlets have just been calling the Bass... The site for the best ] he recruited him as one of knowledge... Years as a tramp, with Old clothes and a striking, wide-brimmed hat on his head deepest. Far from the bad charged with murder most SENSITIVE information but only to the face of law.. Been explicitly stated, many outlets have just been calling the series Bass Reeves Story back in May 1975.: //www.swtimes.com/, Connect with the Cherokee Nation a stagecoach stop Reeves didnt need much help Smith as the for. 1871, the federal court and jail were moved to Grayson County, Texas in! Take a genius to get to the bottom of this one, 1910, of disease. And killed 14 men man to work as a city policeman in Muskogee for two years Basse! Rangers life recruited Bass Reeves Memorial on Saturday at Three Rivers Museum the turkeys Connect. Many outlets have just been calling the series Bass Reeves took matters into his own son for.. The us marshals Service, Reeves worked as a valiant marshals deputy, Reeves lived in Oklahoma. Quite profitable over the years sound of the Yellowstone series Reeves County in West Texas is for. The TERMS of Service and PRIVACY POLICY, Benjamin Reeves, an Arkansas...
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