When he retired in 1907, Reeves claimed to have arrested over 3,000 felons. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. 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. 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. Marshal Leo Bennett in Muskogee, Oklahoma, only to find[13] his own son had been charged with the murder of his wife. Over his long career as a lawman, the mustachioed slinger racked up a body count of 14 men. He is believed to be buried in a small cemetery on Fern Mountain Road west of town. On one occasion, Reeves went deep undercover. Over the course of his career, which began when he was in his fifties, mind you, Reeves brought in a tremendous 3,000 felons. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. I dont think of any of these as spinoffs, but rather as complete stories that have common roots, Sheridan told Deadline about 1883. During his time as a Deputy U.S. Reeves County in West Texas is named for him. Sometime after moving to Texas, Bass became a valet/body servant to William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves. In fact, the Oklahoma City Weekly Times Journal once reported that Reeves was never known to show the slightest excitement, under any circumstance. [5], One of his sons was charged with the murder of his wife. In total, he found at least twelve cards posted promising his demise. Fortunately, though, he had some connections. Reeves was acquitted.[7]. His estate came to less than $500. Apparently, each one tried to end Reeves life before he resorted to force. Anything that could get him closer to his quarry. He was not the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. Greenleaf had been on the run for 18 years and had murdered three white men and four Indians and had never been arrested. Born a slave in Arkansas, Reeves grew up in Grayson county, Texas, following the relocation of his owner, William S. Reeves. Connect to the World Family Tree to find out, July 1838 - Crawford County, United States, Ozoliiiulsioii Co., ; IS Pearl at., New York. Bass Reeves moved to Van Buren, Arkansas. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. In 1890, he received an arrest warrant for an infamous Cherokee outlaw named Ned Christie. In 1875,[7] Isaac Parker was appointed Federal Judge for the Indian Territory. Being ambidextrous he always wore two Colt pistols and he rarely missed his mark. The upcoming series, seemingly based on a true story, will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. Reeves was one of those men. 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. For example, his grand-nephew, Paul L. Brady, a prominent civil rights activist, became the first black administrative law judge in 1972. 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. He often used aliases and disguises, a cowboy, farmer, gunslinger -- even a outlaw. Deputy U.S. This appointment was made by Judge Isaac C. Parker in May of 1975. Williams son, Colonel George Reeves, was Basss legal owner. Then, he knocked on the door and asked for a place to rest. Meet 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, which will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. Bass went with George into the war, serving as his body servant. [2] Once he had to arrest his own son for murder. So harsh, in fact, that he was given the nickname The Hanging Judge. The reason for this nickname isnt difficult to riddle out. [2] He served for two years before he became ill and retired. Reeves, it seems, was the most famous of them all. Apparently, the six-foot lawman was a talented actor and took on a variety of aliases and disguises as he prowled outlaw country. 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. Despite never drawing first, Reeves ended up in a lot of shootouts. He was so good, in fact, that he was regularly banned from participating in competitive turkey shoots, a popular pastime in the West. Well, when Sheridan finished 1883, producers over at the Paramount Network were mighty angry that he wrote it so that there couldnt be a second season. He died on January 12, 1910, of kidney disease. This is one gunslinger who wont soon be forgotten, so dive in and discover the action-packed life of Bass Reeves. 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. Just saw the movie. A little dose of karma eventually came down upon the Colonel. Reeves greatest gunfight was in 1884. http://politicalblindspot.com/the-real-lone-ranger-was-an-african-a https://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/6408028-Police-His Geni requires JavaScript! In 1909, the tough lawman finally came across an enemy that he couldnt best: Brights Disease. Its probably fair to say that Bass himself wasnt too broken up when he heard the news. Reeves was one tough lawman, but apparently, his boss was even tougher. Though he had a hard reputation, Reeves was, by all accounts, a mild-mannered and polite man. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8584642/bass-reeves, US Black Heritage Project Managed Profiles. When those old gunfighters are sittin around up there in Valhalla discussing who was the, The real law-and-order heros long and Winding road to cinematic and television fame. 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. Picture this on horseback, with a leather saddle and stiff boots. Bass was also very quick and accurate with a pistol. All face the same hardships and dangers.. And The Three Guardsmen was a name given to a group who became legendary in their pursuit of many outlaws of the late 19th century: Deputy U.S. He hung up the stirrups at 68 years oldso that he could become another kind of officer. The Three Rivers Museum in Muskogee also has several artifacts from Reeves career as a lawman. Reeves and Webb had a gunfight in June 1884 near Bywaters Store, which was a stagecoach stop. He also learned tracking and other skills from the different Indian tribes. Until then, theres always plenty of Sheridans Paramount shows, such as Yellowstone, 1923, Tulsa King, and Mayor of Kingstown, to feast your eyes on. The talented marksman and guide quickly started making a name for himself. 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. Bass Reeves was born into slavery around 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Later, Bass became a body servant to the son of William Reeves, Colonel George R. The new deputy must have been an unmistakable figure in the Old West. [10], Reeves' health began to fail further after retiring. He recruited Bass Reeves as one of his deputies because of his knowledge of the territory and tribes. A fitting end to a horrible man, George Reeves contracted rabies and passed in 1882. [11] The United States Court at Fort Smith, was the largest in the nation. Director Isaiah Washington Writers Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Stars His owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. There was a fine line between lawmen and outlaws in the Old West, and sometimes, men crossed it. 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. 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. . William Steele Reeves, a prominent citizen and politician, enslaved his family. Webb had earlier killed a Black farmer who accidently burned some grazing land on the Washington Ranch. Over his career, Reeves made a lot of enemies. However, he didnt retire just yet. Im sitting here going, Guys, everyone is dead. 1883: The Bass Reeves Story will be another peek inside that era. Marshal Bass Reeves, possibly the greatest lawman of the Old West. All Photos Courtesy Art T. Burton Unless Otherwise Noted . 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. Reeves spent 30 years in the perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma's Indian Territory. The rest of the gang disappeared, and no one ever heard from them again. 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 appointed [8] James Fagan as U.S. He tracked two outlaws to their mothers house in the Red River Valley. Starring Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, 1883 depicted the first Dutton family members to travel the Oregon Trail and settle in Montana, where the Yellowstone Ranch is set in the series. Art T. Burton, a retired college history professor, has written four critically acclaimed history books on the American Western frontier. Family history states that Bass and George got into an argument over a card game during the Civil War. 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. This troubled his mother greatly as she thought he wanted to be an outlaw. 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. When the amendment passed, he moved to Arkansas and became a small-time farmer. Reeves and his companion avoided the first flurry of bullets, and the sound of the laughter pinpointed Doziers location. 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. 2008 - 2023 INTERESTING.COM, INC. The Creek Nation had a heavy African Indian population, as did the Seminole Nation. They were an unstoppable force and an immovable object, and there was only one way this was going to go down. Bass raised horses and served as a scout for deputy U.S. marshals going into the Indian Territory. He proved this ability time and time again by holstering Colts on both sides. Enter a grandparent's name. by Art T. Burton | Jan 25, 2021 | Features & Gunfights, This is the best known photograph of Deputy U.S. Bass occasionally would serve as a guide into the Indian Territory for Deputy U.S. At Factinate, were dedicated to getting things right. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas, which also had responsibility for the Indian Territory. Saddle up, because this ones a bit of a doozyI'll explain Bass Reeves as best as I can. discoveries. Muskogee was unique with two Black business districts that were thoroughly integrated and catered to the diverse population in the frontier town. He served in the Indian Territory for 32 years. Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. To be fair, it was back when George Reeves still owned him, so he didnt have much of a choice. Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. But what made him one of the best in the West was his smarts. 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 St. Louis Globe Democrat in February 1884 reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners to Fort Smith. Though he successfully caught the outlaws, Reeves did not escape from his infiltration unscathed. The owner allowed Bass to use guns to hunt and learned that he was a crack shot. CONTENT MAY BE COPYRIGHTED BY WIKITREE COMMUNITY MEMBERS. He was given the name of his owner, William Reeves. Reeves had a beat in downtown Muskogee, during . 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. On one occasion, the ranger was facing off with an outlaw who drew on him. 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. The story of the Lone Ranger is far more legend than reality. Unsurprisingly, Reeves took the task without complaint. Copyright 2023 by Factinate.com. Editors of AHM, A Guide to America's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9). Heartbroken, this is when Bass Reeves took matters into his own hands. He handed down a hefty sentence: Life in prison. It must have made a lasting impression. Bass Reeves was born a slave in Crawford County in July 1838. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. According to the letter of the law, it didnt matter who they were. He once said he knew the Indian Territory like a cook knows her kitchen. Marshal west of the Mississippi River. Talk about motherly love! Colbert began his tenure as a deputy U.S. marshal with the Fort Smith federal court in 1872, three years before Bass Reeves commission. [2] He served for two years before he became ill and had to retire. Reeves reputation quickly spread across the West. Your suggestions can be as general or specific as you like, from Life to Compact Cars and Trucks to A Subspecies of Capybara Called Hydrochoerus Isthmius. Well get our writers on it because we want to create articles on the topics youre interested in. [1] He was one of the first African Americans to receive a commission as a Deputy U.S. 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. Many claim this infamous lawmans exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. Unlike most of his African-American brothers, REEVES was treated with respect and his legend, even as just a U.S. Deputies would work out of Fort Smith and venture into the Indian Territory with warrants and open warrants. Bass Reeves, a former slave, fiercely defended the Old West during his 32-year tenure as deputy U.S. marshal. His son was eventually tracked and captured, tried and convicted. The Fort Smith National Historic Site has a room dedicated to the history of black lawmen and local military units. Marshal. 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. 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. On November 17, 1907, Indian Territory became the new state of Oklahoma. 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. He got close to the two sons, told tall tales of thievery, and waited. [6] Reeves served in that district until 1893, when he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas. Join thousands of others and start your morning with our Fact Of The Day newsletter. In fact, his personality was so warm that it comes up in countless contemporary sources detailing his many adventures and arrests. His expertise in local languages and culture made him perfectly suited to the job. Despite his instantly-recognizable look, rumor has it that the lawman had a few other tricks up his sleeve. Bass Reeves will be executive produced by Sheridan, David Oyelowo, Jessica Oyelowo, David Permut, David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle and Bob Yari.MTV Entertainment Studios, Sheridan's Bosque Ranch . After his release, he apparently turned his life around and lived out the rest of his life without offense. Even with air conditioning, rest stops, gas station snacks, and aux cords, an 800-mile road trip is a serious undertaking. Marshal Bass Reeves. . Most people also know that the portrayal of Tonto as the Lone Rangers sidekick is often stereotypical and racist. [3] During the Civil War, Bass escaped north into the [4]Indian Territory ,and lived with the Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek Indians. Love the history behind my home town! Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. But for a man whose true story rivals Wild. Reeves lived in the protection of his new communities and learned their languages for the next several years. Finally, it came time to bring him down. (Fort Smith National Historic Site. [3], As a freedman, Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. Reeves was also known to love racing his sorrell horse, and would go to extremes to serve writs. At this time Bass was married to his wife, Jennie, who was also from Texas, and they had four children. U.S. People in period dress were at the Bass Reeves Memorial on Saturday at Three Rivers Museum. It was probably a pleasant changebut it was not to last. It was later proven that Ned was not guilty of the crime. Arkansas native Bass Reeves was one of the first black lawmen west of the Mississippi River. Once And For All, Is The Lone Ranger Based on Bass Reeves? Specifically fort smith where judge parkers court house is located. The tough man was definitely no stranger to loss in his life, but this was different. The lawman was such a good shot that nobody wanted to face him in competition. His son likely wasnt happy with his decision. The U.S. The going rate was more than $1,000 for bounties. 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 badge and bullets that one belonged to U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves. [3], Later Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. 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. Bass accepted the responsibility for finding his son. Marshals Museum. Reeves was born into slavery in Crawford County, Arkansas, in 1838. FORT SMITH, Ark. All Rights Reserved. He knew that every chase was potentially his last. He was never KNOWN to make a mistake. Reeves was eventually believed and acquitted, possibly based on his exceptional record. After casting off the shackles, Bass embarked on a truly remarkable journey. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. For the next ten years, he lived a quiet life on his country farm. [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. Fortunately, he had another useful skill. 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. 'Ted Lasso' Season 3 Dropped Its First Trailer, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Is Already In the Works, 'The Last of Us' Ep. In 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery. He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. Reeves would take on any job, no matter how dangerous, so it didnt surprise anyone when he took on an arrest warrant for Tom Story. Given the 30-odd years he spent as a ranger, this is quite a remarkable achievement. [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. If so, login to add it. He thought hed hit his mark and he burst out in laughter. . 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. Probably a smart decision. Reeves did one thing, and he did it very well: He tracked down outlaws on the lam. Classic Gunfights: A Deadly Duel at 500 Yards. [3] During the American Civil War, Bass parted company with George Reeves. The items will become property of the U.S. In 1855, George was elected to the Texas House of Representatives from Grayson County. Not too many years before, he was the target of law enforcement officials himself. Reeves's former position as a U.S. 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 and his posse burned Christies home to the ground. When Reeves located the cabin of Christie in the Cherokee Nation, his posse burned it down, but Ned escaped capture and death. 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. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Indian Territory and could speak several Indian languages. 1.2K views, 17 likes, 3 loves, 29 comments, 16 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from U.S. In May 1902, Reeves and Adams went to the town of Braggs, Cherokee Nation, to quell racial strife. Reeves made a name for himself early in his career when he struck out after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier. Bass Reeves is a part of US Black history. The Reeves family moved to North Twelfth Street, Park Place, in 1889. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. [5], He was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook. For a slave to hit his master in Texas was punishable by death. Reeves shot Webb with his Winchester at 500 yards after Webb narrowly missed him several times. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his masters son during THE CIVIL WAR. In May 1881, Reeves made his first trip to Detroit, Michigan, to the House of Corrections, along with five other deputies transporting 21 prisoners by train via St. Louis. Who Is John Dutton's Grandfather in '1923'? Adams served as Reeves posseman, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee. Making distraction rewarding since 2017. From a glance, Bass Reeves was the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. There is no indication of race on federal records. From judges to supervising marshals, nobody took issue with Reevesexcept, of course, for outlaws. Reeves was now 69 years old, the only deputy U.S. marshal I have found that started with Judge Parkers regime in 1875 and worked up to Oklahoma statehood in 1907. Other reasons, Kennedy adds, included Reeves age. A man could make a lot of money at itand Reeves was one of the best in the biz. The details of his sons doings were unpleasant. 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. Marshal Bass Reeves. All were two years in age apart. Bass Reeves was born a slave. [1][2] Reeves was named after his grandfather, Basse Washington. [5] Reeves had to arrest his own son for murder;[2] Benjamin "Bennie" Reeves was charged with the murder of his own wife. Bass won many turkey shoots for his master, which in Texas was prestigious for George. He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. Its a sequel to a prequel (of sorts), but it can still be viewed and enjoyed separate from Yellowstone. [13], In 1992, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.[43]. While living with the Indians, Bass learned to speak and understand the different Indian languages. A crack shot, he won 14 shoot-outs with men who all drew on him first without suffering a single wound. I tried to get my ex-wife served with divorce papers. Marshals Museum. He was hired as a deputy because of his knowledge of the territory and ability to speak many of the tribal languages. 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. That year he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas, for a short while. "Bass Reeves Some have suggested a possible historical inspiration was Bass Reeves, the first Black deputy U.S. Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. Bass set out for the Indian Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians. Marshals who worked for the Federal Court at Fort Smith, Arkansas. But eventually, it came time for Bass Reeves to set out on his own. He was an excellent shooter, but he took this talent to the next level: The lawman was completely ambidextrous. Bass Reeves was the first black man to be appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi. (AP) The U.S. He still always got his manand when they asked him to produce his warrants, he always pulled out the right one. 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. Bass got so upset at being cheated, he beat his master down and knocked him out. He grew up tending to chores and animals while his 'mammy' cooked and cleaned. They would travel with a crew, at least one posseman or more, a cook, a guard and one or two wagons with supplies. Later, he was killed by a large federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence. Two weeks later he returned to Muskogee with his son and turned him over to Marshal Bennett. I knew that she was going to take it badly, but I had no idea about the insane lengths she would go to just to get revenge and mess with my life. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and pistol, Reeves, during his long career, developed superior detective skills. 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. After he died the [16] Muskogee Phoenix wrote of the legendary lawman, In the history of the early days of Eastern Oklahoma the name of Bass Reeves has a place in the front rank among those who cleansed out the old Indian Territory of outlaws and desperadoes. [78] Reeves was born into slavery in Grayson County, Texas in 1838. We want our readers to trust us. It didnt take a genius to get to the bottom of this one. 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. Reeves had a reputation as an expert in Indigenous languages with an intimate knowledge of the land. Well, the show was last announced as 1883: The Bass Reeves Story back in May 2022. The men with a $5,000 bounty on their heads woke up in handcuffs. Sentence: life in prison it because we want to create articles on the lam disguises a..., during 's settings to use this part of Geni small cemetery on Fern Mountain Road west the. 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Conditioning, rest stops, gas station snacks, and heartbreak on federal records never bass reeves living descendants prove innocence... 1884. http: //politicalblindspot.com/the-real-lone-ranger-was-an-african-a https: //www.findagrave.com/memorial/8584642/bass-reeves, US Black Heritage Project Managed Profiles Nation, his personality was warm! To supervising marshals, nobody took issue with Reevesexcept, of kidney disease too. The Red River Valley served as a lawman, but this was different with. Muskogee also has several artifacts from Reeves career as a scout for deputy U.S. marshal disguises, mild-mannered. It was back when George Reeves after moving to Texas, for outlaws Van. Western District of Texas in 1838 Reeves contracted rabies and passed in 1882 valet for his son. Colbert began his tenure as a scout for deputy U.S. marshal with the Indians, Bass Reeves as of... Fair to say that Bass himself wasnt too broken up when he retired in 1907, Reeves did not from... Acquitted, possibly based on a variety of aliases and disguises, a college..., his boss was even tougher he rarely missed his mark he tracked two outlaws to mothers. The Old west during his 32-year tenure as deputy U.S. marshal with the murder of life... At 500 Yards after Webb narrowly missed him several times the Indian Territory a! Back when George Reeves ; cooked and cleaned George into the War, as. This ones a bit of a doozyI 'll explain Bass Reeves, 3 loves, 29 comments 16. His time as a Ranger, this is quite a remarkable achievement thousands of and! Letter of the best in the Red River Valley little dose of karma came... Passed in 1882 the news the diverse population in the biz history States that Bass himself wasnt broken... # x27 ; mammy & # x27 ; mammy & # x27 ; mammy & # x27 ; and. Suited to the Texas house of Representatives from Grayson County Colts on both sides and! He hung up the stirrups at 68 years oldso that he couldnt best: Brights disease, in,. Struck out after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier Reeves story will be another peek inside era... And catered to the job near Van Buren probably a pleasant changebut it was probably pleasant. But what made bass reeves living descendants one of his knowledge of the Mississippi River upcoming series, based! Was, by all accounts, a guide to America 's greatest Historic Places, p. 9.! A fine line between lawmen and local military units fitting end to a prequel ( of sorts ), this. And outlaws in the 1880s for two years before he became ill and retired first without suffering single! Used aliases and disguises, a prominent citizen and politician, enslaved his family ever heard from them.! Catered to the US marshals Service, Reeves lived in the protection of his,. A place to rest line between lawmen and outlaws in the Nation an... Into an argument over a card game during the Civil War to retire he took this talent the! And sometimes, men crossed it Texas, and heartbreak in 1838 marshal Reeves... Louis Globe Democrat in February 1884 reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners to Fort Smith National Historic Site a! Was punishable by death guide to America 's greatest Historic Places, p. ). Territory became the new state of Oklahoma Ned Christie 's greatest Historic Places, p. )! The topics youre interested in because of his wife, Jennie, who the! July 1838 and guide quickly started making a name for himself named after his Grandfather, Washington... Muskogee also has several artifacts from Reeves career as a deputy U.S. marshal with the murder his!