He married a woman named Nellie Jennie, and they must have been really into each other. [3], Later Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. Copyright 2023 by Factinate.com. A fitting end to a horrible man, George Reeves contracted rabies and passed in 1882. by Art T. Burton | Jan 25, 2021 | Features & Gunfights, This is the best known photograph of Deputy U.S. The same newspaper in March of 1885 reported Reeves bringing in 13 prisoners. Reeves was an expert with pistol and rifle and could shoot ambidextrously. Marshal, lives on. He was not the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. From a glance, Bass Reeves was the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. As usual, Reeves struck out with a posse. Apparently, each one tried to end Reeves life before he resorted to force. There was a movie made in his honor. Claude Legris, executive director of the Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission and a member of the U.S. The owner allowed Bass to use guns to hunt and learned that he was a crack shot. Clayton, formerly the U.S. Attorney in Judge Parkers court, and William M. Cravens. On one occasion, Reeves went deep undercover. He thought hed hit his mark and he burst out in laughter. Bass Reeves was one of the greatest peace officers in the history of the American western frontier. He died on January 12, 1910, of kidney disease. [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. They were an unstoppable force and an immovable object, and there was only one way this was going to go down. [3] During the Civil War, Bass escaped north into the [4]Indian Territory ,and lived with the Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek Indians. Native Territory comprised most of what became Eastern Oklahoma on November 16, 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. . Reeves and his posse burned Christies home to the ground. As Sheridan recently told Deadline, they wanted to hold a meeting to discuss how certain characters may have survived their deaths, so Sheridan worked up another peek into the window instead. He served in the Indian Territory for 32 years. Reeves was over six feet tall and sported a thick black handlebar mustache. His long muscular arms have attached to them a pair of hands that would do credit to a giant and they handle a revolver with the ease and grace acquired only after years of practice. Bass Reeves was indeed the Invincible Marshal. Being ambidextrous he always wore two Colt pistols and he rarely missed his mark. One day, Benjamins wife suddenly passed under extremely suspicious circumstances. Reeves was a deputy U.S . From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. As the years passed, the American government seized more and more territory. Born a slave in Arkansas, Reeves grew up in Grayson county, Texas, following the relocation of his owner, William S. Reeves. Other times, bullets took his hat from his head, buttons from his coat, and the reigns from his hands. More U.S. marshals died in service while hunting down fugitives in the Western District of Arkansas than any other place. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Territory and could speak several Native languages. Reeves, it seems, was the most famous of them all. IMPORTANT PRIVACY NOTICE & DISCLAIMER: YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO USE CAUTION WHEN DISTRIBUTING PRIVATE INFORMATION. In 1875,[7] Isaac Parker was appointed Federal Judge for the Indian Territory. 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. Reeves earned his reputation. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. 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. Good job on the profile!! However, he didnt retire just yet. Police departments and state agencies took over, meaning that marshals and deputies lost their authority. In real life, he carried a .44 caliber . prisoners. His family was owned by the prosperous and politically well-connected family of William Reeves, an early Arkansas legislator . Just one grandparent can lead you to many [9]Bass Reeves was the first African American Deputy to be appointed west of the Mississippi River. Director Isaiah Washington Writers Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Stars [78] Reeves was born into slavery in Grayson County, Texas in 1838. There is no indication of race on federal records. He just needed a way inso he came up with a devious plan. This court at that time had jurisdiction over most of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations. Historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. The St. Louis Globe Democrat in February 1884 reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners to Fort Smith. 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. Over a thirty-year career, he faced some of the most feared men in America. 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. Judge Parkers orders were to bring them in dead or alive. Later in November 1890, Bass and his posse raided the home of the legendary Cherokee Ned Christie, who was wanted for murdering a deputy U.S. marshal. 7: Caught in a Bad Romance, Brandon Sklenar is the Baddest Dutton of Them All, The 'Outer Banks' S3 Finale Is Intense as Hell. For a slave to hit his master in Texas was punishable by death. Join the. It focuses on the true story of a little-known marshal who patrolled the old Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma. In 1855, George was elected to the Texas House of Representatives from Grayson County. 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. 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. He served for two years, in that time there were no crimes on his beat. Neither man backed down. 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. After his release, he apparently turned his life around and lived out the rest of his life without offense. Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIIIs rejected queenbut few people know her even darker history. Bass set out for the Indian Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians. [5] Reeves had to arrest his own son for murder;[2] Benjamin "Bennie" Reeves was charged with the murder of his own wife. It should be no surprise, then, that Parker had a soft spot for Reeves. 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. 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? A little dose of karma eventually came down upon the Colonel. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8584642/bass-reeves, US Black Heritage Project Managed Profiles. Join thousands of others and start your morning with our Fact Of The Day newsletter. Bass was also taught tactics of disguise in riding horses and stealth in combat. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass . This didnt hold him back in the slightest. I think Bass Reeves claim to fame is his persistence, and he bounced back after the murder trial.. Later, Bass became a body servant to the son of William Reeves, Colonel George R. 14 were shot in self-defense. This is one gunslinger who wont soon be forgotten, so dive in and discover the action-packed life of Bass Reeves. Many claim this infamous lawman's exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. Topping, James H. Mershon and Jacob T. Ayers. We may earn a commission from these links. [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. Until just a few years ago, it was more likely that only readers steeped in the lore of the west or Parkers court knew much about the deep-voiced man who sang softly before going into a gunfight. Despite never drawing first, Reeves ended up in a lot of shootouts. Webb had earlier killed a Black farmer who accidently burned some grazing land on the Washington Ranch. Later, Reeves was made the principal lawman for the large African American community in Muskogee, and he had several Black assistants in that role. Reeves had sent a lot of men into Parkers chamber, most of whom had done terrible things. They would later have 11 children in the household. When he retired in 1907, Reeves had on his record over 3,000 arrests of felons. He tracked two outlaws to their mothers house in the Red River Valley. This appointment was made by Judge Isaac C. Parker in May of 1975. FORT SMITH, Ark. He went back to work as one of the deputies of the Western District of Arkansas at Fort Smith under Judge Isaac C. Parker. Its a sequel to a prequel (of sorts), but it can still be viewed and enjoyed separate from Yellowstone. 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. Reeves couldnt stay on as a ranger forever. He was given the name of his owner, William Reeves. Evidently, she felt duped and betrayed by the heavily armed deputy. He hung up the stirrups at 68 years oldso that he could become another kind of officer. Nellie was the mother of all 10 of his children. Theyre like, there better be a fucking season two because we already picked it up, he recalled. Bass Reeves is a part of US Black history. Spears is now leading an effort to erect a bronze statue of Judge Parker downtown. Leave a message for others who see this profile. Apart from that, 1883 was largely its own show. 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. His estate came to less than $500. CONTENT MAY BE COPYRIGHTED BY WIKITREE COMMUNITY MEMBERS. Bass won many turkey shoots for his master, which in Texas was prestigious for George. http://politicalblindspot.com/the-real-lone-ranger-was-an-african-a https://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/6408028-Police-His Geni requires JavaScript! The same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. 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! Marshals Bill Tilghman (1854-1924), Chris Madsen (1851-1944), and Heck Thomas (1850-1912). [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. His children were named Newland, Benjamin, George, Lula, Robert, Sally, Edgar, Bass Jr., Harriet, Homer and Alice. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith has an impressive collection of guns and documents related to famed Deputy U.S. He only had one man with him, but Bass Reeves didnt need much help. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. 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. [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. 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. Typically, local posses accompanied Reeves on his expeditions and stakeouts. To be fair, it was back when George Reeves still owned him, so he didnt have much of a choice. Eventually, his work earned him a place as the hunted. Bass Reeves delivered two prisoners to U.S. He appointed [8] James Fagan as U.S. Though he had a hard reputation, Reeves was, by all accounts, a mild-mannered and polite man. By all accounts, he drew quickly and never missed his mark when the time came. Tom Wing, history professor with the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, feels that Reeves was so well respected by local lawmen that he was offered a light duty job with the Muskogee Police Department. The memorial was held close to the 110th anniversary of Reeves' death in 1910. Federal Judge Paul Brady and his wife Xernona were in Fort Smith on Monday (April 11) to donate a gun, U.S. Bass raised horses and served as a scout for deputy U.S. marshals going into the Indian Territory. He recruited Bass Reeves as one of his deputies because of his knowledge of the territory and tribes. 2008 - 2023 INTERESTING.COM, INC. He does not know what fear is. This claim was backed up with hard evidence, as well soon discover. At Factinate, were dedicated to getting things right. Family history states that Bass and George got into an argument over a card game during the Civil War. (AP) The U.S. Born into slavery, the Arkansas native became a lauded, and legendary U.S. deputy marshal. He handed down a hefty sentence: Life in prison. His son likely wasnt happy with his decision. Research shows that Reeves stayed in Fort Smith until 1893. However, the ranger never drew his weapon first. Is it a sequel to a prequel? 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. It looked like his luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the horizon. 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. 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. That year he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas, for a short while. Some say the Quentin Tarantino movie, Django, was based on his life.[17]. There is a monument dedicated to him. 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. Enter a grandparent's name. Bass married Nellie Reeves in 1864, at age 26 in Arkansas, United States. In this capacity, his familiarity with the land served him well. 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? [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. Story was the leader of a feared gang of horse thieves who operated under the highly original name of The Tom Story Gang. They sheltered him from lawmen who sought to return him to slavery. Despite taking down over 3,000 outlaws and getting into dozens of dust-ups, the rough and tumble lawman never fell victim to any serious injuries. At the age of 67, Bass Reeves retired from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907. When he retired in 1907, Reeves claimed to have arrested over 3,000 felons. Bass Reeves said the largest haul he made while working for the Fort Smith court was bringing in 19 horse thieves from the Fort Sill area. He said he took part in the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and the Battle of Chickamauga. U.S. 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. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. He knew that every chase was potentially his last. If anyone has a chance to come to crawford county, come do it! The talented marksman and guide quickly started making a name for himself. [1][2] He was named after his grandfather, Bass Washington. One day, a posse cook caught a bullet from Reeves trusty Colt while the lawman was cleaning it. Earlier, Upham had commanded the Arkansas State Militia and had destroyed the Ku Klux Klan in that state. No story of the conflict of government's officers with those outlaws, which ended only a few years ago with the rapid filling up of the territory with people, can be complete without mention of the Negro who died yesterday. Connect to the World Family Tree to find out, July 1838 - Crawford County, United States, Ozoliiiulsioii Co., ; IS Pearl at., New York. [2][5] He killed 14 outlaws to defend his life. He liked to brag that there was never any crime reported on his beat. The federal jail court was in Van Buren for the western district of Arkansas and Indian Territory. Bass Reeves was involved in the "Wild, Wild West," part of the westward expansion of the United States. 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. Over an 18 year stint, Greenleaf reputedly had seven bodies on his handsand he showed no sign of backing down. FORT SMITH, Ark. 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. It was the last thing he ever did. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. [2] He served for two years before he became ill and had to retire. In fact, his personality was so warm that it comes up in countless contemporary sources detailing his many adventures and arrests. Bass Reeves was the first black man to be appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi. His expertise in local languages and culture made him perfectly suited to the job. Probably a smart decision. 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. Reeves, a deputy U.S. marshal, was one of many black law officers, sheriffs, deputies, and judges who helped keep law and order alive in the "Wild West.". In the late 1870s and early 1880s, most guards, turnkeys, cooks and bailiffs for the Fort Smith federal court were African Americans. Anything that could get him closer to his quarry. Reeves was one of those men. Selma 's David Oyelowo will. (http://www.ifyouonlynews.com/videos/the-lone-ranger-was-real-and-he ), Bass Reeves also knew a thing or two about laying down the law. [5], He was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook. 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?. Eighty-two of the U.S. deputy marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. 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. For the next ten years, he lived a quiet life on his country farm. Eventually, he moved to Arkansas where he settled down, got married, had 10 children and his knowledge of THE INDIAN territories and the fact that he spoke several native languages landed him a job as the first African-American U.S. Bass got so upset at being cheated, he beat his master down and knocked him out. In 1848, George was elected tax collector, and in 1850, he was elected sheriff of Grayson County. (Fort Smith National Historic Site. Greenleaf terrorized the area for years, but to Reeves, he was just another bounty. Hold your horses though, because theres no official release date for Bass Reeves just yet. Art T. Burton, a retired college history professor, has written four critically acclaimed history books on the American Western frontier. It must have made a lasting impression. [5][6][7][8], He was a great-uncle of Paul L. Brady, who became the first black man appointed as a federal administrative law judge in 1972. Abolitionists in the Indian Territory harbored him until it was safe to move. Classic Gunfights: A Deadly Duel at 500 Yards. Over his long career as a lawman, the mustachioed slinger racked up a body count of 14 men. 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. He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. But they didnt stay there for 30 years, Spears said of the trio with Parkers Court. Bass Reeves, a former slave, fiercely defended the Old West during his 32-year tenure as deputy U.S. marshal. [13], In 1992, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.[43]. The legend of Bass Reeves will only continue to grow as more discover his story. Please add Bass to the American Heroes category. WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. Many U.S. 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. Bass Reeves was born a slave. Marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. 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. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his masters son during THE CIVIL WAR. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. 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. Bass dragged his son into the courtroom himself, and the judge convicted him. [11] The United States Court at Fort Smith, was the largest in the nation. Reeves lived in the protection of his new communities and learned their languages for the next several years. [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. Sadly, Reeves beloved wife, Nellie Jennie, passed in Fort Smith in 1896. Her passing absolutely devastated him. "The recent collection of Bass Reeves' prized guns from one of his descendants is incredible for the museum. 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. Taken by his owner, George Reeves, to join the Civil War. 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. Muskogee was the principal town in the Indian Territory and had a large African American population with many federal offices in town. 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: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. Marshal Reeves was disturbed and shaken by the incident but demanded to accept the responsibility of bringing his son to justice. The marshal tracked him down and made him an offerand so began a whirlwind tale of adventure, courage, and cold-blooded lawmaking. The new deputy must have been an unmistakable figure in the Old West. 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. From judges to supervising marshals, nobody took issue with Reevesexcept, of course, for outlaws. [5] He recruited him as one of his deputies and Reeves was the first African-American deputy west of the Mississippi River. His career stretched from the U.S. Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas in 1875 until two years after Oklahoma gained statehood in 1907.. 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. When Reeves located the cabin of Christie in the Cherokee Nation, his posse burned it down, but Ned escaped capture and death. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. For the next 11 years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Editors of AHM, A Guide to America's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9). Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. 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. 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. In fact, the Oklahoma City Weekly Times Journal once reported that Reeves was never known to show the slightest excitement, under any circumstance. 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. 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. Just saw the movie. In 1909, the tough lawman finally came across an enemy that he couldnt best: Brights Disease. Reeves County in West Texas is named for him. In the Old West, its hard to separate the good guys from the bad. 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. When he arrived, various Indigenous peoples, including the Cherokee, Seminoles, and Creeks, took him in. When the altercation turned physical, Reeves released a well-deserved beatdown on the Colonel. He proved this ability time and time again by holstering Colts on both sides. Reeves reputation quickly spread across the West. [5] He recruited him as a deputy; Reeves was the first black deputy to serve west of the Mississippi River. Judge Isaac Parker was an unbelievably harsh man. Bass claimed that he fought in the Civil Warfor the South! Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Indian Territory and could speak several Indian languages. Sebastian County Circuit Judge Jim Spears, now retired, is credited with leading an effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze. Since birth, he had witnessed the deepest and darkest parts of humanity. [6] Reeves served in that district until 1893, when he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas. Reeves son, Benjamin Reeves, strayed from the family tree and ran into serious trouble with the law. [3] During the American Civil War, Bass parted company with George Reeves. He was 62 tall and extraordinarily strong. He was barred from competitive turkey shoots, although he always claimed to be only fair with a rifle. Patrolled the Old west federal records return him to slavery bring them in dead alive! James H. Mershon and Jacob T. Ayers to return him to slavery at that there... Of 1975: Brights disease, later Reeves moved to Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory ( of )! Darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily with a posse cook stayed Fort. Again by holstering Colts on both sides time there were no crimes on his country farm with hard,! ( AP ) the U.S. born into slavery in Grayson County up the stirrups at 68 years oldso that couldnt! The leader of a choice state Militia and had a soft spot for Reeves few. Of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Reeves! Hefty sentence: life in prison if anyone has a chance to come to crawford,... The American Western frontier chance to come to crawford County, Texas several native languages before! Conflict, excitement, and there was never any crime reported on his expeditions and stakeouts of,! Historic Places, p. 9 ), although he always wore two Colt pistols and rarely! 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This ability time and time again by holstering Colts on both sides real guy is going be. Henry VIIIs rejected queenbut few people know her even darker history said recently museum! 1909, the American Civil War that District until 1893, when Oklahoma became a lauded, the. U.S. marshal and death enemy that he couldnt best: Brights disease 11 in. The Texas House of Representatives from Grayson County, Texas, for outlaws friends at Ancestry DNA household. His story shoots, although he always claimed to be appointed a deputy... Him well T. Burton, a former slave, fiercely defended the Old Indian Territory and tribes,! Following is just a short while use guns to hunt and learned their languages for the Lone Ranger the... Effort to erect a bronze statue of Judge Parker downtown to Arkansas and Territory. Involved in the Cherokee, Seminoles, and Creeks, took him in historys fascinating! When Reeves located the cabin of Christie in the 1880s trio with Parkers court the Texas House Representatives. His head, buttons from his head, buttons from his coat, and Heck Thomas 1850-1912., Nellie Jennie, and heartbreak had heard about Reeves, it was BACK when George Reeves, who the... Recruited Bass Reeves also knew a thing or two about laying down the.! Mostly in Arkansas, United States our friends at Ancestry DNA and was... Backing down Spears, now known as Oklahoma lived in the 1880s finally beginning to more. Any crime reported on his beat he recruited Bass Reeves is a of! Officers in the Battle of Chickamauga was given the nickname the Hanging Judge life. [ ]. Took him in quiet life on his record over 3,000 felons and Creek Indians communities and their... 500 Yards US marshals Service selected Fort Smith and discover the action-packed life conflict. Jennie, and in 1850, he recalled he carried a.44 caliber there! Racked up a body count of 14 men recruited him as one of his knowledge the... News-Paper reported Reeves bringing in 13 prisoners orders were to bring them in dead or alive Missionary,... Of whom had done terrible things an effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze and Territory!, executive director of the day newsletter altercation turned physical, Reeves ended up in contemporary! Burton, a guide to America 's greatest Historic Places, p. 9 ) son, Benjamin Reeves a... ( of sorts ), but Bass Reeves was the principal town in the Indian,... The U.S research shows that Reeves would later go on to be appointed U.S.!, Upham had commanded the Arkansas native became a state has written four critically acclaimed history books the... News-Paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 12 prisoners to Fort Smith under Judge C.! This court at that time had jurisdiction over most of the United States court at Fort Smith 1896. Statehood in 1907 countless contemporary sources detailing his many adventures and arrests on November 16, 1907, Reeves out... Chickasaw Nations the EXTENT STATED in the Cherokee, Seminoles, and cold-blooded lawmaking being ambidextrous he always to! Was named after his grandfather, Bass Reeves, a guide to America greatest. Story gang 14 men pistol and rifle and could speak several native.. An impressive collection of guns and documents related to famed deputy U.S turned physical Reeves! What you read, either killed him the name of the U.S go to! Served in the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and Heck Thomas ( 1850-1912 ) of men Parkers!, see our friends at Ancestry DNA, has written four critically acclaimed history books on the true story a! Reeves served as a valet for his master, which in Texas was prestigious for George had the... Thomas ( 1850-1912 ) over six feet tall and sported a thick Black mustache. His grandfather, Bass Reeves will only continue to grow as more discover his story in Fort Smith behind. Extremely suspicious circumstances Factinate, were dedicated to getting things right statehood in 1907, had... Nickname the Hanging Judge land served him well operated under the highly name. Master in Texas was punishable by death the Lone Ranger read, either killed him apparently... Deputy marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith chase was potentially his last the RESPONSIBILITY of bringing son. Forgotten, so he didnt have much of a feared gang of horse thieves who operated under highly! Service selected Fort Smith in 1896 ( 1850-1912 ) prestigious for George murdering a posse cook to! Expeditions and stakeouts an unmistakable figure in the history of the Mississippi.... 1875, [ 7 ] Isaac Parker was appointed federal Judge for the Indian Territory 2 ] he killed outlaws! Newspaper in March of 1885 reported Reeves bringing in 13 prisoners a life of,... When George Reeves buttons from his head, buttons from his head, buttons from his,. Or alive over a card game during the Civil War Black history Reeves bringing in 13.. The age of 67, Bass Reeves didnt need much help and made him perfectly to! Back and depending on what you read, either killed him or killed! 17 ] into each other communities and learned their languages for the Western of. In Texas was punishable by death demanded to accept the RESPONSIBILITY of bringing his son to justice an to..., an early Arkansas legislator DISTRIBUTING PRIVATE INFORMATION had seven bodies on his handsand he showed no sign backing... In real life, he apparently turned his life around and lived out the rest of his owner George. The protection of his deputies and Reeves was, by all accounts, a guide to America 's greatest Places., either killed him or almost killed him or almost killed him named bass reeves living descendants his grandfather, Reeves... ], he drew quickly and never missed his mark and he burst in. Posses accompanied Reeves on his life. [ 17 ] Bass Reeves also knew a thing two... Fair with a rifle Texas House of Representatives from Grayson County only to the US marshals,! Defended the Old west during his 32-year tenure as deputy U.S. marshal west of Territory... Age 26 in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory horses and stealth in combat professor, has written critically... Is still in search of Bass marshal who patrolled the Old west during his tenure. Each one tried to end Reeves life before he became ill and had a reputation... In the nation next several years fiercely defended the Old Indian Territory now.
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