Marshals. The going rate was more than $1,000 for bounties. Im not sure he was too worried about it, though. People in period dress were at the Bass Reeves Memorial on Saturday at Three Rivers Museum. In the show, that little boy is quickly ushered out of the movie theater by his terrified parents as the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre unfolds. 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. 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. Spears said Bill Black presented the idea for a Bass Reeves statue after Spears effort for a statue of President Zachary Taylor did not get traction. Bass Reeves and his family were slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. He grew up tending to chores and animals while his 'mammy' cooked and cleaned. Eventually, his work earned him a place as the hunted. My mom never told me how her best friend died. The deputies' job was to clean up the Indian Territory. If so, login to add it. 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. Reeves did one thing, and he did it very well: He tracked down outlaws on the lam. 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. Sebastian County Circuit Judge Jim Spears, now retired, is credited with leading an effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze. "Bass Reeves Some have suggested a possible historical inspiration was Bass Reeves, the first Black deputy U.S. [1][2] Reeves was named after his grandfather, Basse Washington. He handed down a hefty sentence: Life in prison. After tracking the notorious outlaw, Reeves captured him without much of a struggle. Reeves was acquitted.[7]. On one occasion, the ranger was facing off with an outlaw who drew on him. [3], As a freedman, Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. When the altercation turned physical, Reeves released a well-deserved beatdown on the Colonel. Reeves earned his reputation. Bass won many turkey shoots for his master, which in Texas was prestigious for George. This is one gunslinger who wont soon be forgotten, so dive in and discover the action-packed life of Bass Reeves. [2] He served for two years before he became ill and had to retire. In 1900, at 62 years old, Reeves married for a second time. The Legend of Bass Reeves by author Gary Paulsen is a Western written for young readers. His likeness has appeared in at least seven television series, four films, a play, two board games, and at least six books. The Northern District was made up of the Cherokee, Creek and Seminole Nations. In 1864 he married Nellie Jennie (d. 1896) and after her death Winnie Sumter (19001910). 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. Portrayal in Film: Timeless (TV Series) S1E14 2017. Reeves, it seems, was the most famous of them all. In 1909, the tough lawman finally came across an enemy that he couldnt best: Brights Disease. Anything that could get him closer to his quarry. 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. The legend of Bass Reeves will only continue to grow as more discover his story. In this capacity, his familiarity with the land served him well. FORT SMITH, Ark. Marshal Bass Reeves, possibly the greatest lawman of the Old West. All Photos Courtesy Art T. Burton Unless Otherwise Noted . Dozier shot first, firing at them from a stand of trees. [10], Reeves' health began to fail further after retiring. The owner allowed Bass to use guns to hunt and learned that he was a crack shot. He served for two years, in that time there were no crimes on his beat. He was known for his politeness and courteous manner. An article suggests that Bass Reeves may have been the inspiration for the "Lone Ranger" --. Reeves was furiousand he had to take his anger out on something. Fortunately, it was a lucrative business. He also learned tracking and other skills from the different Indian tribes. Marshal Bass Reeves. Evidently, she felt duped and betrayed by the heavily armed deputy. 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. 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. In January 2007, the U.S. He often used aliases and disguises, a cowboy, farmer, gunslinger -- even a outlaw. The legendary lawman was said to. Brother of UFN Washington and Jane Reeves, Bass Reeves was born into slavery in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Marshals Service also started doing these events in 2012 in conjunction with the Cherokee Nation. 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 Though he successfully caught the outlaws, Reeves did not escape from his infiltration unscathed. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Indian Territory and could speak several Indian languages. 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. He was 62 tall and extraordinarily strong. Bass Reeves was indeed the Invincible Marshal. 1 of 3 In a statue of Bass Reeves residing in the Lamar County Courthouse, sculptor Eddie Dixon arms the famed lawman with a double-barreled shotgun. [12] Ryan Reaves's grandfather changed the family name from Reeves to Reaves. [1] When Bass Reeves was eight (about 1846), William Reeves moved to Grayson County, Texas, near Sherman in the Peters Colony. One day, Benjamins wife suddenly passed under extremely suspicious circumstances. Obituaries ran in the white and Black newspapers of Muskogee and were republished across the nation. He became the first black man to work as a deputy west of the Mississippi River. William Steele Reeves, a prominent citizen and politician, enslaved his family. [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. Bass went with George into the war, serving as his body servant. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and pistol, Reeves, during his long career, developed superior detective skills. At the age of 67, Bass Reeves retired from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907. Reeves must not have slept. His son likely wasnt happy with his decision. In 1890, he received an arrest warrant for an infamous Cherokee outlaw named Ned Christie. 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. (He appears to. [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. Editors of AHM, A Guide to America's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9). Bass Reeves was commissioned in late 1875 as a deputy U.S. marshal for the Fort Smith federal court. In 1897, he was transferred again, serving at the Muskogee Federal Court in the Native Territory. There is a monument dedicated to him. Meet 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, which will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. (AP) The U.S. Finally, it came time to bring him down. Heartbroken, this is when Bass Reeves took matters into his own hands. The same newspaper in March of 1885 reported Reeves bringing in 13 prisoners. 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 claimed that he fought in the Civil Warfor the South! The talented marksman and guide quickly started making a name for himself. We may earn a commission from these links. Reeves was in a dangerous profession and, unsurprisingly, had a lot of close calls. Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. The marshal tracked him down and made him an offerand so began a whirlwind tale of adventure, courage, and cold-blooded lawmaking. Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. Marshal Leo Bennett in Muskogee, Oklahoma, only to find[13] his own son had been charged with the murder of his wife. Marshals. Kennedy pointed to racist sentiment on the part of incoming state officials, as well as the Congressional delegation and the incoming U.S. marshal when Oklahoma became a state in 1907 as reasons Reeves lost his job with the Marshals Service. 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. Marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. The new deputy must have been an unmistakable figure in the Old West. Fortunately, he had another useful skill. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas, which also had responsibility for the Indian Territory. Young Bennie quickly became a suspect, and soon enough, he was charged with murder. After his release, he apparently turned his life around and lived out the rest of his life without offense. Reeves son, Benjamin Reeves, strayed from the family tree and ran into serious trouble with the law. He thought hed hit his mark and he burst out in laughter. Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. [5] He was an uncle of Paul L. Brady, the first African-American appointed a Federal Administrative Law Judge (in 1972). Many claim this infamous lawmans exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. In 1893, Bass Reeves was transferred to the Eastern District federal court at Paris, Texas. 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. [13], In 1992, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.[43]. 'Ted Lasso' Season 3 Dropped Its First Trailer, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Is Already In the Works, 'The Last of Us' Ep. Word of the relationship somehow got out. The U.S. 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. For this reason, Reeves found unusual support from the inhabitants of the land he patrolled during his career. When Reeves drew his warrant, Story drew his Coltbig mistake. In 1910, he made his final salute. If anyone has a chance to come to crawford county, come do it! Adams, Jake Island, Andy Alton and one Smith, larceny.. Reeves and his family were enslaved by Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. From judges to supervising marshals, nobody took issue with Reevesexcept, of course, for outlaws. In Black Gun, Silver Star, Burton recounts some stories from Adam Grayson, a former resident of Indian Territory, saying that Reeves tore up at least one warrant for a prisoner who outraced his sorrell steed. Earlier, Upham had commanded the Arkansas State Militia and had destroyed the Ku Klux Klan in that state. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Territory and could speak several Native languages. He served in the Indian Territory for 32 years. Reeves shot Webb with his Winchester at 500 yards after Webb narrowly missed him several times. 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. Ironically, Reeves was brought up on first-degree murder charges, not manslaughter or criminal negligence, after a new U.S. marshal was hired, the first former Confederate officer Reeves would work for. Was Wyatt Earp Really a Deputy U.S. Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIIIs rejected queenbut few people know her even darker history. 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. Were always looking for your input! [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee, Oklahoma police department. Bass Reeves is a part of US Black history. A little dose of karma eventually came down upon the Colonel. Husband of Nellie Reeves and Winnie J. Sumner Reeves When Reeves located the cabin of Christie in the Cherokee Nation, his posse burned it down, but Ned escaped capture and death. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith has an impressive collection of guns and documents related to famed Deputy U.S. They would have 11 children together. Thanks for your time! He was an excellent shooter, but he took this talent to the next level: The lawman was completely ambidextrous. He tracked two outlaws to their mothers house in the Red River Valley. Join the. In 1875,[7] Isaac Parker was appointed Federal Judge for the Indian Territory. Their names are listed side by side with other Deputy U.S. At Factinate, were dedicated to getting things right. When he retired in 1907, Reeves claimed to have arrested over 3,000 felons. 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. 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. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his masters son during THE CIVIL WAR. They would travel with a crew, at least one posseman or more, a cook, a guard and one or two wagons with supplies. Despite being disturbed and deeply shaken by the incident, Reeves nonetheless insisted on the responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice. Director Isaiah Washington Writers Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Stars Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. 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. Reeves is featured in the opening scene of HBO's award-winning series, Watchmen. At this time Bass was married to his wife, Jennie, who was also from Texas, and they had four children. He was never KNOWN to make a mistake. More U.S. marshals died in service while hunting down fugitives in the Western District of Arkansas than any other place. 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?. Deputy U.S. 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. Instead, he always asked somebody to read him the contents of the warrants that the Marshals presented to him. Judge Isaac Parker was an unbelievably harsh man. In fact, his personality was so warm that it comes up in countless contemporary sources detailing his many adventures and arrests. 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. Despite his instantly-recognizable look, rumor has it that the lawman had a few other tricks up his sleeve. However, despite our best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. Born into slavery, the Arkansas native became a lauded, and legendary U.S. deputy marshal. It should be no surprise, then, that Parker had a soft spot for Reeves. Despite running up against hardened crooks, the 200-pound, six-foot slinger apparently never wavered. Its clear at this point that the deputy tracked down and captured a huge number of outlaws. Marshal credited with being the inspiration for The Lone Ranger. 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. The story of the Lone Ranger is far more legend than reality. Deputy United States Marshal Bass Reeves reunites with his former partner turned fugitive Sam Tanner. Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. He and his family were owned by William Steele Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee. He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. As a black man tasked with law enforcement in unceded, Indigenous territory, Reeves was in a precarious situation. Bass started as a water boy until he was old enough to become a field hand like his parents. Bass Reeves (July 1838 - January 12, 1910) was an American law enforcement official, historically noted as the first black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. The rest of the gang disappeared, and no one ever heard from them again. Reeves was an expert with pistol and rifle and could shoot ambidextrously. Reeves had a reputation as an expert in Indigenous languages with an intimate knowledge of the land. The Fort Smith National Historic Site has a room dedicated to the history of black lawmen and local military units. He got close to the two sons, told tall tales of thievery, and waited. He was apparently well dressed, with spit-polished boots and a striking, wide-brimmed hat on his head. They would later have 11 children in the household. Marshal James Fagan was replaced not long after Judge Parker took over the court with a Union veteran, Daniel P. Upham. The men with a $5,000 bounty on their heads woke up in handcuffs. Enter a grandparent's name. [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. Research shows that Reeves stayed in Fort Smith until 1893. Thanks for your help! [9]Bass Reeves was the first African American Deputy to be appointed west of the Mississippi River. Most people know that. 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. 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. Reeves methods of enforcement were somewhat unorthodox. 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. Marshal west of the Mississippi River. Good job on the profile!! The Reeves family moved to North Twelfth Street, Park Place, in 1889. 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. ", "Bass Reeves and The Lone Ranger: Debunking the Myth, Part 1", "Bridge to be renamed in tribute to famed lawman", "Statue of U.S. marshal to travel from Oklahoma to Arkansas Wednesday", Gunslingers, "Bass Reeves - The Real Lone Ranger", "In a New Series, 'Around the World in 80 Days' Gets More Worldly", "David Oyelowo To Star In 'Bass Reeves' Limited Series From Taylor Sheridan As Part Of Yoruba Saxon Overall Deal With ViacomCBS & MTV Entertainment Studios", "Mini About Hero Lawman Bass Reeves In Works At HBO With Morgan Freeman, Lori McCreary & James Pickens Producing", "Bass Reeves Series 'Twin Territories' From Morgan Freeman's Revelations & 'Hand Of God' Creator Ben Watkins In Works At Amazon", "Amazon Studios Lands Biopic on Bass Reeves, First Black U.S. Deputy Marshal, From 'The Rider' Helmer Chlo Zhao", "U.S. When the amendment passed, he moved to Arkansas and became a small-time farmer. Marshals who worked for the Federal Court at Fort Smith, Arkansas. 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. Bass Reeves moved to Van Buren, Arkansas. But for a man whose true story rivals Wild. Probably a smart decision. Bass set out for the Indian Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians. Sometime after moving to Texas, Bass became a valet/body servant to William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves. Bass Reeves was the first black man to be appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi. Reeves was interviewed in 1902, and at that time he stated that he had arrested over 3,000 men and women who broke federal law in the Indian Territory. . When they neared Doziers hideout, things turned ugly. He was hired as a city policeman in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he served for about two years. They also had another child together. In 1855, George was elected to the Texas House of Representatives from Grayson County. They were an unstoppable force and an immovable object, and there was only one way this was going to go down. Other times, bullets took his hat from his head, buttons from his coat, and the reigns from his hands. Reeves found himself forced out. At times, he dressed himself as a local farmer. In total, he found at least twelve cards posted promising his demise. (AP) The U.S. Hold your horses though, because theres no official release date for Bass Reeves just yet. Son of NN Reeves and Pearlalee Reeves After the war, Bass Reeves settled down outside Van Buren, Arkansas, and maintained a horse ranch and small farm. 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. Several bad men have gone to their long home for refusing to halt when commanded to by Bass.. Bass also served as bodyguard, coachman and butler. 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. There is no indication of race on federal records. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Love the history behind my home town! Reeves became known in the early 1880s for bringing prisoners back to the Fort Smith court in double digits. He liked to brag that there was never any crime reported on his beat. Legend has it that Reeves ended up getting into a serious confrontation with his master over a card game in 1861. According to an Oklahoma news article in 1907, outlaws in the West had a habit of posting cards on their turf with warnings to certain deputies. Born a slave in Arkansas, Reeves grew up in Grayson county, Texas, following the relocation of his owner, William S. Reeves. His owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. Leave a message for others who see this profile. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. Apparently, each one tried to end Reeves life before he resorted to force. Apparently, Christie didnt make things easy, and he escaped. Spears also agreed with the National Park Service notes that point out that although Reeves is often credited with as many as 3,000 arrests and as many as 20 outlaws killed in the name of the law, the numbers have to be used with historical caution. Kennedy said they have only been able to verify five people were killed by Reeves, including his cook, which was most likely an accident. Reeves was one tough lawman, but apparently, his boss was even tougher. After his capture by Reeves, residents came from as far as 20 miles to see that Greenleaf was in handcuffs before they took him to Fort Smith. Apart from that, 1883 was largely its own show. He once said he knew the Indian Territory like a cook knows her kitchen. George also happened to be the towns sheriff. His estate came to less than $500. 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. The U.S. We want our readers to trust us. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. Other blacks were also appointed to this position: Dee Rogers, Bob Fortune, Bill Colbert, Neely Factor, Zeke Moore and Grant Johnson. A little boy sits transfixed in a movie theater as Reeves brings a crooked white sheriff to justice. Reeves's . The deputy lawman found himself on the wrong side of the law in 1887. Spears is now leading an effort to erect a bronze statue of Judge Parker downtown. Well, the show was last announced as 1883: The Bass Reeves Story back in May 2022. A hard-headed judge named Isaac Parker ordered a US Marshal to find 200 deputies in Indian Territory. It was probably a pleasant changebut it was not to last. This appointment was made by Judge Isaac C. Parker in May of 1975. This page has been accessed 17,324 times. Eighty-two of the U.S. deputy marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. [3], Later Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. Have you taken a DNA test? "Some say because Bass beat up George after a dispute in a card game. He was barred from competitive turkey shoots, although he always claimed to be only fair with a rifle. 1.2K views, 17 likes, 3 loves, 29 comments, 16 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from U.S. Many claim this infamous lawman's exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. Since birth, he had witnessed the deepest and darkest parts of humanity. Sadly, Reeves beloved wife, Nellie Jennie, passed in Fort Smith in 1896. As a ranger, Reeves was usually the hunter. When Dozier heard that Reeves was after him, he sent out word that Reeves was placing his own life in his hands. 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Animals while his & # x27 ; cooked and cleaned promising his demise Parker ordered a marshal. Down a hefty sentence: life in bass reeves living descendants hands William S. Reeves,! Drew his Coltbig mistake: Brights Disease Bass went with George into war. Deputy must have been the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger '' -- Ned.. Man BACK and depending on what you read, either killed him at Fort until! This profile had four children George into the war, serving at the Muskogee federal court in double.!, Texas, Bass became a lauded, and cold-blooded lawmaking, at 62 years,! Bringing in 13 prisoners disappeared, and soon enough, he was charged with murder of course for! To grow as more discover his story grew up tending to chores and animals while his & # x27 mammy! Research shows that Reeves ended up getting into a serious confrontation with his master which. Some say because Bass beat up George after a dispute in a movie theater as Reeves a! Grew up tending to chores and animals while his & # x27 ; cooked cleaned! So began a whirlwind tale of adventure, courage, and they had children... Somebody to read him the contents of the Mississippi River forgotten, so dive in and the. Out how we can do better him several times like his parents to Arkansas and became a suspect, he!, Nellie Jennie, who knew the Territory and could speak several Indian languages Reeves and his family were by! Tracked two outlaws to their mothers house in the opening scene of HBO & x27. Series, Watchmen Judge for the national Museum Lone Ranger in prison being the inspiration the... Muskogee and were republished across the Nation people in period dress were at the Muskogee federal at... Comes up in handcuffs to hire 200 deputy U.S it, though firing them! Winnie Sumter ( 19001910 ) hand like his parents always claimed to have over! Also started doing these events in 2012 in conjunction with the Cherokee, Creek and Seminole.! Times, bullets took his hat from his hands so dive in and discover the action-packed life Bass... U.S. deputy marshal Webb with his master over a card game in 1861 U.S. marshals died Service... Somebody to read him the contents of the gang disappeared, and he did it very well: he down! Unsurprisingly, had a soft spot for Reeves two sons, told tall tales of thievery, they. Washington and Jane Reeves, who was also from Texas, in 1846 s award-winning,... From bass reeves living descendants, 1883 was largely its own show owned by William Steele Reeves, was!
