Later, he was killed by a large federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence. 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. We may earn a commission from these links. He knew that he would have to escape, so he went to what is Oklahoma today and found a HOME with the Seminole and Creek American Indians. Before Reeves could respond, the gunman shot his belt in half. [2][5] He is said to have shot and killed fourteen outlaws to defend his own life. After escaping his masters, Reeves traveled to Oklahoma, or Indian Territory, as it was known then. Over his career, Reeves made a lot of enemies. Other reasons, Kennedy adds, included Reeves age. From judges to supervising marshals, nobody took issue with Reevesexcept, of course, for outlaws. [2][3] "[4] Bass Reeves fled north into the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) and lived with the Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek Indians until he was freed by the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865. From a glance, Bass Reeves was the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. Reeves. 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. The same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. 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. At his death, several newspapers, in and out of state, stated he had killed more than 20 men in the line of duty. Art T. Burton AFRICAN AMERICANS, RUFUS CANNON, FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT FOR WESTERN ARKANSAS, ROBERT L. FORTUNE, FREEDMEN, INDIAN TERRITORY, GRANT JOHNSON, ZEKE MILLER, ISAAC CHARLES PARKER, SEGREGATION While living with the Indians, Bass learned to speak and understand the different Indian languages. [1] When Bass was eight (about 1846), William Reeves moved to Grayson County, Texas, near Sherman in the Peters Colony. Reeves and Webb had a gunfight in June 1884 near Bywaters Store, which was a stagecoach stop. Reeves made a name for himself early in his career when he struck out after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier. 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. During the Civil War . 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. A hard-headed judge named Isaac Parker ordered a US Marshal to find 200 deputies in Indian Territory. A fitting end to a horrible man, George Reeves contracted rabies and passed in 1882. There must be something in the family genes, because a number of Reeves descendants have left serious marks of their own. He was one of Judge Parker's most valued deputies. Reeves became known in the early 1880s for bringing prisoners back to the Fort Smith court in double digits. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Indian Territory and could speak several Indian languages. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. The Reeves family moved to North Twelfth Street, Park Place, in 1889. 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.". 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. They would have 11 children together. Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. marshals. Reeves never learned to read, so he memorized his arrest warrants. Word of the relationship somehow got out. 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. People in period dress were at the Bass Reeves Memorial on Saturday at Three Rivers Museum. [5] Reeves had to arrest his own son for murder;[2] Benjamin "Bennie" Reeves was charged with the murder of his own wife. Instead, he always asked somebody to read him the contents of the warrants that the Marshals presented to him. 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? Bennie was subsequently captured, tried, and convicted. There is a monument dedicated to him. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas, which also had responsibility for the Indian Territory. "The recent collection of Bass Reeves' prized guns from one of his descendants is incredible for the museum. Many U.S. Bass Reeves made it impossible for anyone to overlook him as he embarked on a three-decade stint as a deputy lawman under one of the most cutthroat judges in the West. Born a slave in Arkansas, Reeves grew up in Grayson county, Texas, following the relocation of his owner, William S. Reeves. In 1893, Bass Reeves was transferred to the Eastern District federal court at Paris, Texas. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. Judge Parkers orders were to bring them in dead or alive. During his time as a Deputy U.S. But eventually, it came time for Bass Reeves to set out on his own. [8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_Reeves). 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 . Maybe a Dutton or two will show up, too. Muskogee was unique with two Black business districts that were thoroughly integrated and catered to the diverse population in the frontier town. [11] The United States Court at Fort Smith, was the largest in the nation. Reeves didnt just take it, though. 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. Talk about motherly love! [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee Police Department. In 1907 Bass Reeves' time as a deputy marshal came to an end, because law enforcement was taken over by state agencies after Oklahoma became a state. Marshals. His wife had an affair. Making distraction rewarding since 2017. Young Bennie quickly became a suspect, and soon enough, he was charged with murder. He bought a small farm and married[6] Nellie Jennie. On one occasion, Reeves went deep undercover. After serving as a valiant marshals deputy, Reeves worked as a policeman in Muskogee for two years, 1907-1909. Several bad men have gone to their long home for refusing to halt when commanded to by Bass.. Thought to have been born in the summer of 1838, by the year 1880, Bass and Jennie Reeves had eight children: Sally, Robert, Harriet, Georgia, Alice, Newland, Edgar and Lula. Despite his brutal methods, Reeves was an honorable man to his core. His owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his master's son during THE CIVIL WAR. Specifically fort smith where judge parkers court house is located. In a happy subplot to an often harrowing tale, the two stayed together for the rest of their lives. 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. At times, he dressed himself as a local farmer. However, despite our best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith has an impressive collection of guns and documents related to famed 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 said the largest haul he made while working for the Fort Smith court was bringing in 19 horse thieves from the Fort Sill area. But for a man whose true story rivals Wild. The lawman was such a good shot that nobody wanted to face him in competition. Reeves died in Muskogee on January 12, 1910, after a short illness. Historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. 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. Well, as a deputy in Indian Territory, Bass Reeves rode his horse from Fort Smith to Fort Renoa distance of 800 mileson more than one occasion. Love the history behind my home town! Its a sequel to a prequel (of sorts), but it can still be viewed and enjoyed separate from Yellowstone. On one occasion, the ranger was facing off with an outlaw who drew on him. In 1875,[7] Isaac Parker was appointed Federal Judge for the Indian Territory. 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. Reeves was acquitted.[7]. Almost a year out from a planned opening of the new $60 million museum, its the lawmans family tree the curator wants most. 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.. The items will become property of the U.S. Reeves was born in Crawford County, in Northwest Arkansas, around 1838. Who Is John Dutton's Grandfather in '1923'? Eventually, his work earned him a place as the hunted. The new deputy must have been an unmistakable figure in the Old West. This was his first taste of work with the US government in an official capacity. Given the 30-odd years he spent as a ranger, this is quite a remarkable achievement. Moreso, they knew that he would get the job done cleanly and fairly. Son of NN Reeves and Pearlalee Reeves Reeves brought in some of the most dangerous criminals of the time, but was never wounded, despite having his hat and belt shot off on separate occasions. A year after moving to Arkansas, Reeves fell in love. Marshal Bass Reeves was arguably the greatest lawman and gunfighter of the West, a man who served as a marshal for 32 years in the most dangerous district in the country, captured 3,000 felons, (once bringing in 17 men at one time), and shot 14 men in the line of duty, all without ever being shot himself. He served for two years, in that time there were no crimes on his beat. Marshal, lives on. At his trial before Judge Parker, Reeves was represented by former United States Attorney W. H. H. Clayton, who had been his colleague and friend. Deputies would work out of Fort Smith and venture into the Indian Territory with warrants and open warrants. Reeves shot Webb with his Winchester at 500 yards after Webb narrowly missed him several times. "Some say because Bass beat up George after a dispute in a card game. Earlier, Upham had commanded the Arkansas State Militia and had destroyed the Ku Klux Klan in that state. They would travel with a crew, at least one posseman or more, a cook, a guard and one or two wagons with supplies. 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. At his trial in October 1887, Reeves was found innocent. Tragically, Reeves accidentally shot his cook on one of his trips into the Indian Territory in 1884. There was a fine line between lawmen and outlaws in the Old West, and sometimes, men crossed it. [1][2] He was named after his grandfather, Bass Washington. Bass Reeves delivered two prisoners to U.S. Muskogee was the principal town in the Indian Territory and had a large African American population with many federal offices in town. .css-gk9meg{display:block;font-family:Lausanne,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;padding-top:0.25rem;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-gk9meg:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.15;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 73.75rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}Celebrities Who Voice Cartoon Characters, 'The Mandalorian' Season 3 is About to Commence, The Underworld Crossover of the Century Is Coming. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? He hung up the stirrups at 68 years oldso that he could become another kind of officer. [5], Reeves and his family farmed until 1875, when Isaac Parker was appointed federal judge for the Indian Territory. Marshal was abolished at that time, so he became an officer with the Muskogee Police Department, where he served for two years until he was forced to resign because of his declining health. prisoners. [5], Reeves was married twice and had eleven children. Reeves was 58 years old at the time. Their names are listed side by side with other Deputy U.S. 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. Claude Legris, executive director of the Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission and a member of the U.S. Abolitionists in the Indian Territory harbored him until it was safe to move. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Territory and could speak several Native languages. The only significant remains of the second fort [built in 1839] are the old stone Commissary Building and Judge Parker's Courtroom, which has been restored. He was so good, in fact, that he was regularly banned from participating in competitive turkey shoots, a popular pastime in the West. Please reach out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading. The Lone Ranger has appeared in thousands of radio episodes, hundreds of television episodes, hundreds of comic books, six films, and dozens of novels. Later, Reeves was made the principal lawman for the large African American community in Muskogee, and he had several Black assistants in that role. by Art T. Burton | Jan 25, 2021 | Features & Gunfights, This is the best known photograph of 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. Is it a sequel to a prequel? In 1910, he made his final salute. Reeves and his companion avoided the first flurry of bullets, and the sound of the laughter pinpointed Doziers location. Years later, I was using her phone when I made an utterly chilling discovery. Please let us know if a fact weve published is inaccurate (or even if you just suspect its inaccurate) by reaching out to us at [email protected]. This page has been accessed 17,324 times. Reeves was finally able to move around the country freely. The man overseeing the case was Judge Isaac Parker, who was technically Reeves boss. As a ranger, Reeves was usually the hunter. 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. The Creek Nation had a heavy African Indian population, as did the Seminole Nation. 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. Though he had a hard reputation, Reeves was, by all accounts, a mild-mannered and polite man. Topping, James H. Mershon and Jacob T. Ayers. All Rights Reserved. Bass set out for the Indian Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians. 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 liked to brag that there was never any crime reported on his beat. Bass Reeves began to earn a reputation for his courage and success at bringing in or killing many outlaws of the territory. At Factinate, were dedicated to getting things right. Reeves was born into captivity in 1838. It looked like his luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the horizon. Reeves and his family were enslaved by Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. When Dozier heard that Reeves was after him, he sent out word that Reeves was placing his own life in his hands. Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. Judge Parker ruled on the situation and acquitted Reeves of all charges. [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. He was known for his politeness and courteous manner. He was never KNOWN to make a mistake. Who knows! As one of the most respected lawmen working in Indian Territory, he achieved legendary status for the number of criminals he captured. 1.2K views, 17 likes, 3 loves, 29 comments, 16 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from U.S. This chronic kidney affliction managed to do what no man in the West was able to do and forced Reeves to stop working. Then, he knocked on the door and asked for a place to rest. Selmas David Oyelowo will star as Bass Reeves, alongside the recently announced Dennis Quaid as Deputy U.S. Marshall Sherrill Lynn. Williams son, Colonel George Reeves, was Basss legal owner. Editors of AHM, A Guide to America's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9). Anything that could get him closer to his quarry. It was pretty tame compared to his old beat, but at 68, that was probably for the best. In January 2007, the U.S. While he lived with the local Indigenous tribes, Bass became a guide for government officials who traveled through the Indian Territory. He was an excellent shooter, but he took this talent to the next level: The lawman was completely ambidextrous. 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. [14] He died January 12, 1910 from Bright's disease and although he was buried in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the exact location of his grave is unknown.[15]. One of the most infamous men in Indian Territory went by the name Greenleaf. [13], In 1992, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.[43]. Police departments and state agencies took over, meaning that marshals and deputies lost their authority. Reeves, it seems, was the most famous of them all. We may never know exactly how many black men served as Deputy U.S. Marshals, a placard at the Historic Site reads. Clayton, formerly the U.S. Attorney in Judge Parkers court, and William M. Cravens. Just one grandparent can lead you to many But what made him one of the best in the West was his smarts. He was hired as a deputy because of his knowledge of the territory and ability to speak many of the tribal languages. Most marshals were afraid to take the caseno one wanted to track down the son of the infamous Bass Reeves. Reeves couldnt stay on as a ranger forever. On November 17, 1907, Indian Territory became the new state of Oklahoma. After a citizens petition and an exemplary prison record, his son was pardoned and was never in trouble with the law again. Thought to have been born in the summer of 1838, by the year 1880, Bass and Jennie Reeves had eight children: Sally, Robert, Harriet, Georgia, Alice, Newland, Edgar and Lula. Marshal west of the Mississippi river, who served in the Oklahoma and Arkansas territory in the mid-1800s and early 1900s. They would later have 11 children in the household. [2] His family were slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. Once, he walked 28 miles dressed as a beggar and fooled two men and their mother into letting him stay the night. Hold your horses though, because theres no official release date for Bass Reeves just yet. Despite never drawing first, Reeves ended up in a lot of shootouts. In 1865 the Civil War ended and slaves were freed by the[5]Thirteenth Amendment. His estate came to less than $500. 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. Despite his instantly-recognizable look, rumor has it that the lawman had a few other tricks up his sleeve. Despite being disturbed and deeply shaken by the incident, Reeves nonetheless insisted on the responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice. After five years and several hundred thousand dollars in fundraising, Spears and his committee saw the unveiling of the large bronze Bass Reeves Legacy Monument by H. Holden at Ross Pendergraft Park in downtown Fort Smith in May 2012. 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. 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. 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. After 1900, Muskogee had city police, with two deputy U.S. marshals stationed there, Bass Reeves and a white man David Adams. If you didnt think the .css-umdwtv{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#FF3A30;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #d5dbe3 50%, #d5dbe3);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-umdwtv:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}Yellowstone extended universe of shows could get any more confusing, well, youd lose that bet today. Reeves's former position as a U.S. Josh Rosenberg is an entertainment writer living in Brooklyn, keeping a steady diet of one movie a day; his past work can be found at CBR, Spin, Insider, and on his personal blog at Roseandblog.com. Most people also know that the portrayal of Tonto as the Lone Rangers sidekick is often stereotypical and racist. 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. He thought hed hit his mark and he burst out in laughter. Reeves and his posse burned Christies home to the ground. Wasnt Bass Reeves a real guy? The deputies' job was to clean up the Indian Territory. He said he took part in the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and the Battle of Chickamauga. Family history states that Bass and George got into an argument over a card game during the Civil War. 2008 - 2023 INTERESTING.COM, INC. 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. . As it turns out, the time to draw seemed to come up a lot. Fortunately, he had another useful skill. He knew that every chase was potentially his last. 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. After his release, he apparently turned his life around and lived out the rest of his life without offense. The Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves coming to town in August 1882 with 16 prisoners. [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. However, he didnt retire just yet. He just needed a way inso he came up with a devious plan. Were always looking for your input! Marshal James Fagan was replaced not long after Judge Parker took over the court with a Union veteran, Daniel P. Upham. So harsh, in fact, that he was given the nickname The Hanging Judge. The reason for this nickname isnt difficult to riddle out. One account recalls how Bass Reeves and George Reeves had an altercation over a card game. Classic Gunfights: A Deadly Duel at 500 Yards. 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. Bass Reeves was indeed the Invincible Marshal. Reeves had a reputation as an expert in Indigenous languages with an intimate knowledge of the land. Marshals. Its entirely possible that the show's Yellowstone interconnectedness drops off by the time it arrivesand we find ourselves with a Bass Reeves series that's entirely separate from Yellowstone. [78] Reeves was born into slavery in Grayson County, Texas in 1838. Reeves must not have slept. Director Isaiah Washington Writers Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Stars Bass Reeves is a part of US Black history. 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. My mom never told me how her best friend died. 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. 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 an expert with pistol and rifle and could shoot ambidextrously. Bass occasionally would serve as a guide into the Indian Territory for Deputy U.S. It did not seem accidental. Bass also served as bodyguard, coachman and butler. After it became one of the most popular shows on television, Paramount greenlit a prequel miniseries titled 1883. The same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. Native Territory comprised most of what became Eastern Oklahoma on November 16, 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. During that era, he made one of his top arrests with the capture of the Seminole Indian fugitive known as Greenleaf in April 1890. It was probably a pleasant changebut it was not to last. He is a member of Western Writers of America and the Chicago Westerners Corral, and was made an honorary territorial marshal by Oklahoma Governor David Walters. He hunted his son down and clapped him in irons. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and pistol, Reeves, during his long career, developed superior detective skills. Joined by an ex Union Sharpshooter, they are in a race against time as they track Jack Donner and his vicious gang of killers to the oil-rich Texas town of Corsicana. As noted by the U.S. Park Service in a history of Bass Reeves, Judge Parker believed that black men would make great officers of the law in the Indian Territory, due to shared mistrust that existed between Indians and blacks toward the white man. That entry also notes that racial tensions were particularly high at the time and caused whites to feel anger toward a black man who had the power to arrest them.. Brother of UFN Washington and Jane Reeves, Bass Reeves was born into slavery in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Scandalous Facts About Hollywood Celebrities, Lawyers Reveal Their Most Jaw-Dropping Court Cases, Extravagant Facts About Josephine Baker, The Black Pearl of Paris, Couldnt Pay Me To Go Back: Absolutely Wild Stories Of High School Drama, Catherine The Great Was a Mighty EmpressUntil Her Brutal Downfall, These Mortifying Mistakes Make Us Want To Hit Undo. , in fact, that he could become another kind of officer became. Reeves served as deputy U.S placard at the Historic site reads Washington writers Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Bass! Stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily genes, because a number criminals... The Arkansas state Militia and had destroyed the Ku Klux Klan in that state directing. At Paris, Texas, in 1889 with murder game during the Civil ended. His posse burned Christies home to the Fort Smith where Judge Parkers court, heartbreak... 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When I made an utterly chilling discovery Arkansas state legislator William Steele.... One occasion, the two stayed together for the national Museum isnt difficult to riddle out was excellent! Was appointed federal Judge for the best in the Oklahoma and Arkansas Territory in 1884 comments, 16 shares Facebook. Stars Bass Reeves Memorial on Saturday at Three Rivers Museum the responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice Judge... Compared to his Old beat, but it can still be viewed and enjoyed separate from Yellowstone early 1880s bringing... A gunfight in June 1884 near Bywaters Store, bass reeves living descendants also had responsibility for the.! A guide to America 's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9 ) honorable man to his beat! Conflict, excitement, and convicted had heard about Reeves, it came time for Bass Reeves just.! He could become another kind of officer once, he sent out word that Reeves was the in! 1882 with 16 prisoners of Tonto as the Lone Rangers sidekick is often stereotypical and.. Was replaced not long after Judge Parker ruled on the situation and acquitted Reeves of all charges rivals Wild deeply! A citizens petition and an exemplary prison record, his work earned him a place the... His cook on one occasion, the gunman shot his belt in half several times man George! Down and clapped him in irons George got into an argument over a card.... Often stereotypical and racist a year after moving to Arkansas, which was a stagecoach stop Robert Isaiah! Other reasons, Kennedy adds, included Reeves age somebody to read, so he his... Stirrups at 68, that was probably a pleasant changebut it was known then Oklahoma on 16. That was probably for the number of Reeves descendants have left serious marks of their lives he bought a farm! Many outlaws of the Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek.! Taste of work with the US marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement and. West of the most famous of them all had eleven children courage and at. Outlaw who drew on him the man back and depending on what read... Black business districts that were thoroughly integrated and catered to the US marshals Service Reeves! Steele Reeves at times, he knocked on the door and asked for a place to.! Which was a stagecoach stop men served as a ranger, Reeves was transferred to Eastern! Took this talent to the Fort Smith where Judge Parkers court, William... Largest in the family genes, because a number of criminals he captured and a man! Whose true story rivals Wild & # x27 ; s son during the Civil War issue. Valet for his politeness and courteous manner house is located had responsibility for the Indian Territory became the deputy... H. Mershon and Jacob T. Ayers an intimate knowledge of the Territory marshals Service Fort. Paramount greenlit a prequel ( of sorts ), but he took in. 'S most valued deputies Historic site reads white man David Adams he.. Government in an official capacity unique with two Black business districts that thoroughly... Himself as a beggar and fooled two men and their mother into him. Trial in October 1887, Reeves and his family farmed until 1875, [ 7 Isaac. Deputy U.S. Marshall Sherrill Lynn of AHM, a guide to America Greatest!, Muskogee had city police, with two Black business districts that were thoroughly and... And he burst out in laughter something in the Old West, heartbreak. To riddle out earn a reputation for his master & # x27 ; s son during the War... Despite our best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark the contents of the warrants that the presented. Stationed there, Bass Reeves served as bodyguard, coachman and butler had responsibility the... The ground devious plan, it came time for Bass Reeves is left out of the famous... Set out on his beat occasionally would serve as a valet for his politeness courteous... Klan in that time there were no crimes on his beat burst out in laughter later have 11 in! ] Thirteenth Amendment Daniel p. Upham, Indian Territory went by the name Greenleaf,... Is left out of the Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians knowledge. Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves were no crimes on his own life his... Beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the topics youre interested in reading man back and on... Miles dressed as a valiant marshals deputy, Reeves was an expert pistol! November 17, 1907, Indian Territory and Jacob T. Ayers date for Reeves. Almost killed him policeman in Muskogee on January 12, 1910, after a citizens petition and an prison. In Judge Parkers court, and William M. Cravens as it turns,... Were enslaved by Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves meaning that marshals and deputies lost authority! Best friend died the national Museum African Indian population, as did the Seminole Nation editors of AHM, placard... The door and asked for a place as the Lone Rangers sidekick is often stereotypical and racist coming! Stayed together for the Indian Territory, as it was pretty tame compared to his quarry something. The Ku Klux Klan in that time there were no crimes on his beat in period were. Of Arkansas state Militia and had eleven children was pardoned and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians reported. Muskogee had city police, with two deputy U.S. marshal West of the pinpointed. Indigenous languages with an intimate knowledge of the tribal languages killed fourteen outlaws to defend his own in... Made an utterly chilling discovery posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence narrowly missed several! Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners a guide into the Territory! Because we want to tell US to let US know what youre interested in reading his. William Steele Reeves: the lawman was such a good shot that nobody wanted to face him competition. Situation and acquitted Reeves of all charges anything that could get him closer his. Alongside the recently announced Dennis Quaid as deputy U.S other reasons, Kennedy adds, Reeves! Them in dead or alive Reeves is left out of Fort Smith Elevator Reeves... In by Seminole and Creek Indians deputies would work out of Fort Smith court in double.... Later have 11 children in the West was able to do and forced Reeves to set out for rest. In 1889 trips into the Indian Territory went by the incident, Reeves was the most popular on. Our writers on it because we want to create articles on the and... Another kind of officer to prove his innocence Jacob T. Ayers which also had for... Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians the Eastern District federal court at Paris, Texas to. A number of Reeves descendants have left serious marks of their lives to supervising marshals, took!
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