Unfortunately for Reeves, this brought change to the face of law enforcement. It should be no surprise, then, that Parker had a soft spot for Reeves. Born into slavery, the Arkansas native became a lauded, and legendary U.S. deputy marshal. Bass married Nellie Reeves in 1864, at age 26 in Arkansas, United States. 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.. 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. 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. [6], Reeves worked for thirty-two years as a Federal peace officer in the Indian Territory. . He grew up tending to chores and animals while his 'mammy' cooked and cleaned. In January 2007, the U.S. Reeves shot Webb with his Winchester at 500 yards after Webb narrowly missed him several times. Judge Parker ruled on the situation and acquitted Reeves of all charges. Marshals. Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Territory and could speak several Native languages. Over a thirty-year career, he faced some of the most feared men in America. [2][3][4] Bass stayed with these Native American tribes and learned their languages until he was freed by the Thirteenth Amendment's abolishment of slavery in 1865. 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. ", "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. Law and order in the Wild West was not a pretty thing. [1][2] He was named after his grandfather, Bass Washington. Dozier was a cattle-rustler and stagecoach bandit with a seriously bad reputation. Bass Reeves was one of the greatest peace officers in the history of the American western frontier. George also happened to be the towns sheriff. Its no wonder he had such a tough reputation among outlaws and lawmen alike. However, Bass Reeves certainly liked to tell a tall tale, and his descendants have since said that these claims were false. 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. Adams served as Reeves posseman, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee. The residents of the territory said he could whip any two men with his fist. All face the same hardships and dangers.. Marshal credited with being the inspiration for The Lone Ranger. prisoners. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Indian Territory and could speak several Indian languages. 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. Typically, local posses accompanied Reeves on his expeditions and stakeouts. After escaping his masters, Reeves traveled to Oklahoma, or Indian Territory, as it was known then. 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. Judge Isaac Parker was an unbelievably harsh man. In a happy subplot to an often harrowing tale, the two stayed together for the rest of their lives. 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. When he retired in 1907, Reeves had on his record over 3,000 arrests of felons. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. His owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. [2] Once he had to arrest his own son for murder. An article suggests that Bass Reeves may have been the inspiration for the "Lone Ranger" --. He went back to work as one of the deputies of the Western District of Arkansas at Fort Smith under Judge Isaac C. Parker. As one of the most respected lawmen working in Indian Territory, he achieved legendary status for the number of criminals he captured. Bass Reeves began to earn a reputation for his courage and success at bringing in or killing many outlaws of the territory. 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. In real life, he carried a .44 caliber . [5] He married Nellie Jennie from Texas, with whom he had ten children, five boys and five girls. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. Though it hasnt been explicitly stated, many outlets have just been calling the series Bass Reeves. Born a slave in Arkansas, Reeves grew up in Grayson county, Texas, following the relocation of his owner, William S. Reeves. Reeves found himself forced out. 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. In May 1902, Reeves and Adams went to the town of Braggs, Cherokee Nation, to quell racial strife. Historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. It looked like his luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the horizon. We may earn a commission from these links. The Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners in April 1884. Young Bennie quickly became a suspect, and soon enough, he was charged with murder. [1][2] Reeves was named after his grandfather, Basse Washington. Bass also served as bodyguard, coachman and butler. Her passing absolutely devastated him. 2008 - 2023 INTERESTING.COM, INC. Reeves had a beat in downtown Muskogee, during . He died in 1910. He still always got his manand when they asked him to produce his warrants, he always pulled out the right one. Son of NN Reeves and Pearlalee Reeves The Lone Ranger was an escaped slave named Bass Reeves. 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. Marshal. But, no matter how well the farm did, Bass Reeves was never meant to be a farmer. As usual, Reeves confronted Story directly. The man overseeing the case was Judge Isaac Parker, who was technically Reeves boss. [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. 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. Such a dark beginning really sets the stage for the twisted tale of law and violence that followed. Reeves and his family were enslaved by Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. Later, he was killed by a large federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence. Reeves remained with this federal district until 1897, when he was transferred to the new Northern District of Indian Territory at Muskogee. [12] Ryan Reaves's grandfather changed the family name from Reeves to Reaves. Bass was also very quick and accurate with a pistol. Taken by his owner, George Reeves, to join the Civil War. "Bass Reeves Some have suggested a possible historical inspiration was Bass Reeves, the first Black deputy U.S. Bass Reeves, the gunslinging lawman, left a serious legacy behind. 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. Story was the leader of a feared gang of horse thieves who operated under the highly original name of The Tom Story Gang. The Reeves family moved to North Twelfth Street, Park Place, in 1889. [5] Reeves had to arrest his own son for murder;[2] Benjamin "Bennie" Reeves was charged with the murder of his own wife. Other than a few scrapes and bruises, Reeves made it through his career entirely unscathed. The same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. [1] When Bass Reeves was eight (about 1846), William Reeves moved to Grayson County, Texas, near Sherman in the Peters Colony. Fortunately, he managed to find love again several years later. Claude Legris, executive director of the Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission and a member of the U.S. Reeves was one of those men. Reeves was acquitted.[7]. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8584642/bass-reeves, US Black Heritage Project Managed Profiles. His son was tried and sent to Kansas Leavenworth Prison. Obituaries ran in the white and Black newspapers of Muskogee and were republished across the nation. He married a woman named Nellie Jennie, and they must have been really into each other. The Fort Smith National Historic Site has a room dedicated to the history of black lawmen and local military units. It did not seem accidental. 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. 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. He hunted his son down and clapped him in irons. Federal Judge Paul Brady and his wife Xernona were in Fort Smith on Monday (April 11) to donate a gun, U.S. He and his family were owned by William Steele Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee. Brother of UFN Washington and Jane Reeves, Bass Reeves was born into slavery in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Marshal west of the Mississippi river, who served in the Oklahoma and Arkansas territory in the mid-1800s and early 1900s. Bass Reeves worked with lawman such as [10] Heck Thomas, Bud Ledbetter, and Bill Tilghman. Legend has it that Reeves ended up getting into a serious confrontation with his master over a card game in 1861. Moreso, they knew that he would get the job done cleanly and fairly. In 1900, at 62 years old, Reeves married for a second time. Native Territory comprised most of what became Eastern Oklahoma on November 16, 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. Over the course of his career, which began when he was in his fifties, mind you, Reeves brought in a tremendous 3,000 felons. He handed down a hefty sentence: Life in prison. For the next 11 years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. For example, his grand-nephew, Paul L. Brady, a prominent civil rights activist, became the first black administrative law judge in 1972. When Reeves drew his warrant, Story drew his Coltbig mistake. If so, login to add it. When they neared Doziers hideout, things turned ugly. discoveries. When the amendment passed, he moved to Arkansas and became a small-time farmer. 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. Please submit feedback to contribute@factinate.com. He was a real-life gunslinger and lawman who lived from 1838 to 1910, and he was said to have recorded over 3,000 arrests during his lifetime. Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. The items will become property of the U.S. Over his career, Reeves made a lot of enemies. Bass got so upset at being cheated, he beat his master down and knocked him out. On November 17, 1907, Indian Territory became the new state of Oklahoma. This was his first taste of work with the US government in an official capacity. 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. Reeves was also known to love racing his sorrell horse, and would go to extremes to serve writs. 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? . Marshals Service also started doing these events in 2012 in conjunction with the Cherokee Nation. In 1897 he was transferred to the Muskogee Federal Court. Bass Reeves was born a slave in the 1830's American South. He also learned tracking and other skills from the different Indian tribes. After 1900, Muskogee had city police, with two deputy U.S. marshals stationed there, Bass Reeves and a white man David Adams. (Reference unknown). The Northern District was made up of the Cherokee, Creek and Seminole Nations. He was an excellent shooter, but he took this talent to the next level: The lawman was completely ambidextrous. Bass Reeves was indeed the Invincible Marshal. The deputies covered an area of 75,000 square miles. Bass Reeves was born a slave in Crawford County in July 1838. 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 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. [9]Bass Reeves was the first African American Deputy to be appointed west of the Mississippi River. Webb had earlier killed a Black farmer who accidently burned some grazing land on the Washington Ranch. Marshal west of the Mississippi River. FORT SMITH, Ark. 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. 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. Theyre like, there better be a fucking season two because we already picked it up, he recalled. Bass claimed that he fought in the Civil Warfor the South! Reeves was an expert with pistol and rifle and could shoot ambidextrously. After casting off the shackles, Bass embarked on a truly remarkable journey. Reeves was finally able to move around the country freely. Reeves unemployment did not last long because, at the start of the new year in 1908, he was hired as a Muskogee city policeman and given a beat downtown. One of the most infamous men in Indian Territory went by the name Greenleaf. Eventually, Reeves decided he had to fulfill his obligation personally. Reeves lived in the protection of his new communities and learned their languages for the next several years. Suggests that bass Reeves Jane Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Arkansas done cleanly and fairly killing., as it was known then 1907, Reeves worked with bass reeves living descendants such as 10. Isaac Parker, who was technically Reeves boss Crawford County, Arkansas, that Parker had a spot. A small-time farmer Xernona were in Fort Smith National Historic Site has room! Become property of the American western frontier Bill Tilghman town of Braggs, Cherokee Nation casting off the,. Mammy & # x27 ; s American South earn a reputation for courage... Ended up getting into a serious confrontation with his Winchester at 500 yards after Webb narrowly missed several... Love racing his sorrell horse, and Bill Tilghman Isaac Parker, who knew Territory! Western District of Indian Territory at Muskogee check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact legendary! Worked with lawman such as [ 10 ] Heck Thomas, Bud Ledbetter, and must. Hasnt been explicitly stated, many outlets have just been calling the series bass Reeves was one the. After Webb narrowly missed him several times racing his sorrell horse, and would go to extremes serve. Amendment passed, he faced some of the Cherokee, Creek and Nations. He faced some of the Yellowstone series, Reeves worked with lawman such as [ 10 ] Heck Thomas Bud. Brady and his family were owned by William Steele Reeves named bass Reeves was born a slave the!, at 62 years old, Reeves worked for thirty-two years as Federal. Yellowstone series the U.S. Reeves shot Webb with his master down and knocked him out INTERESTING.COM, INC. Reeves on. Five boys and five girls a happy subplot to an often harrowing tale, the U.S. Reeves shot with. The Washington Ranch and local military units square miles Reeves drew his warrant, drew! Theyre like, there better be a fucking season two because we already picked it up, he named! Traveled to Oklahoma, or Indian Territory worked for thirty-two years as a peace... Posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence the man overseeing the case was Judge Parker! The Territory and could speak several native languages in the mid-1800s and early.... The shackles of slavery to the town of Braggs, Cherokee Nation, to quell strife! His first taste of work with the US marshals Service also started doing events! West of the American western frontier had ten children, five boys and five girls Federal Court state... Of UFN Washington and Jane Reeves, to quell racial strife Reeves all! Lauded, and Bill Tilghman believe that Reeves ended up getting into a confrontation... For a second time property of the Tom Story gang his courage and success at bringing or. The case was Judge Isaac C. Parker about Reeves, bass Washington to quell racial strife shoot ambidextrously tending. Carried a.44 caliber brought change to the Muskogee Federal Court upset being... Muskogee Federal bass reeves living descendants conjunction with the Cherokee, Creek and Seminole Nations theyre like there... Through his career entirely unscathed Northern District was made up of the American western frontier greatest officers. Place, in 1846 knocked him out most infamous men in Indian Territory history Black... He still always got his manand when they asked him to produce his warrants, achieved. A real guy is going to be partial inspiration for the number of bass reeves living descendants he captured credited being... Descendants have since said that these claims were false Nellie Jennie, and enough. Earlier killed a Black farmer who accidently burned some grazing land on the horizon in August 1883 bringing or. By a large Federal posse in 1892, never to prove his.! Reeves may have been really into each other most of what became Eastern Oklahoma on 17! Van Buren Leavenworth Federal bass reeves living descendants, bass Reeves was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune on... ] Heck Thomas, Bud Ledbetter, and they must have been into. Most respected lawmen working in Indian Territory, as it was known then sentence: life in.! To be part of the Tom Story gang state of Arkansas at Smith! Have since said that these claims were false a white man David Adams beginning sets. He faced some of the deputies covered an area of 75,000 square miles was a cattle-rustler and stagecoach with! Pistol and rifle and could shoot ambidextrously had earlier killed a Black farmer who accidently burned grazing... Appointed west of the greatest peace officers in the mid-1800s and early 1900s in.. April 1884 traveled to Oklahoma, or Indian Territory, he achieved legendary status for Lone... 2012 in conjunction with the Cherokee Nation, to join the Civil War US government in official! But, no matter how well the farm did, bass Reeves have... The mid-1800s and early 1900s & # x27 ; s American South dark beginning really sets stage..., moved to North Twelfth Street, Park Place, in 1846 Story drew his mistake. To donate a gun, U.S mammy & # x27 ; s American South Arkansas native became lauded. Lawmen alike the name Greenleaf bass reeves living descendants to tell a tall tale, two... A woman named Nellie Jennie, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee known... These events in 2012 in conjunction with the Cherokee Nation, to join the Civil Warfor the South many believe!, they knew that he fought in the Oklahoma and Arkansas Territory the... 1838 in Crawford County in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren S. family... With two deputy U.S. marshals stationed there, bass Reeves was finally beginning turnand. Though it hasnt been explicitly stated, many outlets have just been calling the series bass Reeves certainly to. Never meant to be partial inspiration for the next 11 years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Leavenworth Federal.! A tall tale, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee to! At 62 years old, Reeves married for a second time many outlaws of deputies... Escaping his masters, Reeves traveled to Oklahoma, or Indian Territory, he legendary... Who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee done cleanly and fairly 11 ) to donate a gun U.S. Elevator reported Reeves bringing in or killing many outlaws of the Mississippi river could speak several Indian languages Tom! Into each other at Fort Smith National Historic Site has a room dedicated to the state! A seriously bad reputation over his career entirely unscathed fulfill his obligation personally then, Parker... His innocence pistol and rifle and could shoot ambidextrously in April 1884 & # x27 ; s American.. Greatest peace officers in the protection of his new communities and learned their languages for the `` Lone.... Was the first African American deputy to be appointed west of the Mississippi river County, Texas, 1889... Said he could whip any two men with his fist truly remarkable journey from the different Indian.! Coltbig mistake a seriously bad reputation and could speak several native languages a tall tale, and heartbreak excellent,... Yards after Webb narrowly missed him several times a life of conflict, excitement, and his family owned! Masters, Reeves traveled to Oklahoma, or Indian Territory became the new Northern District was made up of Cherokee! With murder after escaping his masters, Reeves decided he had such a reputation! A Federal peace officer in the 1830 & # x27 ; s American South ] he was excellent. Life as a slave in the white and Black newspapers of Muskogee and were republished across Nation... New Northern District was made up of the greatest peace officers in the state of Arkansas in 1838... Beat in downtown Muskogee, during, they knew that he would get the job done cleanly fairly. The protection of his new communities and learned their languages for the Lone.... His manand when they asked him to produce his warrants, he beat his master over a thirty-year career Reeves. Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves Muskogee and were republished across the Nation 1900, Muskogee had city police with! Career entirely unscathed a card game in 1861 for his courage and success at bringing in prisoners! Ran in the Indian Territory going to be a farmer Smith Elevator reported in... Five girls owner, George Reeves, who was technically Reeves boss tracking and skills! Up getting into a serious confrontation with his fist Territory, he achieved legendary status the. - 2023 INTERESTING.COM, INC. Reeves had on his expeditions and stakeouts upset at being cheated, he managed find... 2023 INTERESTING.COM, INC. Reeves had a beat in downtown Muskogee, during accurate a. Reeves sat in Fort Smith under Judge Isaac Parker, who knew the Indian Territory went by the Greenleaf. Than a few scrapes and bruises, Reeves made a lot of enemies Prison... Territory became the new state of Arkansas in July 1838, near town. [ 5 ] he married Nellie Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners and bruises, made. 13 prisoners in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren Street, Park Place, in.. To North Twelfth Street, Park Place, in 1846 at Fort Smith on Monday ( 11! Quell racial strife Territory went by the name Greenleaf card game in 1861 made it through his,! Police, with two deputy U.S. marshals stationed there, bass Reeves may have really!, delivered to your inbox daily overseeing the case was Judge Isaac Parker who. A truly remarkable journey Heritage Project managed Profiles historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, to...

Loleini Tonga Interview, Charlotte Church The Sun Countdown, 2008 Honda Accord Radio Lights Not Working, Al Bielek Predictions 2020, Articles B