Bass Reeves began to earn a reputation for his courage and success at bringing in or killing many outlaws of the territory. On November 17, 1907, Indian Territory became the new state of Oklahoma. Then, he knocked on the door and asked for a place to rest. Reeves had a beat in downtown Muskogee, during . The question, however, opens up an opportunity to talk about one of the best stories around: Born into slavery in Crawford County; escaped servitude during the Civil War; possibly fought for the Union with the Keetoowah Cherokees; survived dozens of gunfights riding for Judge Isaac C. Parker as one of the first black U.S. deputy marshals west of the Mississippi; acquitted of murder for the death of his cook; arrested his son, Benjamin, for shooting his wife, Castella, in a jealous rage. He was never KNOWN to make a mistake. During that era, he made one of his top arrests with the capture of the Seminole Indian fugitive known as Greenleaf in April 1890. He went back to work as one of the deputies of the Western District of Arkansas at Fort Smith under Judge Isaac C. Parker. Story was the leader of a feared gang of horse thieves who operated under the highly original name of The Tom Story Gang. . In 1910, he made his final salute. According to the letter of the law, it didnt matter who they were. Its probably fair to say that Bass himself wasnt too broken up when he heard the news. Adams served as Reeves posseman, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee. The men with a $5,000 bounty on their heads woke up in handcuffs. The upcoming series, seemingly based on a true story, will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. In the card game Cartaventura Oklahoma, one plays the fictional escape of Bass Reeves with five possible outcomes. When the altercation turned physical, Reeves released a well-deserved beatdown on the Colonel. [5], One of his sons was charged with the murder of his wife. Bass raised horses and served as a scout for deputy U.S. marshals going into the Indian Territory. But for a man whose true story rivals Wild. After that, Reeves had little choice but to flee his bondage and ride off into the sunset in search of a life as a free man. Marshals who rode for Parker have received fame over the years: Paden Tolbert bringing in Ned Christie, for example. There is no indication of race on federal records. The Reeves family moved to North Twelfth Street, Park Place, in 1889. So harsh, in fact, that he was given the nickname The Hanging Judge. The reason for this nickname isnt difficult to riddle out. 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. Thanks for your time! As Sheridan recently told Deadline, they wanted to hold a meeting to discuss how certain characters may have survived their deaths, so Sheridan worked up another peek into the window instead. As usual, Reeves struck out with a posse. He tried to apprehend the fugitive Jim Webb, who had been foreman on the Billy Washington Ranch in the Chickasaw Nation. Reeves greatest gunfight was in 1884. 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. Several bad men have gone to their long home for refusing to halt when commanded to by Bass.. However, Bass Reeves certainly liked to tell a tall tale, and his descendants have since said that these claims were false. The known black deputy U.S. marshals, however, are listed as Rufus Cannon, Bill Colbert, Bynum Colbert, Cyrus Dennis, Wiley Escoe, Neely Factor, Robert Fortune, John Garrett, Edward D. Jefferson, Grant Johnson, John Joss, Robert Love, Zeke Miller, Crowder Nicks (Nix), Charles Pettit, Bass Reeves, Ed Robinson, Dick Roebuck, Isaac Rogers, Jim Ruth, Dick Shaver, Morgan Tucker, Lee Thompson, Eugene Walker and Henry Whitehead. 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. Fortunately, it was a lucrative business. 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? Reeves was inducted into the Texas Trail of Fame in 2013; he's had bronze statues erected in his likeness, and a bridge in Oklahoma now bears his name. Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. Evidently, she felt duped and betrayed by the heavily armed deputy. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. [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. Oklahoma became a state in 1907. [5] He recruited him as a deputy; Reeves was the first black deputy to serve west of the Mississippi River. Bass started as a water boy until he was old enough to become a field hand like his parents. Reeves and his companion avoided the first flurry of bullets, and the sound of the laughter pinpointed Doziers location. 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. Sometime after moving to Texas, Bass became a valet/body servant to William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves. Reeves eventually tracked Dozier down to a hideout in Cherokee territory. 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.". Bass Reeves and his family were slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. Tragically, Reeves accidentally shot his cook on one of his trips into the Indian Territory in 1884. [3], As a freedman, Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. Marshals. 1883: The Bass Reeves Story will be so different as it will focus on the historical figure Bass Reeves, an enslaved man turned U.S. Marshals Service also started doing these events in 2012 in conjunction with the Cherokee Nation. 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. Maybe a Dutton or two will show up, too. Because it was Bass's son the other deputies were reluctant to take the warrant. 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. As a ranger, Reeves was usually the hunter. Good job on the profile!! Williams son, Colonel George Reeves, was Basss legal owner. "Some say because Bass beat up George after a dispute in a card game. The Legend of Bass Reeves by author Gary Paulsen is a Western written for young readers. The legendary lawman was said to. 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. Reeves remained with this federal district until 1897, when he was transferred to the new Northern District of Indian Territory at Muskogee. He caught over 3000 criminals in his career. Marshals Museum. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Indian Territory and could speak several Indian languages. Reeves was acquitted.[7]. Later, he was killed by a large federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence. The new deputy must have been an unmistakable figure in the Old West. In the late 1870s and early 1880s, most guards, turnkeys, cooks and bailiffs for the Fort Smith federal court were African Americans. Marshals Museums board of directors, said Burton told Reeves story at a Fort Smith National Historic Site Descendants Day event in the early 2000s and helped Reeves receive the notoriety for his bravery and incredible career as a lawman. WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. 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. Even with air conditioning, rest stops, gas station snacks, and aux cords, an 800-mile road trip is a serious undertaking. George Reeves was also a legislator, in Texas, and at the time of his death in 1882 from rabies, George Reeves was the Speaker of the House in the Texas legislature. 1.2K views, 17 likes, 3 loves, 29 comments, 16 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from U.S. As a black man tasked with law enforcement in unceded, Indigenous territory, Reeves was in a precarious situation. Muskogee was the principal town in the Indian Territory and had a large African American population with many federal offices in town. However, he didnt retire just yet. At the age of 67, Bass Reeves retired from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907. Her passing absolutely devastated him. He hung up the stirrups at 68 years oldso that he could become another kind of officer. 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. Then, Reeves met a woman named Winnie Sumter and fell in love all over again. When he retired in 1907, Reeves claimed to have arrested over 3,000 felons. Reeves was arrested and lodged in the Fort Smith federal jail until he could make bond in June of that year. When Reeves drew his warrant, Story drew his Coltbig mistake. According to Art Burton, a well-respected historian, Bass Reeves is the inspiration for the Lone Ranger, a fictional Texas Ranger who has become one of the most recognizable cultural icons in American history. When Dozier heard that Reeves was after him, he sent out word that Reeves was placing his own life in his hands. Judge Parker ruled on the situation and acquitted Reeves of all charges. Their names are listed side by side with other Deputy U.S. Eventually, his work earned him a place as the hunted. At others, he took on the guise of an outlaw. He said he took part in the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and the Battle of Chickamauga. He served in the Indian Territory for 32 years. Reeves couldnt stay on as a ranger forever. Marshal Bass Reeves. Marshal Bass Reeves, possibly the greatest lawman of the Old West. All Photos Courtesy Art T. Burton Unless Otherwise Noted . Bass took the warrant and bought his son in for murder shortly thereafter his son convicted and sent to Leavenworth. My mom never told me how her best friend died. 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. Bass severely beat George, and fled to the Indian Territory where he lived among the Cherokee, Creeks and Seminoles. Once And For All, Is The Lone Ranger Based on Bass Reeves? Saddle up, because this ones a bit of a doozyI'll explain Bass Reeves as best as I can. 'Ted Lasso' Season 3 Dropped Its First Trailer, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Is Already In the Works, 'The Last of Us' Ep. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Territory and could speak several Native languages. The Court Notes of the July 31, 1885, Fort Smith Weekly Elevator for example states Deputy Bass Reeves came in same evening with eleven prisoners, as follows: Thomas Post, one Walaska, and Wm. The public won't want to miss the unveiling of these pieces on Saturday," said Jessica Hougen, curator of collections and exhibits for the U.S. Though he successfully caught the outlaws, Reeves did not escape from his infiltration unscathed. Yes and yes. The Lone Ranger has appeared in thousands of radio episodes, hundreds of television episodes, hundreds of comic books, six films, and dozens of novels. When they neared Doziers hideout, things turned ugly. Reeves was eventually believed and acquitted, possibly based on his exceptional record. 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. Born into slavery, the Arkansas native became a lauded, and legendary U.S. deputy marshal. Reeves was over six feet tall and sported a thick black handlebar mustache. He grew up tending to chores and animals while his 'mammy' cooked and cleaned. When Bass was eight, the Reeves family moved to northern Texas to Peters Colony in Grayson County near Sherman, Texas. Theyre like, there better be a fucking season two because we already picked it up, he recalled. The man overseeing the case was Judge Isaac Parker, who was technically Reeves boss. 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. "Bass Reeves Some have suggested a possible historical inspiration was Bass Reeves, the first Black deputy U.S. Many claim this infamous lawman's exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. Interest was, With a budget of $250 million, this summers Disney movie, The Lone Ranger, will be. (AP) The U.S. In the late 1870s, although Reeves was a deputy U.S. marshal, much of his work was as a posseman for other deputy U.S. marshals, including Robert J. Marshal west of the Mississippi River. Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. Marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. Bass Reeves worked with lawman such as [10] Heck Thomas, Bud Ledbetter, and Bill Tilghman. A crack shot, he won 14 shoot-outs with men who all drew on him first without suffering a single wound. When Reeves located the cabin of Christie in the Cherokee Nation, his posse burned it down, but Ned escaped capture and death. Apparently, Christie didnt make things easy, and he escaped. He would then memorize their details before striking out to pursue his target. Greenleaf terrorized the area for years, but to Reeves, he was just another bounty. [1][2] He was named after his grandfather, Bass Washington. Art T. Burton, a retired college history professor, has written four critically acclaimed history books on the American Western frontier. Bass claimed that he fought in the Civil Warfor the South! His owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. The U.S. Bass accepted the responsibility for finding his son. The items will become property of the U.S. As the first Black deputy west of the Mississippi River, Reeves arrested more than . Finally, it came time to bring him down. In 1893, Bass Reeves was transferred to the Eastern District federal court at Paris, Texas. They would have 11 children together. Police departments and state agencies took over, meaning that marshals and deputies lost their authority. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. [2] He served for two years before he became ill and retired. Please add Bass to the American Heroes category. discoveries. Enter a grandparent's name. A hard-headed judge named Isaac Parker ordered a US Marshal to find 200 deputies in Indian Territory. It did not seem accidental. In 1865 the Civil War ended and slaves were freed by the[5]Thirteenth Amendment. Talk about motherly love! Son of NN Reeves and Pearlalee Reeves Marshal west of the Mississippi River, although he was never a Ranger nor did he ever live in Texas. Nellie was the mother of all 10 of his children. Reeves died in Muskogee on January 12, 1910, after a short illness. [5], Reeves was married twice and had eleven children. Have you taken a DNA test? It focuses on the true story of a little-known marshal who patrolled the old Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma. 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. He is believed to be buried in a small cemetery on Fern Mountain Road west of town. Reeves son, Benjamin Reeves, strayed from the family tree and ran into serious trouble with the law. Bass Reeves was born a slave. These are just a few of the incredible stories of a man who hunted down men nobody else could capture. After escaping his masters, Reeves traveled to Oklahoma, or Indian Territory, as it was known then. Bass got so upset at being cheated, he beat his master down and knocked him out. [5], He was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook. Hold your horses though, because theres no official release date for Bass Reeves just yet. http://politicalblindspot.com/the-real-lone-ranger-was-an-african-a https://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/6408028-Police-His Geni requires JavaScript! Reeves County in West Texas is named for him. [12] Ryan Reaves's grandfather changed the family name from Reeves to Reaves. I think Bass Reeves claim to fame is his persistence, and he bounced back after the murder trial.. Bass also served as bodyguard, coachman and butler. Bass Reeves was born into slavery around 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Reeves didnt just take it, though. The same newspaper in March of 1885 reported Reeves bringing in 13 prisoners. All were two years in age apart. Marshals Museum. After serving as a valiant marshals deputy, Reeves worked as a policeman in Muskogee for two years, 1907-1909. It was later proven that Ned was not guilty of the crime. Over a thirty-year career, he faced some of the most feared men in America. Over his long career as a lawman, the mustachioed slinger racked up a body count of 14 men. prisoners. In 1890, he received an arrest warrant for an infamous Cherokee outlaw named Ned Christie. Reeves and his posse burned Christies home to the ground. He often used aliases and disguises, a cowboy, farmer, gunslinger -- even a outlaw. We may earn a commission from these links. Bass won many turkey shoots for his master, which in Texas was prestigious for George. Theres only one catch: Bass Reeves is not an original character. Law and order in the Wild West was not a pretty thing. 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. Old enough to become a field hand like his parents up George after a dispute in a card Cartaventura... 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