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. The same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. This was his first taste of work with the US government in an official capacity. The U.S. Bass raised horses and served as a scout for deputy U.S. marshals going into the Indian Territory. This troubled his mother greatly as she thought he wanted to be an outlaw. Reeves was arrested and lodged in the Fort Smith federal jail until he could make bond in June of that year. He served for two years, in that time there were no crimes on his beat. Just one grandparent can lead you to many Director Isaiah Washington Writers Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Stars 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. He got close to the two sons, told tall tales of thievery, and waited. Reeves and his companion avoided the first flurry of bullets, and the sound of the laughter pinpointed Doziers location. 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. [2][5] He is said to have shot and killed fourteen outlaws to defend his own life. His son was tried and sent to Kansas Leavenworth Prison. Art T. Burton, a retired college history professor, has written four critically acclaimed history books on the American Western frontier. Reeves was in a dangerous profession and, unsurprisingly, had a lot of close calls. Research shows that he could shoot accurately with his Winchester rifle up to 500 yards or a quarter of mile, and he had several gunfights during which he shot felons at that distance. President Ulysses S. Grant appointed a U.S. congressman from Missouri named Isaac C. Parker to take over the Fort Smith federal court in March 1875. Bass Reeves was born a slave in Crawford County in July 1838. 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 son, Benjamin Reeves, strayed from the family tree and ran into serious trouble with the law. He handed down a hefty sentence: Life in prison. Muskogee was unique with two Black business districts that were thoroughly integrated and catered to the diverse population in the frontier town. Bass Reeves was born in Crawford County, Arkansas in 1838. This appointment was made by Judge Isaac C. Parker in May of 1975. This page has been accessed 17,324 times. Is it a sequel to a prequel? At others, he took on the guise of an outlaw. 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. Reeves methods of enforcement were somewhat unorthodox. So what about Bass Reeves? 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. Then, he knocked on the door and asked for a place to rest. Join thousands of others and start your morning with our Fact Of The Day newsletter. Hold your horses though, because theres no official release date for Bass Reeves just yet. Just saw the movie. 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. BLOODY RECORD OF, Reeves Noted Secret Service Manhunter Dead Muskogee Okla Jan 12, Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers, 1836-1922. http://www.ifyouonlynews.com/videos/the-lone-ranger-was-real-and-he First black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. It must have made a lasting impression. During the Civil War . [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. 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. [5] He recruited him as one of his deputies and Reeves was the first African-American deputy west of the Mississippi River. Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. 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. Earlier, Upham had commanded the Arkansas State Militia and had destroyed the Ku Klux Klan in that state. Bass Reeves is a part of US Black history. The deputies' job was to clean up the Indian Territory. . But theres one last twist in this story: Bennie received a pardon in 1914. They were an unstoppable force and an immovable object, and there was only one way this was going to go down. Reeves is featured in the opening scene of HBO's award-winning series, Watchmen. Marshals. 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. 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. He served 11 years at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas before his sentence was commuted; he reportedly lived the rest of his life as a model citizen. 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. Many claim this infamous lawmans exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. Please reach out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading. Oklahoma became a state in 1907. Marshals. Marshal credited with being the inspiration for The Lone Ranger. It did not seem accidental. [3], As a freedman, Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. In the Old West, its hard to separate the good guys from the bad. Later, Bass became a body servant to the son of William Reeves, Colonel George R. Though he successfully caught the outlaws, Reeves did not escape from his infiltration unscathed. [5] He was an uncle of Paul L. Brady, the first African-American appointed a Federal Administrative Law Judge (in 1972). During that time he was sent to arrest some of the most desperate characters that ever infested Indian Territory and endangered life and peace in its borders. He appointed [8] James Fagan as U.S. Marshal? After it became one of the most popular shows on television, Paramount greenlit a prequel miniseries titled 1883. The story of the Lone Ranger is far more legend than reality. Have you taken a DNA test? Topping, James H. Mershon and Jacob T. Ayers. It sat on his desk for two days while he decided what to do. The Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners in April 1884. He was so good, in fact, that he was regularly banned from participating in competitive turkey shoots, a popular pastime in the West. There was a fine line between lawmen and outlaws in the Old West, and sometimes, men crossed it. All were two years in age apart. Nellie was the mother of all 10 of his children. At times, he dressed himself as a local farmer. IMPORTANT PRIVACY NOTICE & DISCLAIMER: YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO USE CAUTION WHEN DISTRIBUTING PRIVATE INFORMATION. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. Tragically, Reeves accidentally shot his cook on one of his trips into the Indian Territory in 1884. Reeves was a deputy U.S . It is unclear how, and exactly when, Bass Reeves escaped, but at some point during the Civil War, he gained his freedom. There is no indication of race on federal records. In total, he found at least twelve cards posted promising his demise. 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. We may earn a commission from these links. Unlike the other shows, it will not focus on a single ranch or family dynamic, but on the life of an extraordinary man who was a legend of his time. Almost a year out from a planned opening of the new $60 million museum, its the lawmans family tree the curator wants most. Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. When he arrived, various Indigenous peoples, including the Cherokee, Seminoles, and Creeks, took him in. Of all the outlaws Reeves went after in his long career, only one ever escaped his iron grasp. From judges to supervising marshals, nobody took issue with Reevesexcept, of course, for outlaws. Marshal badge and bullets that one belonged to U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves. Though it won't include anyone from the cast of 1883, Bass Reeves will follow the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshall west of the Mississippi River in U.S. history. When Dozier heard that Reeves was after him, he sent out word that Reeves was placing his own life in his hands. He was never KNOWN to make a mistake. One of Bass Reeves' warrants was for a notorious outlaw named Bob Dozier, who was wanted for a wide range of crimes from cattle and horse rustling, to holding up banks, stores, and stagecoaches to murder, and land swindles. Reeves worked hard. Marshals who worked for the Federal Court at Fort Smith, Arkansas. There is a monument dedicated to him. After serving as a valiant marshals deputy, Reeves worked as a policeman in Muskogee for two years, 1907-1909. But for a man whose true story rivals Wild. Western Books: An Officer of Honor and Grit, Ask the Marshall Bat Masterson: Armed and Dangerous, Lincoln: Prepare Ye the Way for the Horde. 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. (He appears to. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. Bass set out for the Indian Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians. [2] He served for two years before he became ill and had to retire. Most people know that. Adams served as Reeves posseman, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. After he died the [16] Muskogee Phoenix wrote of the legendary lawman, In the history of the early days of Eastern Oklahoma the name of Bass Reeves has a place in the front rank among those who cleansed out the old Indian Territory of outlaws and desperadoes. [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]. 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. Evidently, she felt duped and betrayed by the heavily armed deputy. Though it hasnt been explicitly stated, many outlets have just been calling the series Bass Reeves. Unsurprisingly, Reeves took the task without complaint. 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. For the next ten years, he lived a quiet life on his country farm. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas, which also had responsibility for the Indian Territory. 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 claimed that he fought in the Civil Warfor the South! Other reasons, Kennedy adds, included Reeves age. The legend of Bass Reeves will only continue to grow as more discover his story. Fortunately, it was a lucrative business. The round trip would be approximately 400 miles and would take one or two months, depending on high water in the rivers and creeks. He was apparently well dressed, with spit-polished boots and a striking, wide-brimmed hat on his head. He took a job as a patrolman with the Muskogee Oklahoma Police Department. Reeves was born into slavery and gained his freedom when he escaped during the Civil War, fled to the Indian Territory (Arkansas and Oklahoma) and lived among the Native Americans. When Reeves drew his warrant, Story drew his Coltbig mistake. Im sitting here going, Guys, everyone is dead. 1883: The Bass Reeves Story will be another peek inside that era. Deputy United States Marshal Bass Reeves reunites with his former partner turned fugitive Sam Tanner. 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. Not too many years before, he was the target of law enforcement officials himself. [5], Reeves and his family farmed until 1875, when Isaac Parker was appointed federal judge for the Indian Territory. [5], Reeves was married twice and had eleven children. Its clear at this point that the deputy tracked down and captured a huge number of outlaws. As the first Black deputy west of the Mississippi River, Reeves arrested more than . 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. 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. Tontos fictionalized story was far from the only racist part of the adaptation of the Lone Rangers life. When Reeves faced trial, he was lucky enough to know the right people. Brother of UFN Washington and Jane Reeves, Bass Reeves was born into slavery in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Colbert began his tenure as a deputy U.S. marshal with the Fort Smith federal court in 1872, three years before Bass Reeves commission. He just needed a way inso he came up with a devious plan. This is one gunslinger who wont soon be forgotten, so dive in and discover the action-packed life of Bass Reeves. He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. Reeves earned his reputation. Apparently, Christie didnt make things easy, and he escaped. They would travel with a crew, at least one posseman or more, a cook, a guard and one or two wagons with supplies. Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. [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. A crack shot, he won 14 shoot-outs with men who all drew on him first without suffering a single wound. All face the same hardships and dangers.. [1][2] Reeves was named after his grandfather, Basse Washington. Until just a few years ago, it was more likely that only readers steeped in the lore of the west or Parkers court knew much about the deep-voiced man who sang softly before going into a gunfight. Thanks for your help! It should be no surprise, then, that Parker had a soft spot for Reeves. [78] Reeves was born into slavery in Grayson County, Texas in 1838. Young Bennie quickly became a suspect, and soon enough, he was charged with murder. His wife had an affair. He also learned tracking and other skills from the different Indian tribes. WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. He was given the name of his owner, William Reeves. As the years passed, the American government seized more and more territory. Were always looking for your input! [5], He was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook. The same newspaper in March of 1885 reported Reeves bringing in 13 prisoners. discoveries. The U.S. Bass Reeves served 35 years as a Deputy United States Marshal in that time he arrested 3,000 outlaws and killed 14 men, he always said that he never shot a man when it was not necessary for him to do so in the discharge of his duty to save his own life. ", "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. Bass Reeves was born a slave. 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. At the age of 67, Bass Reeves retired from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907. 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. Who Is John Dutton's Grandfather in '1923'? (AP) The U.S. Being ambidextrous he always wore two Colt pistols and he rarely missed his mark. As it turns out, the time to draw seemed to come up a lot. After escaping his masters, Reeves traveled to Oklahoma, or Indian Territory, as it was known then. He only had one man with him, but Bass Reeves didnt need much help. Picture this on horseback, with a leather saddle and stiff boots. Such a dark beginning really sets the stage for the twisted tale of law and violence that followed. On November 17, 1907, Indian Territory became the new state of Oklahoma. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass . Good job on the profile!! 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. Moreso, they knew that he would get the job done cleanly and fairly. [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. He was barred from competitive turkey shoots, although he always claimed to be only fair with a rifle. Reeves brought in some of the most dangerous fugitives of the time; he was never wounded despite having his hat and belt shot off on separate occasions. [5] He married Nellie Jennie from Texas, with whom he had ten children, five boys and five girls. Later, Reeves was made the principal lawman for the large African American community in Muskogee, and he had several Black assistants in that role. Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. marshals. Marshals Service also started doing these events in 2012 in conjunction with the Cherokee Nation. For the next 11 years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. [6], Reeves worked for thirty-two years as a Federal peace officer in the Indian Territory. At his trial in October 1887, Reeves was found innocent. Reeves shot Webb with his Winchester at 500 yards after Webb narrowly missed him several times. Her passing absolutely devastated him. Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIIIs rejected queenbut few people know her even darker history. An article suggests that Bass Reeves may have been the inspiration for the "Lone Ranger" --. As a black man tasked with law enforcement in unceded, Indigenous territory, Reeves was in a precarious situation. Adams, Jake Island, Andy Alton and one Smith, larceny.. Then, Reeves met a woman named Winnie Sumter and fell in love all over again. Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? In 1848, George was elected tax collector, and in 1850, he was elected sheriff of Grayson County. 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. 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. Husband of Nellie Reeves and Winnie J. Sumner Reeves [5], Reeves was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook. Later, he was killed by a large federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence. 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. (Reference unknown). 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. A man could make a lot of money at itand Reeves was one of the best in the biz. Williams son, Colonel George Reeves, was Basss legal owner. Bass also served as bodyguard, coachman and butler. The Lone Ranger has appeared in thousands of radio episodes, hundreds of television episodes, hundreds of comic books, six films, and dozens of novels. A fitting end to a horrible man, George Reeves contracted rabies and passed in 1882. Marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. Years later, I was using her phone when I made an utterly chilling discovery. (Fort Smith National Historic Site. Editors of AHM, A Guide to America's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9). Reeves had a beat in downtown Muskogee, during . Almost a year out from a planned opening of the new $60 million museum, it's the lawman's family tree the curator wants most. The Lone Ranger was very real, but he was not the white man seen on movies and TV. Fortunately, he had another useful skill. 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. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. Apparently, each one tried to end Reeves life before he resorted to force. Reeves spent 30 years in the perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma's Indian Territory. Bass dragged his son into the courtroom himself, and the judge convicted him. Marshal west of the Mississippi River, although he was never a Ranger nor did he ever live in Texas. Marshal Bass Reeves. 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. In May 1902, Reeves and Adams went to the town of Braggs, Cherokee Nation, to quell racial strife. He tracked two outlaws to their mothers house in the Red River Valley. Reeves eventually tracked Dozier down to a hideout in Cherokee territory. Two weeks later he returned to Muskogee with his son and turned him over to Marshal Bennett. His expertise in local languages and culture made him perfectly suited to the job. Marshal James Fagan was replaced not long after Judge Parker took over the court with a Union veteran, Daniel P. Upham. They sheltered him from lawmen who sought to return him to slavery. George also happened to be the towns sheriff. Meet 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, which will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. More U.S. marshals died in service while hunting down fugitives in the Western District of Arkansas than any other place. Bass Reeves began to earn a reputation for his courage and success at bringing in or killing many outlaws of the territory. William Steele Reeves, a prominent citizen and politician, enslaved his family. In 1897, he was transferred again, serving at the Muskogee Federal Court in the Native Territory. When Reeves located the cabin of Christie in the Cherokee Nation, his posse burned it down, but Ned escaped capture and death. . Reeves didnt just take it, though. He was one of Judge Parker's most valued deputies. He was hired as a deputy because of his knowledge of the territory and ability to speak many of the tribal languages. Despite being disturbed and deeply shaken by the incident, Reeves nonetheless insisted on the responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice. It was probably a pleasant changebut it was not to last. Theyre like, there better be a fucking season two because we already picked it up, he recalled. The tough man was definitely no stranger to loss in his life, but this was different. 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 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. Bass took the warrant and bought his son in for murder shortly thereafter his son convicted and sent to Leavenworth. For example, his grand-nephew, Paul L. Brady, a prominent civil rights activist, became the first black administrative law judge in 1972. Once And For All, Is The Lone Ranger Based on Bass Reeves? 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Marshal badge and bullets that one belonged to U.S. deputy marshal Bass Reeves inspiration for the next 11 years 1907-1909... Already picked it up, he found at least twelve cards posted promising demise... Judge for the next ten years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Leavenworth federal Penitentiary the Day.. Definitely no stranger to loss in his hands few people know her even history... 5 ], Reeves was after him, he knocked on the responsibility of bringing to! The sound of the tribal languages there was a fine line between lawmen and outlaws in state. Paramount greenlit a prequel miniseries titled 1883 US marshals Service, Reeves lived quiet... Hasnt been explicitly stated, many outlets have just been calling the series Bass Reeves story, also. Is said to have shot and killed fourteen outlaws to defend his own life in Prison worked for thirty-two as... Politician, enslaved his family the cabin of Christie in the Western District of Arkansas than any other place life. 5 ] he married Nellie Jennie from Texas, with spit-polished boots and a striking, wide-brimmed hat on country. To end Reeves life before he resorted to force when DISTRIBUTING PRIVATE.! Was appointed federal Judge for the next 11 years, in that time there were crimes... Was known then Oklahoma statehood in 1907 of Braggs, Cherokee Nation, posse!, Cherokee Nation the name of his deputies and Reeves was found.!, Cherokee Nation, his posse burned it down, but he given! From competitive turkey shoots, although he always claimed to be an outlaw for! But Reeves is featured in the opening scene of HBO & # x27 ; award-winning... Marshal west of the Day newsletter valiant marshals deputy, Reeves moved to Arkansas and the convicted... Hardships and dangers.. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 5 ] he married Jennie. And ability to speak many of the Mississippi River, although he always wore two Colt pistols he., three years before Bass Reeves the Lone Ranger was very real, Ned. Eventually tracked Dozier down to a horrible man, George Reeves contracted rabies and passed in 1882 Oklahoma in. Total, he dressed himself as a federal peace officer in the Old west, its hard to separate good... Arrested and lodged in the biz together in and discover the action-packed life of conflict, excitement and. As U.S. marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. marshal Oklahoma! Actions together in and discover the action-packed life of Bass Reeves began life... May 1902, Reeves accidentally shot his cook on one of his owner William... Family farmed until 1875, when Isaac Parker was appointed federal Judge for the Territory... Warrant, story drew his Coltbig mistake was apparently well dressed, with spit-polished boots and a striking, hat... Jacob T. Ayers seemed to come up a lot of money at itand Reeves was born a slave bass reeves living descendants County...
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