Marshals. He went back to work as one of the deputies of the Western District of Arkansas at Fort Smith under Judge Isaac C. Parker. 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. As a ranger, Reeves was usually the hunter. Reeves was arrested and lodged in the Fort Smith federal jail until he could make bond in June of that year. Reeves could not read or write, but he was a skilled detective, a master of disguise, and an expert tracker. This is one gunslinger who wont soon be forgotten, so dive in and discover the action-packed life of Bass Reeves. When the men fell asleep, he burst into their room and threw them each in handcuffs. Marshal Bass Reeves, possibly the greatest lawman of the Old West. All Photos Courtesy Art T. Burton Unless Otherwise Noted . Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. 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. 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. But for a man whose true story rivals Wild. 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. 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.. In 1855, George was elected to the Texas House of Representatives from Grayson County. Earlier, Upham had commanded the Arkansas State Militia and had destroyed the Ku Klux Klan in that state. When Dozier heard that Reeves was after him, he sent out word that Reeves was placing his own life in his hands. The deputy lawman found himself on the wrong side of the law in 1887. Reeves County in West Texas is named for him. Introducing 'Bass Reeves,' a 'Yellowstone' Spinoff, 'Yellowstone' Season 5 Is "Gonna Be Bloody", Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Bass was also taught tactics of disguise in riding horses and stealth in combat. The man overseeing the case was Judge Isaac Parker, who was technically Reeves boss. Apparently, each one tried to end Reeves life before he resorted to force. When the altercation turned physical, Reeves released a well-deserved beatdown on the Colonel. The details of his sons doings were unpleasant. Enter a grandparent's name. [1][2] He was named after his grandfather, Bass Washington. [5], Reeves was married twice and had eleven children. The legend of Bass Reeves will only continue to grow as more discover his story. 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. 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. After 1900, Muskogee had city police, with two deputy U.S. marshals stationed there, Bass Reeves and a white man David Adams. Reeves and his companion avoided the first flurry of bullets, and the sound of the laughter pinpointed Doziers location. Interest was, With a budget of $250 million, this summers Disney movie, The Lone Ranger, will be. Marshal, lives on. His family was owned by the prosperous and politically well-connected family of William Reeves, an early Arkansas legislator . In 1910, he made his final salute. 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. Bass Reeves was born a slave in the 1830's American South. He also learned tracking and other skills from the different Indian tribes. Reeves reputation quickly spread across the West. [5] He recruited him as one of his deputies and Reeves was the first African-American deputy west of the Mississippi River. He captured the two gang members in the Red River Valley, but it wasnt exactly simple: The boys mother chased him for three miles, cursing his name the whole time! He was hired as a city policeman in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he served for about two years. 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. This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 18:56. He and his family were owned by William Steele Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee. In 1875, everything changed for Reeves. [2] Once he had to arrest his own son for murder. The Three Rivers Museum in Muskogee also has several artifacts from Reeves career as a lawman. Anything that could get him closer to his quarry. . Marshal, he arrested 3,000 outlaws and killed 14 men. Though it hasnt been explicitly stated, many outlets have just been calling the series Bass Reeves. Bass took the warrant and bought his son in for murder shortly thereafter his son convicted and sent to Leavenworth. Reeves died in Muskogee on January 12, 1910, after a short illness. At Muskogee, Reeves worked under Leo E. Bennett, the former Indian agent for the Five Civilized Tribes, headquartered at the same town. Bass Reeves worked with lawman such as [10] Heck Thomas, Bud Ledbetter, and Bill Tilghman. Abolitionists in the Indian Territory harbored him until it was safe to move. "The recent collection of Bass Reeves' prized guns from one of his descendants is incredible for the museum. Marshals Museum: The museum loves to talk to the descendants of historic Marshals and Deputies and we receive. 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. 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? Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. 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. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his master's son during THE CIVIL WAR. Bass Reeves was born in Crawford County, Arkansas in 1838. 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. He thought hed hit his mark and he burst out in laughter. He got close to the two sons, told tall tales of thievery, and waited. 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. [78] Reeves was born into slavery in Grayson County, Texas in 1838. Making distraction rewarding since 2017. [5], Reeves was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook. The Northern District was made up of the Cherokee, Creek and Seminole Nations. [2][5] Reeves was initially assigned as a Deputy U.S. 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. For the next ten years, he lived a quiet life on his country farm. That year he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas, for a short while. In 1848, George was elected tax collector, and in 1850, he was elected sheriff of Grayson County. [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. Reeves worked hard. Bass Reeves began to earn a reputation for his courage and success at bringing in or killing many outlaws of the territory. Reeves disguised himself as a tramp, with old clothes and a cane. After serving as a valiant marshals deputy, Reeves worked as a policeman in Muskogee for two years, 1907-1909. Reeves was furiousand he had to take his anger out on something. He recruited Bass Reeves as one of his deputies because of his knowledge of the territory and tribes. Of all the outlaws Reeves went after in his long career, only one ever escaped his iron grasp. 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. It didnt take a genius to get to the bottom of this one. After his release, he apparently turned his life around and lived out the rest of his life without offense. Dozier shot first, firing at them from a stand of trees. He was so good, in fact, that he was regularly banned from participating in competitive turkey shoots, a popular pastime in the West. 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. His children were named Newland, Benjamin, George, Lula, Robert, Sally, Edgar, Bass Jr., Harriet, Homer and Alice. However, he didnt retire just yet. Its not known exactly where Bass Reeves is buried, but in the 1990s the Oklahombres organization placed a small marker bearing Reeves name in the Old Agency Cemetery in Muskogee. Talk about motherly love! In May 1902, Reeves and Adams went to the town of Braggs, Cherokee Nation, to quell racial strife. He often used aliases and disguises, a cowboy, farmer, gunslinger -- even a outlaw. Theyre like, there better be a fucking season two because we already picked it up, he recalled. Have you taken a DNA test? More U.S. marshals died in service while hunting down fugitives in the Western District of Arkansas than any other place. 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. Fortunately, he had another useful skill. Their names are listed side by side with other Deputy U.S. Adams served as Reeves posseman, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee. Reeves was 58 years old at the time. Nellie was the mother of all 10 of his children. 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's . 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. When Bass was eight, the Reeves family moved to northern Texas to Peters Colony in Grayson County near Sherman, Texas. 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. [1] It appears plausible that Reeves was kept in bondage by William Steele Reeves's son, Colonel George R. Reeves -- a Texan sheriff, legislator, and one-time Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives until his death from rabies in 1882. Reeves spent 30 years in the perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma's Indian Territory. Bass started as a water boy until he was old enough to become a field hand like his parents. Marshal? Bass Reeves is a part of US Black history. [5] Reeves had to arrest his own son for murder;[2] Benjamin "Bennie" Reeves was charged with the murder of his own wife. The lawman was such a good shot that nobody wanted to face him in competition. http://politicalblindspot.com/the-real-lone-ranger-was-an-african-a https://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/6408028-Police-His Geni requires JavaScript! He was given the name of his owner, William Reeves. Almost a year out from a planned opening of the new $60 million museum, its the lawmans family tree the curator wants most. 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. Typically, local posses accompanied Reeves on his expeditions and stakeouts. Marshal, directing him to hire 200 Deputy U.S. Several bad men have gone to their long home for refusing to halt when commanded to by Bass.. 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. Who Is John Dutton's Grandfather in '1923'? Working mainly the Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory, Reeves would bring more than 3,000 dangerous criminals, outlaws, and murderers to justice - including his own son. As a black man tasked with law enforcement in unceded, Indigenous territory, Reeves was in a precarious situation. Though he had a hard reputation, Reeves was, by all accounts, a mild-mannered and polite man. It should be no surprise, then, that Parker had a soft spot for Reeves. The same newspaper in March of 1885 reported Reeves bringing in 13 prisoners. The Legend of Bass Reeves by author Gary Paulsen is a Western written for young readers. His son was eventually tracked and captured, tried and convicted. An article suggests that Bass Reeves may have been the inspiration for the "Lone Ranger" --. Was Wyatt Earp Really a Deputy U.S. 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 contribute@factinate.com. Oklahoma became a state in 1907. Research shows that Reeves stayed in Fort Smith until 1893. Please add Bass to the American Heroes category. The story of the Lone Ranger is far more legend than reality. 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. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. Marshal west of the Mississippi River. Reeves didnt just take it, though. Bennie was jealous, angry, and violent. He was known for his politeness and courteous manner. He said he took part in the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and the Battle of Chickamauga. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. Reeves was also known to love racing his sorrell horse, and would go to extremes to serve writs. He was brought up on first-degree murder charges in January 1886 and relieved of duty. 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. FORT SMITH, Ark. In fact, the Oklahoma City Weekly Times Journal once reported that Reeves was never known to show the slightest excitement, under any circumstance. 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. The upcoming series, seemingly based on a true story, will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. His expertise in local languages and culture made him perfectly suited to the job. Bass Reeves delivered two prisoners to U.S. The items will become property of the U.S. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? These are just a few of the incredible stories of a man who hunted down men nobody else could capture. Reeves was one of those men. Maybe a Dutton or two will show up, too. They sheltered him from lawmen who sought to return him to slavery. Thanks for your time! Clayton, formerly the U.S. Attorney in Judge Parkers court, and William M. Cravens. This large family was a huge help when it came to chores, and the farm became quite profitable over the years. At Factinate, were dedicated to getting things right. When Reeves drew his warrant, Story drew his Coltbig mistake. Many lawmen had tried to apprehend the outlaw, but none were successful until it came to Reeves. 7: Caught in a Bad Romance, Brandon Sklenar is the Baddest Dutton of Them All, The 'Outer Banks' S3 Finale Is Intense as Hell. Sebastian County Circuit Judge Jim Spears, now retired, is credited with leading an effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze. 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. But, no matter how well the farm did, Bass Reeves was never meant to be a farmer. Reeves was one tough lawman, but apparently, his boss was even tougher. Meet 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, which will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. He retired at 70 years old and lived out his remaining time in some much-needed peace. 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. (Fort Smith National Historic Site. [3] During the American Civil War, Bass parted company with George Reeves. Good job on the profile!! Historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. Its clear at this point that the deputy tracked down and captured a huge number of outlaws. Marshals. All Rights Reserved. His son likely wasnt happy with his decision. When they neared Doziers hideout, things turned ugly. 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. Reeves and his family were enslaved by Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. . Reeves methods of enforcement were somewhat unorthodox. Father of Benjamin Bass Reeves; Homer Reeves; Robert Reeves; Newland Reeves; Edgar Reeves and 8 others; Sally Reeves; Harriet Reeves; Georgia Reeves; Alice Reeves; Lula Reeves; Bass Reeves, Jr.; George Reeves and Private less Marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. Reeves never learned to read, so he memorized his arrest warrants. He tried to apprehend the fugitive Jim Webb, who had been foreman on the Billy Washington Ranch in the Chickasaw Nation. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. 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. It seems that Reeves talents were without end. 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. When Reeves faced trial, he was lucky enough to know the right people. Wasnt Bass Reeves a real guy? The Creek Nation had a heavy African Indian population, as did the Seminole Nation. 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. 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. Theres only one catch: Bass Reeves is not an original character. discoveries. Reeves became known in the early 1880s for bringing prisoners back to the Fort Smith court in double digits. He died on January 12, 1910, of kidney disease. But they didnt stay there for 30 years, Spears said of the trio with Parkers Court. In 1864 he married Nellie Jennie (d. 1896) and after her death Winnie Sumter (19001910). Reeves made a name for himself early in his career when he struck out after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier.