During his time as a Deputy U.S. Leave a message for others who see this profile. His children were named Newland, Benjamin, George, Lula, Robert, Sally, Edgar, Bass Jr., Harriet, Homer and Alice. But they didnt stay there for 30 years, Spears said of the trio with Parkers Court. Art T. Burton, a retired college history professor, has written four critically acclaimed history books on the American Western frontier. At his trial in October 1887, Reeves was found innocent. 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. 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. Reeves' health began to fail, and he died of Bright's disease (nephritis) in 1910. This troubled his mother greatly as she thought he wanted to be an outlaw. A man could make a lot of money at itand Reeves was one of the best in the biz. For four years, the lawman mourned the passing of his beloved Nellie. Director Isaiah Washington Writers Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Stars One day, Benjamins wife suddenly passed under extremely suspicious circumstances. He tracked two outlaws to their mothers house in the Red River Valley. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee, Oklahoma police department. https://www.history.com/news/bass-reeves-real-lone-ranger-a-black-man?fbclid=IwAR0asILqInym_qDhFQ6IT9BbdE2dGdj4VPwfbV8ZARrW8OvilyOg9M-8zos, Categories: Crawford County, Arkansas, Slaves | American Heroes | Crawford County, Arkansas | Fort Smith, Arkansas | US Black Heritage Project Managed Profiles | Wild Wild West | African-American Notables | Notables, WIKITREE HOME | ABOUT | G2G FORUM | HELP | SEARCH. Bass Reeves, a former slave, fiercely defended the Old West during his 32-year tenure as deputy U.S. marshal. His owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. Reeves eventually tracked Dozier down to a hideout in Cherokee territory. Other blacks were also appointed to this position: Dee Rogers, Bob Fortune, Bill Colbert, Neely Factor, Zeke Moore and Grant Johnson. [8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_Reeves). At Factinate, were dedicated to getting things right. 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. Specifically fort smith where judge parkers court house is located. However, the ranger never drew his weapon first. Other reasons, Kennedy adds, included Reeves age. 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. He hung up the stirrups at 68 years oldso that he could become another kind of officer. [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. [9], Reeves worked for 32 years as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory and became one of Judge Parker's most valued deputies. prisoners. One of the most infamous men in Indian Territory went by the name Greenleaf. They were an unstoppable force and an immovable object, and there was only one way this was going to go down. Bass Reeves was born a slave in Crawford County in July 1838. http://politicalblindspot.com/the-real-lone-ranger-was-an-african-a https://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/6408028-Police-His Geni requires JavaScript! 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. Because Reeves spent his early years in enslavement, even as an adult man, he couldnt read. Later, Reeves was made the principal lawman for the large African American community in Muskogee, and he had several Black assistants in that role. 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. 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. WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. In 1871, the federal court and jail were moved to nearby Fort Smith. Unlike most of his African-American brothers, REEVES was treated with respect and his legend, even as just a U.S. Reeves never learned to read, so he memorized his arrest warrants. Reeves couldnt stay on as a ranger forever. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass Reevess descendants, the Southwest Times Record reported. They didnt always give him that option. Reeves returned fire, striking Dozier in the neck, ending him instantly. Marshal west of the Mississippi River. In 1900, at 62 years old, Reeves married for a second time. Im not sure he was too worried about it, though. He knew that every chase was potentially his last. His likeness has appeared in at least seven television series, four films, a play, two board games, and at least six books. Bass was also very quick and accurate with a pistol. Reeves was born in Crawford County, in Northwest Arkansas, around 1838. Theres only one catch: Bass Reeves is not an original character. He was barred from competitive turkey shoots, although he always claimed to be only fair with a rifle. There was a fine line between lawmen and outlaws in the Old West, and sometimes, men crossed it. Reeves made a name for himself early in his career when he struck out after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier. But theres one last twist in this story: Bennie received a pardon in 1914. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass . As a ranger, Reeves was usually the hunter. We want our readers to trust us. It did not seem accidental. Reeves. Born into slavery, the Arkansas native became a lauded, and legendary U.S. deputy marshal. The St. Louis Globe Democrat in October 1885 reported that Reeves had arrested 17 felons in the Indian Territory and brought them to Fort Smith. Reeves was eventually believed and acquitted, possibly based on his exceptional record. Such a dark beginning really sets the stage for the twisted tale of law and violence that followed. Bass set out for the Indian Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians. Dozier escaped from Bass Reeves for several years until he tracked Bob Dozier down in the Cherokee Hills. The Legend of Bass Reeves by author Gary Paulsen is a Western written for young readers. Other than a few scrapes and bruises, Reeves made it through his career entirely unscathed. Bass was also taught tactics of disguise in riding horses and stealth in combat. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. [5] He recruited him as one of his deputies and Reeves was the first African-American deputy west of the Mississippi River. 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. 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. At Muskogee, Reeves worked under Leo E. Bennett, the former Indian agent for the Five Civilized Tribes, headquartered at the same town. Bass got so upset at being cheated, he beat his master down and knocked him out. He went back to work as one of the deputies of the Western District of Arkansas at Fort Smith under Judge Isaac C. Parker. The legend of Bass Reeves will only continue to grow as more discover his story. Reeves's former position as a U.S. Here, he learned Indian languages, the lay of the land and complete mastery of pistols and rifles. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. Bass went with George into the war, serving as his body servant. I tried to get my ex-wife served with divorce papers. Of all the outlaws Reeves went after in his long career, only one ever escaped his iron grasp. We may never know exactly how many black men served as Deputy U.S. Marshals, a placard at the Historic Site reads. 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 claimed that he fought in the Civil Warfor the South! FORT SMITH, Ark. After it became one of the most popular shows on television, Paramount greenlit a prequel miniseries titled 1883. Research shows that Reeves stayed in Fort Smith until 1893. They would later have 11 children in the household. Marshals Museum. Sometime after moving to Texas, Bass became a valet/body servant to William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves. In Black Gun, Silver Star, Burton recounts some stories from Adam Grayson, a former resident of Indian Territory, saying that Reeves tore up at least one warrant for a prisoner who outraced his sorrell steed. As a black man tasked with law enforcement in unceded, Indigenous territory, Reeves was in a precarious situation. Marshals who worked for the Federal Court at Fort Smith, Arkansas. Reeves had plenty of shooting to do without the turkeys. . 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. Marshals office in Muskogee was downsized, and Reeves found himself out of work. Abolitionists in the Indian Territory harbored him until it was safe to move. Most people also know that the portrayal of Tonto as the Lone Rangers sidekick is often stereotypical and racist. Apparently, the six-foot lawman was a talented actor and took on a variety of aliases and disguises as he prowled outlaw country. [3], When the American Civil War began, George Reeves joined the Confederate Army, forcing Bass to go with him. He would then memorize their details before striking out to pursue his target. The talented marksman and guide quickly started making a name for himself. 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. Reeves was furiousand he had to take his anger out on something. Bass Reeves was born a slave. Story was the leader of a feared gang of horse thieves who operated under the highly original name of The Tom Story Gang. It sat on his desk for two days while he decided what to do. 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. Marshal west of the Mississippi river, who served in the Oklahoma and Arkansas territory in the mid-1800s and early 1900s. In total, he found at least twelve cards posted promising his demise. It is unclear how, and exactly when, Bass Reeves escaped, but at some point during the Civil War, he gained his freedom. Well, the show was last announced as 1883: The Bass Reeves Story back in May 2022. .css-gk9meg{display:block;font-family:Lausanne,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;padding-top:0.25rem;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-gk9meg:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.15;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 73.75rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}Celebrities Who Voice Cartoon Characters, 'The Mandalorian' Season 3 is About to Commence, The Underworld Crossover of the Century Is Coming. During a game of cards with his owner, Reeves won, which caused his owner to beat him. . Bass occasionally would serve as a guide into the Indian Territory for Deputy U.S. When Reeves drew his warrant, Story drew his Coltbig mistake. If so, login to add it. 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. Evidently, she felt duped and betrayed by the heavily armed deputy. Marshal, lives on. He was hired as a deputy because of his knowledge of the territory and ability to speak many of the tribal languages. Its no wonder he had such a tough reputation among outlaws and lawmen alike. 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! Bass Reeves served as a valet for his masters son during THE CIVIL WAR. 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. They would travel with a crew, at least one posseman or more, a cook, a guard and one or two wagons with supplies. 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 once said he knew the Indian Territory like a cook knows her kitchen. There is no indication of race on federal records. 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. Just saw the movie. He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. Marshals Museum: The museum loves to talk to the descendants of historic Marshals and Deputies and we receive. He was known for his politeness and courteous manner. He retired at 70 years old and lived out his remaining time in some much-needed peace. This is one gunslinger who wont soon be forgotten, so dive in and discover the action-packed life of Bass Reeves. 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 memorial was held close to the 110th anniversary of Reeves' death in 1910. [a] During his long career, he had on his record more than 3,000 arrests of dangerous fugitives, and shot and killed 14 of them in self-defense. In fact, his personality was so warm that it comes up in countless contemporary sources detailing his many adventures and arrests. Then, Reeves met a woman named Winnie Sumter and fell in love all over again. If anyone has a chance to come to crawford county, come do it! My mom never told me how her best friend died. He said he took part in the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and the Battle of Chickamauga. Muskogee was unique with two Black business districts that were thoroughly integrated and catered to the diverse population in the frontier town. Given the 30-odd years he spent as a ranger, this is quite a remarkable achievement. Over his career, Reeves made a lot of enemies. [6], Reeves worked for thirty-two years as a Federal peace officer in the Indian Territory. Topping, James H. Mershon and Jacob T. Ayers. He died on January 12, 1910, of kidney disease. Art T. Burton AFRICAN AMERICANS, RUFUS CANNON, FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT FOR WESTERN ARKANSAS, ROBERT L. FORTUNE, FREEDMEN, INDIAN TERRITORY, GRANT JOHNSON, ZEKE MILLER, ISAAC CHARLES PARKER, SEGREGATION Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. At the age of 67, Bass Reeves retired from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907. After escaping his masters, Reeves traveled to Oklahoma, or Indian Territory, as it was known then. [1] He was one of the first African Americans to receive a commission as a Deputy U.S. Reeves and Webb had a gunfight in June 1884 near Bywaters Store, which was a stagecoach stop. Despite his instantly-recognizable look, rumor has it that the lawman had a few other tricks up his sleeve. Marshal west of the Mississippi River, although he was never a Ranger nor did he ever live in Texas. Dozier was a cattle-rustler and stagecoach bandit with a seriously bad reputation. [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]. 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. The Arkansas Gazette in September 1884 re-ported Reeves brought 15 prisoners to Fort Smith. Bass Reeves delivered two prisoners to U.S. Eventually, Reeves decided he had to fulfill his obligation personally. Bass Reeves is a part of US Black history. Many claim this infamous lawman's exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. 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. 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 Reeves served as a valet for his master's son during THE CIVIL WAR. 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? Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. Reeves was 58 years old at the time. Reeves became known in the early 1880s for bringing prisoners back to the Fort Smith court in double digits. Bass Reeves was one of the greatest peace officers in the history of the American western frontier. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Indian Territory and could speak several Indian languages. discoveries. 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 the first black man to be appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi. 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. U.S. 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 same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. Arkansas native Bass Reeves was one of the first black lawmen west of the Mississippi River. [10], Reeves' health began to fail further after retiring. Ironically, Reeves was brought up on first-degree murder charges, not manslaughter or criminal negligence, after a new U.S. marshal was hired, the first former Confederate officer Reeves would work for. Love the history behind my home town! Marshals Museum. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. [1] Bass Reeves may have served Colonel George R. Reeves, the son of William Reeves, the owner of Bass Reeves when he was a slave. Word of the relationship somehow got out. 14 were shot in self-defense. [3] During the Civil War, Bass escaped north into the [4]Indian Territory ,and lived with the Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek Indians. Bass Reeves is often called the 'greatest frontier hero in American history.' He was the first Black Deputy U.S. "Bass Reeves Some have suggested a possible historical inspiration was Bass Reeves, the first Black deputy U.S. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and revolver, Reeves developed superior detective skills during his long career. Bass Reeves and his family were slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. Theyre like, there better be a fucking season two because we already picked it up, he recalled. When he arrived, various Indigenous peoples, including the Cherokee, Seminoles, and Creeks, took him in. He hunted his son down and clapped him in irons. He appointed [8] James Fagan as U.S. [1][2] He was named after his grandfather, Bass Washington. He does not know what fear is. This claim was backed up with hard evidence, as well soon discover. Just one close call like that would be enough for us to hang up our hats for good, but to Reeves, it was just another part of the job. Reeves didn't just take it, though. This page has been accessed 17,324 times. 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. More U.S. marshals died in service while hunting down fugitives in the Western District of Arkansas than any other place. Yellowstone, set in the present day, follows the Dutton family as they try to protect the largest ranch in the United States from hedge funds and governmental bodies looking to take their generational land away from them. George also happened to be the towns sheriff. 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. Sadly, Reeves beloved wife, Nellie Jennie, passed in Fort Smith in 1896. All were two years in age apart. CONTENT MAY BE COPYRIGHTED BY WIKITREE COMMUNITY MEMBERS. After casting off the shackles, Bass embarked on a truly remarkable journey. Eighty-two of the U.S. deputy marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. It must have made a lasting impression. Reeves County in West Texas is named for him. Reeves was acquitted.[7]. During the Civil War . Bass Reeves moved to Van Buren, Arkansas. A little boy sits transfixed in a movie theater as Reeves brings a crooked white sheriff to justice. Making distraction rewarding since 2017. Many U.S. Marshal? 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. Bennie was jealous, angry, and violent. [5], Reeves and his family farmed until 1875, when Isaac Parker was appointed federal judge for the Indian Territory. Talk about motherly love! setTimeout(function(){var t=document.createElement("script");t.setAttribute("src","https://sample.dragonforms.com/getEmbeddedClientScript.do?embeddedsite=TW_dispatch_nl"),t.setAttribute("type","text/javascript"),document.body.appendChild(t)},5); Become a subscriber today and youll recieve a new issue every month plus unlimited access to our full archive of backlogged issues. Reeves was a deputy U.S . He also rode the Oklahoma range on a massive white stallion. He died in 1910. The going rate was more than $1,000 for bounties. Please reach out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading. In this capacity, his familiarity with the land served him well. [5], Reeves was married twice and had eleven children. Bass Reeves began to earn a reputation for his courage and success at bringing in or killing many outlaws of the territory. A hard-headed judge named Isaac Parker ordered a US Marshal to find 200 deputies in Indian Territory. Legend has it that Reeves ended up getting into a serious confrontation with his master over a card game in 1861. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. Information from: Southwest Times Record, http://www.swtimes.com/, Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. On one occasion, Reeves went deep undercover. Police departments and state agencies took over, meaning that marshals and deputies lost their authority. Husband of Nellie Reeves and Winnie J. Sumner Reeves This court at that time had jurisdiction over most of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations. 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