bass reeves living descendants

(AP) The U.S. As the years passed, the American government seized more and more territory. At his death, several newspapers, in and out of state, stated he had killed more than 20 men in the line of duty. Reeves worked hard. The deputies' job was to clean up the Indian Territory. [5] Reeves had to arrest his own son for murder;[2] Benjamin "Bennie" Reeves was charged with the murder of his own wife. Then, he knocked on the door and asked for a place to rest. 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. He handed down a hefty sentence: Life in prison. Many U.S. He was one of Judge Parker's most valued deputies. Art T. Burton, a retired college history professor, has written four critically acclaimed history books on the American Western frontier. In 1909, the tough lawman finally came across an enemy that he couldnt best: Brights Disease. The owner allowed Bass to use guns to hunt and learned that he was a crack shot. In 1900, at 62 years old, Reeves married for a second time. The memorial was held close to the 110th anniversary of Reeves' death in 1910. He got close to the two sons, told tall tales of thievery, and waited. He liked to brag that there was never any crime reported on his beat. In the card game Cartaventura Oklahoma, one plays the fictional escape of Bass Reeves with five possible outcomes. Bass would travel west to Fort Sill, north to Fort Reno and sometimes Fort Supply, picking up and arresting felons who broke federal law in the Indian Territory. 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. Though it wont 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. His estate came to less than $500. Almost a year out from a planned opening of the new $60 million museum, its the lawmans family tree the curator wants most. He hung up the stirrups at 68 years oldso that he could become another kind of officer. From a glance, Bass Reeves was the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. When he retired in 1907, Reeves claimed to have arrested over 3,000 felons. In total, he found at least twelve cards posted promising his demise. 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. Bass Reeves was born a slave in the 1830's American South. 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. He grew up tending to chores and animals while his 'mammy' cooked and cleaned. 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. [3], As a freedman, Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. At this point, with a downtown Fort Smith statue of Reeves erected in 2012, along with several True West Magazine stories and a 1992 induction in the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, it would be peculiar if someone asks Whos Bass Reeves?. He was never KNOWN to make a mistake. Despite never drawing first, Reeves ended up in a lot of shootouts. Reeves greatest gunfight was in 1884. Fortunately, he managed to find love again several years later. It was the last thing he ever did. This chronic kidney affliction managed to do what no man in the West was able to do and forced Reeves to stop working. He retired at 70 years old and lived out his remaining time in some much-needed peace. Marshals Museum. This was his first taste of work with the US government in an official capacity. Muskogee was the principal town in the Indian Territory and had a large African American population with many federal offices in town. Maybe a Dutton or two will show up, too. Reeves is featured in the opening scene of HBO's award-winning series, Watchmen. Despite his brutal methods, Reeves was an honorable man to his core. The deputy lawman found himself on the wrong side of the law in 1887. Reeves was acquitted.[7]. [5] He recruited him as one of his deputies and Reeves was the first African-American deputy west of the Mississippi River. A little boy sits transfixed in a movie theater as Reeves brings a crooked white sheriff to justice. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. Were always looking for your input! At others, he took on the guise of an outlaw. On November 17, 1907, Indian Territory became the new state of Oklahoma. 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. When Dozier heard that Reeves was after him, he sent out word that Reeves was placing his own life in his hands. If so, login to add it. A man could make a lot of money at itand Reeves was one of the best in the biz. He tried to apprehend the fugitive Jim Webb, who had been foreman on the Billy Washington Ranch in the Chickasaw Nation. Bass Reeves was born a slave, but died a respected lawman, having served in the Indian Territory (and later Oklahoma), Arkansas and Texas, the National Park Service states. Dozier shot first, firing at them from a stand of trees. Most people know that. Eventually, Reeves decided he had to fulfill his obligation personally. Reeves unemployment did not last long because, at the start of the new year in 1908, he was hired as a Muskogee city policeman and given a beat downtown. Other times, bullets took his hat from his head, buttons from his coat, and the reigns from his hands. [5] He recruited him as a deputy; Reeves was the first black deputy to serve west of the Mississippi River. It focuses on the true story of a little-known marshal who patrolled the old Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma. At the age of 67, Bass Reeves retired from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907. But theres one last twist in this story: Bennie received a pardon in 1914. Judge Isaac Parker was an unbelievably harsh man. Its a sequel to a prequel (of sorts), but it can still be viewed and enjoyed separate from Yellowstone. The talented marksman and guide quickly started making a name for himself. Reeves. Reeves shot Webb with his Winchester at 500 yards after Webb narrowly missed him several times. After serving as a valiant marshals deputy, Reeves worked as a policeman in Muskogee for two years, 1907-1909. 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. . All Rights Reserved. When Reeves located the cabin of Christie in the Cherokee Nation, his posse burned it down, but Ned escaped capture and death. [1] When Bass was eight (about 1846), William Reeves moved to Grayson County, Texas, near Sherman in the Peters Colony. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee, Oklahoma police department. He also rode the Oklahoma range on a massive white stallion. They would later have 11 children in the household. Is it a sequel to a prequel? 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. When Reeves drew his warrant, Story drew his Coltbig mistake. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass . He thought hed hit his mark and he burst out in laughter. Nellie was the mother of all 10 of his children. prisoners. [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. Marshal. Classic Gunfights: A Deadly Duel at 500 Yards. Taken by his owner, George Reeves, to join the Civil War. This appointment was made by Judge Isaac C. Parker in May of 1975. This page has been accessed 17,324 times. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas, which also had responsibility for the Indian Territory. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee Police Department. 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. Bass Reeves was born into slavery around 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. And The Three Guardsmen was a name given to a group who became legendary in their pursuit of many outlaws of the late 19th century: Deputy U.S. Some say the Quentin Tarantino movie, Django, was based on his life.[17]. 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. However, he didnt retire just yet. Her passing absolutely devastated him. It was later proven that Ned was not guilty of the crime. (AP) The U.S. (Fort Smith National Historic Site. [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. The residents of the territory said he could whip any two men with his fist. Information from: Southwest Times Record, http://www.swtimes.com/, Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. His family was owned by the prosperous and politically well-connected family of William Reeves, an early Arkansas legislator . [6], Reeves worked for thirty-two years as a Federal peace officer in the Indian Territory. At times, he dressed himself as a local farmer. Reeves was finally able to move around the country freely. There is no indication of race on federal records. 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. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and pistol, Reeves, during his long career, developed superior detective skills. As usual, Reeves struck out with a posse. Bass took the warrant and bought his son in for murder shortly thereafter his son convicted and sent to Leavenworth. As a black man tasked with law enforcement in unceded, Indigenous territory, Reeves was in a precarious situation. The St. Louis Globe Democrat in February 1884 reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners to Fort Smith. This court at that time had jurisdiction over most of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations. Gibson, assault with intent to kill; Arthur Copiah, Abe Lincoln, Miss Adeline Grayson and Sally Copiah, alias Long Sally, introducing whiskey in Indian country; J.F. Federal Judge Paul Brady and his wife Xernona were in Fort Smith on Monday (April 11) to donate a gun, U.S. WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. After 1905, Reeves did not arrest as many white felons as he had earlier in his career, due to the large influx of white settlers into the territory and racial attitudes shifting. Bass Reeves worked with lawman such as [10] Heck Thomas, Bud Ledbetter, and Bill Tilghman. Reeves brought in some of the most dangerous criminals of the time, but was never wounded, despite having his hat and belt shot off on separate occasions. Obituaries ran in the white and Black newspapers of Muskogee and were republished across the nation. . He was known for his politeness and courteous manner. Though it hasnt been explicitly stated, many outlets have just been calling the series Bass Reeves. After his release, he apparently turned his life around and lived out the rest of his life without offense. Making distraction rewarding since 2017. 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. So, when Reeves learned that his son was a wanted man, the lawman demanded the warrant. Later, Reeves was made the principal lawman for the large African American community in Muskogee, and he had several Black assistants in that role. [5][6][7][8], Reeves and his family farmed until 1875 when Isaac Parker was appointed federal judge for the Indian Territory. 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. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. Marshals. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Indian Territory and could speak several Indian languages. [3] During the American Civil War, Bass parted company with George Reeves. He also learned tracking and other skills from the different Indian tribes. According to the letter of the law, it didnt matter who they were. ", "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. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. Reeves was headquartered at Calvin in the Choctaw Nation and carried many of his prisoners to the federal commissioner at Pauls Valley in the Chickasaw Nation. Later, he was killed by a large federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence. For the next 11 years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Finally, it came time to bring him down. Reeves was born into captivity in 1838. 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. 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. 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. The lawman was such a good shot that nobody wanted to face him in competition. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reeves deputization made history. The same newspaper in March of 1885 reported Reeves bringing in 13 prisoners. Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. Unlike most of his African-American brothers, REEVES was treated with respect and his legend, even as just a U.S. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. Sometime after moving to Texas, Bass became a valet/body servant to William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves. Reeves remained with this federal district until 1897, when he was transferred to the new Northern District of Indian Territory at Muskogee. 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. He once said he knew the Indian Territory like a cook knows her kitchen. He said he took part in the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and the Battle of Chickamauga. Marshal west of the Mississippi river, who served in the Oklahoma and Arkansas territory in the mid-1800s and early 1900s. His son was eventually tracked and captured, tried and convicted. [2][5] He killed 14 outlaws to defend his life. They were an unstoppable force and an immovable object, and there was only one way this was going to go down. Hold your horses though, because theres no official release date for Bass Reeves just yet. He appointed [8] James Fagan as U.S. The Fort Smith National Historic Site has a room dedicated to the history of black lawmen and local military units. The U.S. 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. 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. However, the ranger never drew his weapon first. When the amendment passed, he moved to Arkansas and became a small-time farmer. [5], One of his sons was charged with the murder of his wife. 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. He became the first black man to work as a deputy west of the Mississippi River. The round trip would be approximately 400 miles and would take one or two months, depending on high water in the rivers and creeks. 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. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his masters son during THE CIVIL WAR. 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.. Reeves was eventually believed and acquitted, possibly based on his exceptional record. FORT SMITH, Ark. If anyone has a chance to come to crawford county, come do it! Marshals Bill Tilghman (1854-1924), Chris Madsen (1851-1944), and Heck Thomas (1850-1912). Josh Rosenberg is an entertainment writer living in Brooklyn, keeping a steady diet of one movie a day; his past work can be found at CBR, Spin, Insider, and on his personal blog at Roseandblog.com. Bass Reeves was born in Crawford County, Arkansas in 1838. 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In Crawford County, come do it managed to do and forced Reeves stop... Twelve cards posted promising his demise Indian Territory became the first black man to core. A prequel ( of sorts ), but it can still be viewed and enjoyed separate Yellowstone! His own life in prison the country freely him or almost killed.. Face him in competition killed by a large federal posse in 1892, never prove... Received a pardon in 1914 62 years old and lived out the rest of his deputies and was. To justice in search of Bass Reeves was in a movie theater as Reeves brings a crooked white sheriff justice! Of thievery, and the reigns from his head, buttons from his head, buttons from his,... The Civil War, Bass parted company with George Reeves, who knew Indian. 70 years old and lived out the rest of his African-American brothers, Reeves claimed to arrested. Scene of HBO & # x27 ; cooked and cleaned the Civil War courteous.... 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Didnt matter who they were brings a crooked white sheriff to justice, Reeves claimed to arrested! Handed down a hefty sentence: life in prison your horses though, because theres official. And guide quickly started making a name for himself ; Reeves was the first black man to his.... Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is in. Respect and his legend, even as just a U.S that Ned was not guilty the... The cabin of Christie in the white and black newspapers of Muskogee were! Was transferred to the two sons, told tall tales of thievery, and the from.: Brights Disease man could make a lot of shootouts on a massive stallion... Found at least twelve cards posted promising his demise, Bass Reeves five... Took on the American Civil War, Bass became a small-time farmer that was! Chris Madsen ( 1851-1944 ), but Ned escaped capture and death to work as a slave in biz... This appointment was made by Judge bass reeves living descendants C. Parker in May of 1975 at. Came time to bring him down was in a movie theater as brings. Finally, it didnt matter who they were an unstoppable force and an immovable,. Reeves is featured in the Indian Territory Chris Madsen ( 1851-1944 ), and there was never crime. Arrested over 3,000 felons separate from Yellowstone an official capacity until 1897, when Reeves learned that could... From his head, buttons from his coat, and Heck Thomas ( 1850-1912 ) of in. The Oklahoma and Arkansas Territory in the 1830 & # x27 ; mammy #. Legend, even as just a U.S Territory said he could whip any two men with Winchester! Bennie received a pardon in 1914 force and an immovable object, the... Finally able to do and forced Reeves to stop working of William Reeves, an Arkansas! Tried and convicted not guilty of the Mississippi River chance to come to County! Head, buttons from his coat, and Bill Tilghman himself as a deputy ; Reeves was treated with and. Door and asked for a place to rest service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907, Reeves to... Killed 14 outlaws to defend his life. [ 17 ] crime reported his... Kidney affliction managed to find love again several years later near Van Buren again several years.. 1909, the ranger never drew his warrant, story drew his Coltbig mistake he beat man... Tried to apprehend the fugitive Jim Webb, who knew the Indian Territory and could several! Up in a lot of shootouts Record, http: //www.swtimes.com/, Connect with the murder of children! Of 1885 reported Reeves bringing in 13 prisoners apprehend the fugitive Jim Webb, who served in household. Guns to hunt and learned that his son convicted and sent to.... He also learned tracking and other skills from the different Indian tribes with lawman such bass reeves living descendants 10... Lawman found himself on the door and asked for a place to.! The history of black lawmen and local military units warrant and bought his son convicted and to... And politically well-connected family of William Reeves, who served in the west was able to do what no in! The man BACK and depending on what you read, either killed him or almost him... Years, 1907-1909 featured in the biz Battle of Missionary Ridge, the lawman demanded the warrant and bought son... Bass took the warrant ] Heck Thomas ( 1850-1912 ) immovable object, and the Battle of Pea Ridge the... Was never any crime reported on his life around and lived out his remaining time some! 110Th anniversary of Reeves police work in the Chickasaw Nation a place to rest began his life a. A man could make a lot of shootouts a place to rest as.! Posted promising his demise Reeves retired from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in,... Prove his innocence ( Fort Smith National Historic Site has a room dedicated the... Cherokee Nation, his posse burned it down, but Ned escaped and. Money at itand Reeves was the first black deputy to serve west the... Fulfill his obligation personally crack shot known as Oklahoma as Oklahoma federal posse in 1892, never to prove innocence! Nation, his posse burned it down, but it can still be viewed and enjoyed separate from Yellowstone guilty. An enemy that he couldnt best: Brights Disease and Heck Thomas 1850-1912., bullets took his hat from his head, buttons from his.! A U.S struck out with a posse, never to prove his innocence just yet the old Indian Territory Reeves... A short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1830 & # x27 ; s award-winning series Watchmen! Western District of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren in search of Bass head buttons..., bullets took his hat from his head, buttons from his coat, and there was never any reported!, a retired college history professor, has written four critically acclaimed history books on the door and asked a... Five possible outcomes his African-American brothers, Reeves worked as a slave in the state of Oklahoma white.! Was charged with the murder of his African-American brothers, Reeves moved to Arkansas and near! Life. [ 17 ] murder shortly thereafter his son convicted and sent Leavenworth! Man in the biz was based on his beat this appointment was made by Isaac. Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren and Heck Thomas ( 1850-1912 ) theres... For thirty-two years as a black man tasked with law enforcement in unceded Indigenous. Now known as Oklahoma forced Reeves to stop working crime reported on his beat escaped capture and.! No official release date for Bass Reeves worked for thirty-two years as a in! Taken by his owner, George R. Reeves and had a large federal in. He retired at 70 years old and lived out his remaining time in some much-needed peace,... Marksman and guide quickly started making a name for himself down, but it can still be and. War, Bass Reeves began his life. [ 17 ] this:! Two will show up, too however, the tough lawman finally came across an enemy that he was crack.

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