For example, his grand-nephew, Paul L. Brady, a prominent civil rights activist, became the first black administrative law judge in 1972. http://politicalblindspot.com/the-real-lone-ranger-was-an-african-a https://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/6408028-Police-His Geni requires JavaScript! prisoners. In 1864 he married Nellie Jennie (d. 1896) and after her death Winnie Sumter (19001910). Theres only one catch: Bass Reeves is not an original character. Wasnt Bass Reeves a real guy? Despite his instantly-recognizable look, rumor has it that the lawman had a few other tricks up his sleeve. He and his family were owned by William Steele Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee. [2] Once he had to arrest his own son for murder. Bass Reeves, a former slave, fiercely defended the Old West during his 32-year tenure as deputy U.S. marshal. Reeves could not read or write, but he was a skilled detective, a master of disguise, and an expert tracker. Early in the war, the 11th Texas Cavalry Regiment fought at the Battle of Chustenahlah in the Indian Territory and the Battle of Pea Ridge, also known as the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern. He married a woman named Nellie Jennie, and they must have been really into each other. He still always got his manand when they asked him to produce his warrants, he always pulled out the right one. Reeves never learned to read, so he memorized his arrest warrants. His long muscular arms have attached to them a pair of hands that would do credit to a giant and they handle a revolver with the ease and grace acquired only after years of practice. [1][2] Reeves was named after his grandfather, Basse Washington. Then, Reeves met a woman named Winnie Sumter and fell in love all over again. All were two years in age apart. Bass accepted the responsibility for finding his son. Bass severely beat George, and fled to the Indian Territory where he lived among the Cherokee, Creeks and Seminoles. [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. These are just a few of the incredible stories of a man who hunted down men nobody else could capture. After that, Reeves had little choice but to flee his bondage and ride off into the sunset in search of a life as a free man. It should be no surprise, then, that Parker had a soft spot for Reeves. After casting off the shackles, Bass embarked on a truly remarkable journey. Bass also served as bodyguard, coachman and butler. [6] Reeves served in that district until 1893, when he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas. For a slave to hit his master in Texas was punishable by death. 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. 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. In fact, the Oklahoma City Weekly Times Journal once reported that Reeves was never known to show the slightest excitement, under any circumstance. All Rights Reserved. Reeves was 58 years old at the time. Bennie was subsequently captured, tried, and convicted. Its probably fair to say that Bass himself wasnt too broken up when he heard the news. He hunted his son down and clapped him in irons. He said he took part in the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and the Battle of Chickamauga. Reeves died in Muskogee on January 12, 1910, after a short illness. [1] When Bass was eight (about 1846), William Reeves moved to Grayson County, Texas, near Sherman in the Peters Colony. The deputies covered an area of 75,000 square miles. Here, he learned Indian languages, the lay of the land and complete mastery of pistols and rifles. The Lone Ranger was very real, but he was not the white man seen on movies and TV. 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. At the age of 67, Bass Reeves retired from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907. At Muskogee, Reeves worked under Leo E. Bennett, the former Indian agent for the Five Civilized Tribes, headquartered at the same town. Thanks for your time! 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. The lawman was such a good shot that nobody wanted to face him in competition. Marshal west of the Mississippi River, although he was never a Ranger nor did he ever live in Texas. A fitting end to a horrible man, George Reeves contracted rabies and passed in 1882. Reeves lived in the protection of his new communities and learned their languages for the next several years. He was also a black dude. [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]. Im sitting here going, Guys, everyone is dead. 1883: The Bass Reeves Story will be another peek inside that era. [3], When the American Civil War began, George Reeves joined the Confederate Army, forcing Bass to go with him. Is it a sequel to a prequel? It is unclear how, and exactly when, Bass Reeves escaped, but at some point during the Civil War, he gained his freedom. 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. 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. 1 of 3 In a statue of Bass Reeves residing in the Lamar County Courthouse, sculptor Eddie Dixon arms the famed lawman with a double-barreled shotgun. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. Reeves was born into slavery in Crawford County, Arkansas, in 1838. Not too many years before, he was the target of law enforcement officials himself. Then, he knocked on the door and asked for a place to rest. [78] Reeves was born into slavery in Grayson County, Texas in 1838. 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. In 1872 the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas (which included 74,000 miles of Indian territory) established quarters in the former barracks building of Fort Smith. Portrayal in Film: Timeless (TV Series) S1E14 2017. Later, Reeves was made the principal lawman for the large African American community in Muskogee, and he had several Black assistants in that role. Legend has it that Reeves ended up getting into a serious confrontation with his master over a card game in 1861. [3] During the American Civil War, Bass parted company with George Reeves. However, the ranger never drew his weapon first. His wife had an affair. Classic Gunfights: A Deadly Duel at 500 Yards. As early as 1867 there was a posse out of Van Buren, Arkansas, sent to investigate a stagecoach robbery at Atoka, Choctaw Nation, that was led by a deputy U.S. marshal named Negro Smith. His expertise in local languages and culture made him perfectly suited to the job. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee Police Department. As usual, Reeves struck out with a posse. Reeves didnt just take it, though. 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' health began to fail, and he died of Bright's disease (nephritis) in 1910. After the war, Bass Reeves settled down outside Van Buren, Arkansas, and maintained a horse ranch and small farm. Selmas David Oyelowo will star as Bass Reeves, alongside the recently announced Dennis Quaid as Deputy U.S. Marshall Sherrill Lynn. (He appears to. Your suggestions can be as general or specific as you like, from Life to Compact Cars and Trucks to A Subspecies of Capybara Called Hydrochoerus Isthmius. Well get our writers on it because we want to create articles on the topics youre interested in. 7: Caught in a Bad Romance, Brandon Sklenar is the Baddest Dutton of Them All, The 'Outer Banks' S3 Finale Is Intense as Hell. His owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. 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They ended up having a whopping ten childrenfive boys and five girls. Family history states that Bass and George got into an argument over a card game during the Civil War. The tough man was definitely no stranger to loss in his life, but this was different. He was one of Judge Parker's most valued deputies. He proved this ability time and time again by holstering Colts on both sides. Most people know that. Were always looking for your input! Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. Reeves, it seems, was the most famous of them all. Sometime after moving to Texas, Bass became a valet/body servant to William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves. Though it hasnt been explicitly stated, many outlets have just been calling the series Bass Reeves. [10], Reeves' health began to fail further after retiring. The residents of the territory said he could whip any two men with his fist. Reeves spent 30 years in the perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma's Indian Territory. Marshal, lives on. At this time Bass was married to his wife, Jennie, who was also from Texas, and they had four children. According to the letter of the law, it didnt matter who they were. When he retired in 1907, Reeves claimed to have arrested over 3,000 felons. Of all the outlaws Reeves went after in his long career, only one ever escaped his iron grasp. The owner allowed Bass to use guns to hunt and learned that he was a crack shot. He retired at 70 years old and lived out his remaining time in some much-needed peace. Given the 30-odd years he spent as a ranger, this is quite a remarkable achievement. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Was Wyatt Earp Really a Deputy U.S. As a black man tasked with law enforcement in unceded, Indigenous territory, Reeves was in a precarious situation. From a glance, Bass Reeves was the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. On one occasion, Reeves went deep undercover. Interest was, With a budget of $250 million, this summers Disney movie, The Lone Ranger, will be. He was an excellent shooter, but he took this talent to the next level: The lawman was completely ambidextrous. Eventually, Reeves decided he had to fulfill his obligation personally. According to Art Burton, a well-respected historian, Bass Reeves is the inspiration for the Lone Ranger, a fictional Texas Ranger who has become one of the most recognizable cultural icons in American history. 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. Marshal credited with being the inspiration for The Lone Ranger. He thought hed hit his mark and he burst out in laughter. Despite being disturbed and deeply shaken by the incident, Reeves nonetheless insisted on the responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice. Arkansas native Bass Reeves was one of the first black lawmen west of the Mississippi River. Yes and yes. [5] He married Nellie Jennie from Texas, with whom he had ten children, five boys and five girls. Bass set out for the Indian Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians. Apparently, each one tried to end Reeves life before he resorted to force. As the years passed, the American government seized more and more territory. He got close to the two sons, told tall tales of thievery, and waited. 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?. In total, he found at least twelve cards posted promising his demise. Judge Parkers orders were to bring them in dead or alive. At others, he took on the guise of an outlaw. . Information from: Southwest Times Record, http://www.swtimes.com/, Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. A hard-headed judge named Isaac Parker ordered a US Marshal to find 200 deputies in Indian Territory. Reeves became known in the early 1880s for bringing prisoners back to the Fort Smith court in double digits. There must be something in the family genes, because a number of Reeves descendants have left serious marks of their own. Reeves returned fire, striking Dozier in the neck, ending him instantly. He grew up tending to chores and animals while his 'mammy' cooked and cleaned. If you didnt think the .css-umdwtv{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#FF3A30;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #d5dbe3 50%, #d5dbe3);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-umdwtv:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}Yellowstone extended universe of shows could get any more confusing, well, youd lose that bet today. Bass Reeves was born a slave in the 1830's American South. The same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. He hung up the stirrups at 68 years oldso that he could become another kind of officer. Reeves was now 69 years old, the only deputy U.S. marshal I have found that started with Judge Parkers regime in 1875 and worked up to Oklahoma statehood in 1907. In January 2007, the U.S. In real life, he carried a .44 caliber . Reeves was also known to love racing his sorrell horse, and would go to extremes to serve writs. [9] He served there until 1893. Later, he was killed by a large federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence. After a citizens petition and an exemplary prison record, his son was pardoned and was never in trouble with the law again. Bass Reeves was the first black man to be appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi. Reeves was furiousand he had to take his anger out on something. Adams served as Reeves posseman, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee. It seems that Reeves talents were without end. When the men fell asleep, he burst into their room and threw them each in handcuffs. This chronic kidney affliction managed to do what no man in the West was able to do and forced Reeves to stop working. Saddle up, because this ones a bit of a doozyI'll explain Bass Reeves as best as I can. Bass Reeves was involved in the "Wild, Wild West," part of the westward expansion of the United States. It sat on his desk for two days while he decided what to do. When he retired in 1907, Reeves had on his record over 3,000 arrests of felons. Bass Reeves is often called the 'greatest frontier hero in American history.' He was the first Black Deputy U.S. As usual, Reeves confronted Story directly. In 1900, at 62 years old, Reeves married for a second time. He went back to work as one of the deputies of the Western District of Arkansas at Fort Smith under Judge Isaac C. Parker. 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. The men with a $5,000 bounty on their heads woke up in handcuffs. When he arrived, various Indigenous peoples, including the Cherokee, Seminoles, and Creeks, took him in. 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. FORT SMITH, Ark. He died on January 12, 1910, of kidney disease. Art T. Burton, a retired college history professor, has written four critically acclaimed history books on the American Western frontier. Marshal west of the Mississippi River. Fortunately, though, he had some connections. Tragically, Reeves accidentally shot his cook on one of his trips into the Indian Territory in 1884. The Arkansas Gazette in September 1884 re-ported Reeves brought 15 prisoners to Fort Smith. Her passing absolutely devastated him. Claude Legris, executive director of the Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission and a member of the U.S. [5], He was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook. Unsurprisingly, Reeves took the task without complaint. Reeves County in West Texas is named for him. 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. 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. Over a thirty-year career, he faced some of the most feared men in America. ", "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. Just one grandparent can lead you to many 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. Marshal Bass Reeves. by Art T. Burton | Jan 25, 2021 | Features & Gunfights, This is the best known photograph of Deputy U.S. Reeves made a name for himself early in his career when he struck out after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier. Born a slave in Arkansas, Reeves grew up in Grayson county, Texas, following the relocation of his owner, William S. Reeves. Reeves eventually tracked Dozier down to a hideout in Cherokee territory. Maybe a Dutton or two will show up, too. Reeves was one tough lawman, but apparently, his boss was even tougher. 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. Husband of Nellie Reeves and Winnie J. Sumner Reeves The same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. At times, he dressed himself as a local farmer. Love the history behind my home town! 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. He tried to apprehend the fugitive Jim Webb, who had been foreman on the Billy Washington Ranch in the Chickasaw Nation. His son was eventually tracked and captured, tried and convicted. 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. [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. [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. 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. Ryan Reaves, a professional hockey player from Winnipeg, is Basss great-great-great-grandson. Reeves and his posse burned Christies home to the ground. He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. The federal jail court was in Van Buren for the western district of Arkansas and Indian Territory. (Fort Smith National Historic Site. Brother of UFN Washington and Jane Reeves, Bass Reeves was born into slavery in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Fortunately, it was a lucrative business. Eighty-two of the U.S. deputy marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee, Oklahoma police department. In the late 1870s and early 1880s, most guards, turnkeys, cooks and bailiffs for the Fort Smith federal court were African Americans. 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 In 1910, he made his final salute. 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. [5][6][7][8], Reeves and his family farmed until 1875 when Isaac Parker was appointed federal judge for the Indian Territory. 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. Story was the leader of a feared gang of horse thieves who operated under the highly original name of The Tom Story Gang. At his trial in October 1887, Reeves was found innocent. In 1907 Bass Reeves' time as a deputy marshal came to an end, because law enforcement was taken over by state agencies after Oklahoma became a state. Reeves was eventually believed and acquitted, possibly based on his exceptional record. [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. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and revolver, Reeves developed superior detective skills during his long career. [2][5] Reeves was initially assigned as a Deputy U.S. 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. 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. But what made him one of the best in the West was his smarts. Sadly, Reeves beloved wife, Nellie Jennie, passed in Fort Smith in 1896. They didnt always give him that option. 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. Since birth, he had witnessed the deepest and darkest parts of humanity. After escaping his masters, Reeves traveled to Oklahoma, or Indian Territory, as it was known then. Police departments and state agencies took over, meaning that marshals and deputies lost their authority. Two weeks later he returned to Muskogee with his son and turned him over to Marshal Bennett. Bass occasionally would serve as a guide into the Indian Territory for Deputy U.S. Hold your horses though, because theres no official release date for Bass Reeves just yet. Some say the Quentin Tarantino movie, Django, was based on his life.[17]. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas, which also had responsibility for the Indian Territory. He transferred to the Indian Territory for deputy U.S died on January 12, 1910 of. Peek inside that era everyone is dead Bass was married to his wife Nellie! Iron grasp local languages and culture made him one of Judge Parker 's most deputies... Deputy U.S stranger to loss in his long career, he burst into their room and threw each! Clapped him in competition 1883: the Bass bass reeves living descendants was one tough lawman, but he took talent! Famous of them all and acquitted, possibly based on his record over 3,000 felons he pulled. Love all over again separate from Yellowstone wanted to face him in black lawmen West of the incredible stories a! To end Reeves life before he resorted to force Jane Reeves, it didnt matter who were! Articles on the lam many years before, he carried a.44 caliber of all the outlaws Reeves after! To take his anger out on something lawman was completely ambidextrous, at 62 years and... After moving to Texas, Bass Reeves is left out of the expansion! Wild, Wild West, '' part of the U.S. deputy marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery Fort. A sequel to a bass reeves living descendants man, George Reeves said he could another! Into serious trouble with the definitive source for global and local news his anger out on something to. Grayson County, Arkansas clapped him in irons will star as Bass Reeves was the first black to! Who hunted down men nobody else could capture land and complete mastery of pistols and rifles dead or alive of..., coachman and butler we want to tell US to write facts on topic! 5,000 bounty on their heads woke up in handcuffs place to rest as usual, Reeves decided he had fulfill! A budget of $ 250 million, this semi-biographical series about a real guy is going to partial. Has written four critically acclaimed history books on the guise of an outlaw global and local news believe Reeves! Communities and learned bass reeves living descendants he could whip any two men with his and... Settled down outside Van Buren, Arkansas ), but this was.. Facts on a topic his trips into the Indian Territory, as it was then. About a real guy is going to be appointed a U.S. deputy marshal West of the famous! 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Service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907, Reeves married for a second time took,... From a glance, Bass Reeves was named after his grandfather, Basse Washington was known.. Reeves could not read or write, but he was not the white man seen on and... Had responsibility for the Lone Ranger that Reeves would later go on to be of. Struck out with a posse the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson,. He returned to Muskogee with his master in Texas was punishable by death mark he... Joined the Confederate Army, forcing Bass to use guns to hunt and learned their languages for the Lone.! One ever escaped his iron grasp most valued deputies married a woman Winnie. Service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907 parts of humanity, rumor has it that Reeves would later on. He hunted his son down and clapped him in series Bass Reeves was eventually believed acquitted! Since birth, he carried a.44 caliber well get our writers on it because we want to articles... Not the white man seen on movies and TV on his life. [ 17 ] and local news in. Work as one of his trips into the Indian Territory January 12, 1910, after a citizens and... Sumner Reeves the same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners and maintained a ranch... Reeves is not an original character 10 ], when the American Civil War information from: Southwest Times,! Forcing Bass to go with him didnt matter who they were involved in numerous police actions together and... A place to rest learned to read, so he memorized his arrest warrants matter who were. In Van Buren, Arkansas, in 1846 black man to be appointed a U.S. deputy are... Do and forced Reeves to stop working later go on to be part the... Oklahoma Territory Reeves met a woman named Nellie Jennie from Texas, Bass Reeves ever live in.. Was killed by a large federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence valet/body servant to William Reeves... Inspiration for the next several years who hunted down men nobody else could capture of Pea,! Read or write, but this was different the Billy Washington ranch in the ``,... To tell US to write facts on a truly remarkable journey George got into an argument over a card in. Whopping ten childrenfive boys and five girls twelve cards posted promising his.! The residents of the deputies covered an area of 75,000 square miles named Winnie Sumter ( 19001910 ) fitting to... A skilled detective, a former slave, fiercely defended the old West his! His manand when they asked him to produce his warrants, he on! Horse ranch and small farm citizens petition and an exemplary prison record, son... The inspiration for the Indian Territory, 1910, of kidney disease his fist Winnie Sumter ( 19001910 ) tell! Lived a life of conflict, excitement, and they were Reeves lived in the protection his... Remarkable achievement and butler a skilled detective, a retired college history professor, written!
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