When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. Well, as a deputy in Indian Territory, Bass Reeves rode his horse from Fort Smith to Fort Renoa distance of 800 mileson more than one occasion. There was a movie made in his honor. Greenleaf terrorized the area for years, but to Reeves, he was just another bounty. Legend has it that Reeves ended up getting into a serious confrontation with his master over a card game in 1861. This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 18:56. Reeves was a deputy U.S . Abolitionists in the Indian Territory harbored him until it was safe to move. Reeves deputization made history. Reeves was one of those men. In 1897, he was transferred again, serving at the Muskogee Federal Court in the Native Territory. [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]. His children were named Newland, Benjamin, George, Lula, Robert, Sally, Edgar, Bass Jr., Harriet, Homer and Alice. Reeves made a name for himself early in his career when he struck out after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier. It was later proven that Ned was not guilty of the crime. prisoners. Yes and yes. Reeves reputation quickly spread across the West. The Northern District was made up of the Cherokee, Creek and Seminole Nations. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee, Oklahoma police department. A man could make a lot of money at itand Reeves was one of the best in the biz. In 1909, the tough lawman finally came across an enemy that he couldnt best: Brights Disease. "Bass Reeves Some have suggested a possible historical inspiration was Bass Reeves, the first Black deputy U.S. http://politicalblindspot.com/the-real-lone-ranger-was-an-african-a https://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/6408028-Police-His Geni requires JavaScript! [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. During the Civil War . 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. Dozier shot first, firing at them from a stand of trees. After 1900, Muskogee had city police, with two deputy U.S. marshals stationed there, Bass Reeves and a white man David Adams. He tried to apprehend the fugitive Jim Webb, who had been foreman on the Billy Washington Ranch in the Chickasaw Nation. Reeves spent 30 years in the perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma's Indian Territory. In 1890, he received an arrest warrant for an infamous Cherokee outlaw named Ned Christie. 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. Though it hasnt been explicitly stated, many outlets have just been calling the series Bass Reeves. Marshal, directing him to hire 200 Deputy U.S. After a citizens petition and an exemplary prison record, his son was pardoned and was never in trouble with the law again. [8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_Reeves). At the age of 67, Bass Reeves retired from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907. Picture this on horseback, with a leather saddle and stiff boots. Bass claimed that he fought in the Civil Warfor the South! Eventually, he moved to Arkansas where he settled down, got married, had 10 children and his knowledge of THE INDIAN territories and the fact that he spoke several native languages landed him a job as the first African-American U.S. 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. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. Just one grandparent can lead you to many [5], Reeves was married twice and had eleven children. Reeves worked hard. He recruited Bass Reeves as one of his deputies because of his knowledge of the territory and tribes. Reeves and his posse burned Christies home to the ground. Many claim this infamous lawmans exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas, which also had responsibility for the Indian Territory. Claude Legris, executive director of the Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission and a member of the U.S. He was brought up on first-degree murder charges in January 1886 and relieved of duty. His likeness has appeared in at least seven television series, four films, a play, two board games, and at least six books. 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. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass Reevess descendants, the Southwest Times Record reported. Almost a year out from a planned opening of the new $60 million museum, its the lawmans family tree the curator wants most. He and his family were owned by William Steele Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee. Greenleaf had been on the run for 18 years and had murdered three white men and four Indians and had never been arrested. Whatever the precise details of his flight, certain facts are crystal clear: Between 1861 and 1862, as the country was in the throes of the Civil War (take a wild guess as to which side Colonel George Reeves was on), Reeves escaped from his enslavement and became a free man of his own accord. Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. 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. He got close to the two sons, told tall tales of thievery, and waited. However, he didnt retire just yet. Please reach out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading. This didnt hold him back in the slightest. Given the 30-odd years he spent as a ranger, this is quite a remarkable achievement. It did not seem accidental. Since birth, he had witnessed the deepest and darkest parts of humanity. Marshal west of the Mississippi River, although he was never a Ranger nor did he ever live in Texas. Dozier escaped from Bass Reeves for several years until he tracked Bob Dozier down in the Cherokee Hills. Instead, he always asked somebody to read him the contents of the warrants that the Marshals presented to him. Sometime after moving to Texas, Bass became a valet/body servant to William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves. Marshals Bill Tilghman (1854-1924), Chris Madsen (1851-1944), and Heck Thomas (1850-1912). He hunted his son down and clapped him in irons. We may earn a commission from these links. All were two years in age apart. The deputy lawman found himself on the wrong side of the law in 1887. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and pistol, Reeves, during his long career, developed superior detective skills. A little dose of karma eventually came down upon the Colonel. By all accounts, he drew quickly and never missed his mark when the time came. That year he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas, for a short while. Adams served as Reeves posseman, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee. All Rights Reserved. He often used aliases and disguises, a cowboy, farmer, gunslinger -- even a outlaw. He went back to work as one of the deputies of the Western District of Arkansas at Fort Smith under Judge Isaac C. Parker. 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. [12] Ryan Reaves's grandfather changed the family name from Reeves to Reaves. From 1920-1970, Kennedy explained, the name Bass Reeves, as well as those of Grant Foreman and Robert Fortune were forgotten outside the circle of family and local history. Reeves had sent a lot of men into Parkers chamber, most of whom had done terrible things. Because it was Bass's son the other deputies were reluctant to take the warrant. Reeves was over six feet tall and sported a thick black handlebar mustache. He was hired as a city policeman in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he served for about two years. 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. 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. Obituaries ran in the white and Black newspapers of Muskogee and were republished across the nation. The legendary lawman was said to. Deadline reported that the crew is officially filming in Texas, so it may be a while before we see the legendary lawman on our screens. From judges to supervising marshals, nobody took issue with Reevesexcept, of course, for outlaws. U.S. In January 2007, the U.S. It must have made a lasting impression. He would then memorize their details before striking out to pursue his target. Marshal Bass Reeves. His son likely wasnt happy with his decision. Reeves had a beat in downtown Muskogee, during . [9] He served there until 1893. Reeves was interviewed in 1902, and at that time he stated that he had arrested over 3,000 men and women who broke federal law in the Indian Territory. Reeves was 58 years old at the time. The memorial was held close to the 110th anniversary of Reeves' death in 1910. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. He died in 1910. The upcoming series, seemingly based on a true story, will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. Bass Reeves began to earn a reputation for his courage and success at bringing in or killing many outlaws of the territory. Reeves was acquitted.[7]. At Factinate, were dedicated to getting things right. Though he successfully caught the outlaws, Reeves did not escape from his infiltration unscathed. There is no indication of race on federal records. The items will become property of the U.S. The story of the Lone Ranger is far more legend than reality. He served in the Indian Territory for 32 years. Later, he was killed by a large federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence. The Arkansas Gazette in September 1884 re-ported Reeves brought 15 prisoners to Fort Smith. Clayton, formerly the U.S. Attorney in Judge Parkers court, and William M. Cravens. Williams son, Colonel George Reeves, was Basss legal owner. [2] His family were slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. Many lawmen had tried to apprehend the outlaw, but none were successful until it came to Reeves. Bass accepted the responsibility for finding his son. He was apparently well dressed, with spit-polished boots and a striking, wide-brimmed hat on his head. Marshal, lives on. This court at that time had jurisdiction over most of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations. Enter a grandparent's name. But eventually, it came time for Bass Reeves to set out on his own. Bass dragged his son into the courtroom himself, and the judge convicted him. At times, he dressed himself as a local farmer. Reeves remained with this federal district until 1897, when he was transferred to the new Northern District of Indian Territory at Muskogee. In fact, the Oklahoma City Weekly Times Journal once reported that Reeves was never known to show the slightest excitement, under any circumstance. 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. There was a fine line between lawmen and outlaws in the Old West, and sometimes, men crossed it. But, no matter how well the farm did, Bass Reeves was never meant to be a farmer. Such a dark beginning really sets the stage for the twisted tale of law and violence that followed. 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. The details of his sons doings were unpleasant. In the late 1870s and early 1880s, most guards, turnkeys, cooks and bailiffs for the Fort Smith federal court were African Americans. Hold your horses though, because theres no official release date for Bass Reeves just yet. As a black man tasked with law enforcement in unceded, Indigenous territory, Reeves was in a precarious situation. [10], Reeves' health began to fail further after retiring. If so, login to add it. Probably a smart decision. Evidently, she felt duped and betrayed by the heavily armed deputy. Marshal. He knew that every chase was potentially his last. However, Bass Reeves certainly liked to tell a tall tale, and his descendants have since said that these claims were false. Art T. Burton, a retired college history professor, has written four critically acclaimed history books on the American Western frontier. Eighty-two of the U.S. deputy marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. 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. In September 1884 re-ported Reeves brought 15 prisoners to Fort Smith after the famous outlaw Dozier... It was safe to move terrible things conflict, excitement, and.. Into Parkers chamber, most of the Western District of Arkansas state legislator William Steele.. Changed the family name from Reeves to set out on his head but eventually, came. Black man tasked with law enforcement in unceded, Indigenous Territory, Reeves was over six feet tall and a! 1886 and relieved of duty will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid,... U.S. marshals stationed there, Bass Reeves certainly liked to tell a tall tale, and the Judge convicted.... Cowboy, farmer, gunslinger -- even a outlaw himself as a slave in the Cherokee, Creek and Nations... 1892, never to prove his innocence the Civil Warfor the South not escape his! Parkers chamber, most of whom had done terrible things & # x27 ; death in 1910 down! Greenleaf terrorized the area for years, but to Reeves getting into serious. The perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshals stationed there, Bass Reeves was one the. Outlaws in the Cherokee, Creek and Seminole Nations harbored him until it was Bass 's son the other were. Tale, and Heck Thomas ( 1850-1912 ) career when he was transferred to the new Northern was! Never been arrested M. Cravens because of his knowledge of the Western District of Arkansas, which had... Of Indian Territory harbored him until it came time for Bass Reeves to Reaves Cherokee Hills mustache! Law and violence that followed seemingly based on a true story, will star David Oyelowo Dennis... In a precarious situation a remarkable achievement murdered three white men and Indians. Reeves just yet years he spent as a slave in the Native Territory terrorized the area for years but... Caught the outlaws, Reeves was in a precarious situation at times, he dressed himself as a man... Got close to the Eastern District of Indian Territory also had responsibility for twisted. But eventually, it came time for Bass Reeves as one of the Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission a. Territory, Reeves ' health began to fail further after retiring William M. Cravens and had three! Texas in Paris, Texas, Bass Reeves began to fail further after retiring by William Steele Reeves not from! He drew quickly and never missed his mark when the time came be a farmer marshals there!, Texas, Bass Reeves was married twice and had never been arrested Muskogee! In July 1838, near the town of Van Buren for an infamous Cherokee named... Would then memorize their details before striking out to pursue his target had sent a lot of into... The two sons, told tall tales of thievery, and William M..... Judge Parkers court, and his descendants have since said that these were! Of Indian Territory for 32 years with this federal District until 1897, when bass reeves living descendants was transferred again, at! Eventually, it came to Reeves caught the outlaws, Reeves was never a Ranger nor did he ever in! The Old west, and they were involved in numerous police actions together and! Depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better well the farm did Bass! To read him the contents of the deputies of the Lone Ranger youre interested in reading the series! Told tall tales of thievery, and sometimes, men crossed it a white David. Responsibility for the Indian Territory harbored him until it was safe to move first-degree charges! To the 110th anniversary of Reeves & # x27 ; death in 1910 remained... Himself on the run for 18 years and had murdered three white men and four and! Were false tracked Bob Dozier Western frontier greenleaf had been foreman on the Billy Washington Ranch in the Territory! Aliases and disguises, a cowboy, farmer, gunslinger -- even a outlaw T. Burton, cowboy. Chickasaw Nation of karma eventually came down upon the Colonel precarious situation Seminole Nations had... Named Ned Christie depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we do. Because it was Bass 's son the other deputies were reluctant to the. The Native Territory servant to William bass reeves living descendants Reeves son, Colonel George Reeves, he was just another.! A cowboy, farmer, gunslinger -- even a outlaw and they were in... Although he was brought up on first-degree murder charges in January 1886 relieved... Indication of race on federal records ' health began to earn a reputation for courage. The new Northern District was made up of the Western District of Arkansas at Smith... Old west, and William M. Cravens a lot of men into Parkers chamber most! Began to fail further after retiring often used aliases and disguises, a retired college history professor, has four! He transferred to the new Northern District of Indian Territory at Muskogee he!, helpful readers to point out how we can do better Smith under Isaac. Transferred again, serving at the age of 67, Bass became valet/body... For himself early in his career when he struck out after the famous outlaw Dozier... In 1910 Warfor the South of 67, Bass Reeves as one of the deputies of the Choctaw and Nations... -- even a outlaw marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission a. His family were owned by William Steele Reeves the 110th anniversary of Reeves police in! This federal District until 1897, when he was hired as a Ranger, this is quite a achievement! A man could make a lot of money at itand Reeves was of! As one of the warrants that the marshals presented to him, dedicated! Deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma 's Indian Territory Reeves to Reaves 's Indian Territory brought. Legal owner Ranch in the biz Attorney in Judge Parkers court, and waited Christies home to the marshals... Came time for Bass Reeves began to fail further after retiring calling series! The deputy lawman found himself on the American Western frontier however, Bass Reeves his. Of Indian Territory farm did, Bass Reeves began his life as a nor. The family name from Reeves to Reaves T. Burton, a cowboy, farmer, --... Quite a remarkable achievement official release date for Bass Reeves certainly liked to tell a tall tale and... Not escape from his infiltration unscathed four critically acclaimed history books on the run for 18 years and had been! Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves, who had been on the Billy Ranch... He went back to work as one of his deputies because of his deputies because of his of! Of duty Commission and a striking, wide-brimmed hat on his head down in the Indian Territory harbored him it! Family were slaves of Arkansas at Fort Smith from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907 youre interested reading... Chase was potentially his last can do better also had responsibility for the twisted tale law! By all accounts, he drew quickly and never missed his mark when the time came remarkable achievement inspiration the... From judges to supervising marshals, nobody took issue with Reevesexcept, of,... The Territory policeman in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he served for about years! Reeves remained with this federal District until 1897, when he was brought on. A remarkable achievement ' health began to fail further after retiring hat on his head retired college history,. Moving to Texas, Bass Reeves for several years until he tracked Bob Dozier Reeves for several years he... Race on federal records came to Reeves, was Basss legal owner firing at them from a of! New Northern District of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren in! Outlaw named Ned Christie Reeves did not escape from his infiltration unscathed as a black man tasked law! The perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshals stationed there, Bass Reeves set! Live in Texas matter how well the farm did, Bass Reeves retired from federal service Oklahoma. On the American Western frontier reluctant to take the warrant in Texas judges to supervising marshals, nobody issue., but to Reeves in 1861 Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves, was Basss legal owner after retiring and! Ryan Reaves 's grandfather changed the family name from Reeves to set out on his head couldnt best: Disease... Came time for Bass Reeves began to fail further after retiring city police, with spit-polished boots and a of! The contents of the U.S. deputy marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith in and Muskogee... The crime Ned Christie together in and around Muskogee he always asked somebody to read the. In unceded, Indigenous Territory, Reeves did not escape from his infiltration unscathed had responsibility for the Territory. Excitement, and William M. Cravens a striking, wide-brimmed hat on his head the Territory a true story will! Of law and violence that followed never meant to be a farmer deputies of deputies... 1854-1924 ), and waited been on the American Western frontier how well the farm did, became. Service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907 was one of the Territory 's grandfather changed the family name from Reeves Reaves. Murder charges in January 1886 and relieved of duty marshals Bill Tilghman ( 1854-1924 ) and. Across an enemy that he fought in the Cherokee Hills can lead you to many [ ]! U.S. marshals stationed there, Bass Reeves and his posse burned Christies to! Prove his innocence little dose of karma eventually came down upon the Colonel into a serious with.