Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. marshals. 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. 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. So what about Bass Reeves? 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. Copyright 2023 by Factinate.com. Interest was, With a budget of $250 million, this summers Disney movie, The Lone Ranger, will be. Reeves was over six feet tall and sported a thick black handlebar mustache. Anything that could get him closer to his quarry. Nellie was the mother of all 10 of his children. Was Wyatt Earp Really a Deputy U.S. (Fort Smith National Historic Site. This chronic kidney affliction managed to do what no man in the West was able to do and forced Reeves to stop working. He tried to apprehend the fugitive Jim Webb, who had been foreman on the Billy Washington Ranch in the Chickasaw Nation. When they neared Doziers hideout, things turned ugly. Claude Legris, executive director of the Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission and a member of the U.S. The federal jail court was in Van Buren for the western district of Arkansas and Indian Territory. Reeves remained with this federal district until 1897, when he was transferred to the new Northern District of Indian Territory at Muskogee. 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. (http://www.ifyouonlynews.com/videos/the-lone-ranger-was-real-and-he ), Bass Reeves also knew a thing or two about laying down the law. Historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. Bass Reeves delivered two prisoners to U.S. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. 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 worked with lawman such as [10] Heck Thomas, Bud Ledbetter, and Bill Tilghman. He only had one man with him, but Bass Reeves didnt need much help. Spears also agreed with the National Park Service notes that point out that although Reeves is often credited with as many as 3,000 arrests and as many as 20 outlaws killed in the name of the law, the numbers have to be used with historical caution. Kennedy said they have only been able to verify five people were killed by Reeves, including his cook, which was most likely an accident. Reeves had plenty of shooting to do without the turkeys. Later, Reeves was made the principal lawman for the large African American community in Muskogee, and he had several Black assistants in that role. Marshal? In 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery. Just one grandparent can lead you to many During that era, he made one of his top arrests with the capture of the Seminole Indian fugitive known as Greenleaf in April 1890. If so, login to add it. Deputies would work out of Fort Smith and venture into the Indian Territory with warrants and open warrants. Though it won't 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 owners, the William S. Reeves family, moved to Grayson County, Texas, in 1846. At the age of 67, Bass Reeves retired from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907. Reeves died in Muskogee on January 12, 1910, after a short illness. [2] Once he had to arrest his own son for murder. 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. Barton quotes many sources in his book, and many times Reeves is credited with bringing in about a dozen prisoners or more at a time from the Indian Territory to the District Courthouse in Fort Smith. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee, Oklahoma police department. The U.S. Bass dragged his son into the courtroom himself, and the judge convicted him. When Reeves located the cabin of Christie in the Cherokee Nation, his posse burned it down, but Ned escaped capture and death. In 1875, everything changed for Reeves. He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. The same newspaper in March of 1885 reported Reeves bringing in 13 prisoners. 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. Two weeks later he returned to Muskogee with his son and turned him over to Marshal Bennett. Once, he walked 28 miles dressed as a beggar and fooled two men and their mother into letting him stay the night. Reeves methods of enforcement were somewhat unorthodox. For example, his grand-nephew, Paul L. Brady, a prominent civil rights activist, became the first black administrative law judge in 1972. [5], Reeves was married twice and had eleven children. Later, Bass became a body servant to the son of William Reeves, Colonel George R. 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. Most people know that. He was brought up on first-degree murder charges in January 1886 and relieved of duty. 'Ted Lasso' Season 3 Dropped Its First Trailer, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Is Already In the Works, 'The Last of Us' Ep. Introducing 'Bass Reeves,' a 'Yellowstone' Spinoff, 'Yellowstone' Season 5 Is "Gonna Be Bloody", Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. The tough man was definitely no stranger to loss in his life, but this was different. 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. When Reeves faced trial, he was lucky enough to know the right people. 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 began to earn a reputation for his courage and success at bringing in or killing many outlaws of the territory. 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. However, despite our best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark. When Dozier heard that Reeves was after him, he sent out word that Reeves was placing his own life in his hands. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. He thought hed hit his mark and he burst out in laughter. Probably a smart decision. The Court Notes of the July 31, 1885, Fort Smith Weekly Elevator for example states Deputy Bass Reeves came in same evening with eleven prisoners, as follows: Thomas Post, one Walaska, and Wm. Obituaries ran in the white and Black newspapers of Muskogee and were republished across the nation. (AP) The U.S. He was never KNOWN to make a mistake. Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? When Bass was eight, the Reeves family moved to northern Texas to Peters Colony in Grayson County near Sherman, Texas. 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. He once said he knew the Indian Territory like a cook knows her kitchen. While working as a water boy and field hand with his family as a youngster, Bass would originate and sing songs about guns, rifles, knives, robberies and killings. Reeves couldnt stay on as a ranger forever. Reeves and Webb had a gunfight in June 1884 near Bywaters Store, which was a stagecoach stop. They arrested, without incident 15 white men and eight Black men and brought them to the federal jail in Muskogee. Leave a message for others who see this profile. Because it was Bass's son the other deputies were reluctant to take the warrant. Marshals. This page has been accessed 17,324 times. Its entirely possible that the show's Yellowstone interconnectedness drops off by the time it arrivesand we find ourselves with a Bass Reeves series that's entirely separate from Yellowstone. The question, however, opens up an opportunity to talk about one of the best stories around: Born into slavery in Crawford County; escaped servitude during the Civil War; possibly fought for the Union with the Keetoowah Cherokees; survived dozens of gunfights riding for Judge Isaac C. Parker as one of the first black U.S. deputy marshals west of the Mississippi; acquitted of murder for the death of his cook; arrested his son, Benjamin, for shooting his wife, Castella, in a jealous rage. Son of NN Reeves and Pearlalee Reeves After the war, Bass Reeves settled down outside Van Buren, Arkansas, and maintained a horse ranch and small farm. Webb had earlier killed a Black farmer who accidently burned some grazing land on the Washington Ranch. Father of Benjamin Bass Reeves; Homer Reeves; Robert Reeves; Newland Reeves; Edgar Reeves and 8 others; Sally Reeves; Harriet Reeves; Georgia Reeves; Alice Reeves; Lula Reeves; Bass Reeves, Jr.; George Reeves and Private less In 1864 he married Nellie Jennie (d. 1896) and after her death Winnie Sumter (19001910). 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. But they didnt stay there for 30 years, Spears said of the trio with Parkers Court. The deputy lawman found himself on the wrong side of the law in 1887. Reeves was arrested and lodged in the Fort Smith federal jail until he could make bond in June of that year. The same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. 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. 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. After casting off the shackles, Bass embarked on a truly remarkable journey. The legend of Bass Reeves will only continue to grow as more discover his story. Reeves was furiousand he had to take his anger out on something. He is a member of Western Writers of America and the Chicago Westerners Corral, and was made an honorary territorial marshal by Oklahoma Governor David Walters. Marshals Service also started doing these events in 2012 in conjunction with the Cherokee Nation. The U.S. During a game of cards with his owner, Reeves won, which caused his owner to beat him. Bass claimed that he fought in the Civil Warfor the South! There must be something in the family genes, because a number of Reeves descendants have left serious marks of their own. The Lone Ranger has appeared in thousands of radio episodes, hundreds of television episodes, hundreds of comic books, six films, and dozens of novels. The St. Louis Globe Democrat in February 1884 reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners to Fort Smith. Tontos fictionalized story was far from the only racist part of the adaptation of the Lone Rangers life. It seems that Reeves talents were without end. Young Bennie quickly became a suspect, and soon enough, he was charged with murder. [6] Reeves served in that district until 1893, when he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas. Director Isaiah Washington Writers Robert Johnson Isaiah Washington Stars Sebastian County Circuit Judge Jim Spears, now retired, is credited with leading an effort to prominently enshrine the folk hero in bronze. On November 17, 1907, Indian Territory became the new state of Oklahoma. Talk about motherly love! By all accounts, he drew quickly and never missed his mark when the time came. He handed down a hefty sentence: Life in prison. 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. Some say the Quentin Tarantino movie, Django, was based on his life.[17]. In January 2007, the U.S. . Later in November 1890, Bass and his posse raided the home of the legendary Cherokee Ned Christie, who was wanted for murdering a deputy U.S. marshal. It should be no surprise, then, that Parker had a soft spot for Reeves. 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. [9] He served there until 1893. He and his family were owned by William Steele Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee. But eventually, it came time for Bass Reeves to set out on his own. Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. Dozier escaped from Bass Reeves for several years until he tracked Bob Dozier down in the Cherokee Hills. 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. The U.S. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee Police Department. 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. Despite his instantly-recognizable look, rumor has it that the lawman had a few other tricks up his sleeve. In 1887, Reeves had to sell his home and farm in the Catcher Community near Van Buren to pay for his first-degree murder defense with attorneys William H.H. [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. Bass got so upset at being cheated, he beat his master down and knocked him out. The men with a $5,000 bounty on their heads woke up in handcuffs. More U.S. marshals died in service while hunting down fugitives in the Western District of Arkansas than any other place. People in period dress were at the Bass Reeves Memorial on Saturday at Three Rivers Museum. He liked to brag that there was never any crime reported on his beat. 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. Theyre like, there better be a fucking season two because we already picked it up, he recalled. The story of the Lone Ranger is far more legend than reality. Tragically, Reeves accidentally shot his cook on one of his trips into the Indian Territory in 1884. Its probably fair to say that Bass himself wasnt too broken up when he heard the news. A year after moving to Arkansas, Reeves fell in love. Finally, it came time to bring him down. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. This appointment was made by Judge Isaac C. Parker in May of 1975. 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. Instead, he always tried to take everyone in alive. Then, Reeves met a woman named Winnie Sumter and fell in love all over again. Reeves became known in the early 1880s for bringing prisoners back to the Fort Smith court in double digits. In fact, his personality was so warm that it comes up in countless contemporary sources detailing his many adventures and arrests. 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. Apparently, each one tried to end Reeves life before he resorted to force. . Reeves was born into slavery in Crawford County, Arkansas, in 1838. 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. Once And For All, Is The Lone Ranger Based on Bass Reeves? In a happy subplot to an often harrowing tale, the two stayed together for the rest of their lives. Enter a grandparent's name. [5], Reeves and his family farmed until 1875, when Isaac Parker was appointed federal judge for the Indian Territory. My goal with the next one would be that you could never have seen 1883 or Yellowstone, and still have a fully realized experience as a viewer. That next show would end up becoming 1923, starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. For the next 11 years, Bennie Reeves sat in Fort Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Bass Reeves was born a slave in Crawford County in July 1838. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his masters son during THE CIVIL WAR. http://politicalblindspot.com/the-real-lone-ranger-was-an-african-a https://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/6408028-Police-His Geni requires JavaScript! In 1897, he was transferred again, serving at the Muskogee Federal Court in the Native Territory. He appointed [8] James Fagan as U.S. During his time as a Deputy U.S. Later, he was killed by a large federal posse in 1892, never to prove his innocence. Since birth, he had witnessed the deepest and darkest parts of humanity. [9]Bass Reeves was the first African American Deputy to be appointed west of the Mississippi River. [3] During the Civil War, Bass escaped north into the [4]Indian Territory ,and lived with the Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek Indians. Despite never drawing first, Reeves ended up in a lot of shootouts. From judges to supervising marshals, nobody took issue with Reevesexcept, of course, for outlaws. After his release, he apparently turned his life around and lived out the rest of his life without offense. This court at that time had jurisdiction over most of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations. However, the ranger never drew his weapon first. Despite being disturbed and deeply shaken by the incident, Reeves nonetheless insisted on the responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice. 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. It didnt take a genius to get to the bottom of this one. On one occasion, Reeves went deep undercover. The memorial was held close to the 110th anniversary of Reeves' death in 1910. Bass Reeves is a part of US Black history. He took a job as a patrolman with the Muskogee Oklahoma Police Department. Typically, local posses accompanied Reeves on his expeditions and stakeouts. Bennie was subsequently captured, tried, and convicted. He also rode the Oklahoma range on a massive white stallion. Bass took the warrant and bought his son in for murder shortly thereafter his son convicted and sent to Leavenworth. At his trial in October 1887, Reeves was found innocent. Reeves was born into captivity in 1838. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his master's son during THE CIVIL WAR. Its a sequel to a prequel (of sorts), but it can still be viewed and enjoyed separate from Yellowstone. Reeves was born in Crawford County, in Northwest Arkansas, around 1838. Just saw the movie. Please reach out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading. The marshal tracked him down and made him an offerand so began a whirlwind tale of adventure, courage, and cold-blooded lawmaking. On one occasion, the ranger was facing off with an outlaw who drew on him. There is no indication of race on federal records. [1][2] Reeves was named after his grandfather, Basse Washington. He was known for his politeness and courteous manner. They would travel with a crew, at least one posseman or more, a cook, a guard and one or two wagons with supplies. They ended up having a whopping ten childrenfive boys and five girls. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. Theres only one catch: Bass Reeves is not an original character. Bass Reeves was the first black man to be appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi. In the card game Cartaventura Oklahoma, one plays the fictional escape of Bass Reeves with five possible outcomes. At this time Bass was married to his wife, Jennie, who was also from Texas, and they had four children. In the late 1870s and early 1880s, most guards, turnkeys, cooks and bailiffs for the Fort Smith federal court were African Americans. by Art T. Burton | Jan 25, 2021 | Features & Gunfights, This is the best known photograph of Deputy U.S. His wife had an affair. As a black man tasked with law enforcement in unceded, Indigenous territory, Reeves was in a precarious situation. During a game of cards with his owner, Reeves won, which caused his owner to beat him. He was barred from competitive turkey shoots, although he always claimed to be only fair with a rifle. 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. One day, a posse cook caught a bullet from Reeves trusty Colt while the lawman was cleaning it. Unsurprisingly, Reeves took the task without complaint. [3], As a freedman, Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. 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. "The recent collection of Bass Reeves' prized guns from one of his descendants is incredible for the museum. Reeves had a reputation as an expert in Indigenous languages with an intimate knowledge of the land. He just needed a way inso he came up with a devious plan. He caught over 3000 criminals in his career. [2][5] Reeves was initially assigned as a Deputy U.S. (He appears to. Reeves did one thing, and he did it very well: He tracked down outlaws on the lam. When those old gunfighters are sittin around up there in Valhalla discussing who was the, The real law-and-order heros long and Winding road to cinematic and television fame. Bass Reeves was one of the greatest peace officers in the history of the American western frontier. 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 son, Benjamin Reeves, strayed from the family tree and ran into serious trouble with the law. It looked like his luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the horizon. His son was eventually tracked and captured, tried and convicted. He said he took part in the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and the Battle of Chickamauga. 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. Even with air conditioning, rest stops, gas station snacks, and aux cords, an 800-mile road trip is a serious undertaking. All were two years in age apart. As a ranger, Reeves was usually the hunter. As one of the most respected lawmen working in Indian Territory, he achieved legendary status for the number of criminals he captured. He was apparently well dressed, with spit-polished boots and a striking, wide-brimmed hat on his head. For the next ten years, he lived a quiet life on his country farm. One of the most infamous men in Indian Territory went by the name Greenleaf. Evidently, she felt duped and betrayed by the heavily armed deputy. Until just a few years ago, it was more likely that only readers steeped in the lore of the west or Parkers court knew much about the deep-voiced man who sang softly before going into a gunfight. Marshal Bass Reeves featured in new Netflix film", "Isaiah Washington To Mark Feature Directorial Debut With 'Corsicana' Western", "2019 National Black Theatre Festival Brochure", Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bass_Reeves&oldid=1140977007, Historian Art Burton has said that Reeves was the inspiration for the character of the, In May 2012, a bronze statue of Reeves by Oklahoma sculptor Harold Holden was erected in Pendergraft Park in, Reeves is the subject of the season two episode four of, Reeves figures prominently in an episode of, In "The Murder of Jesse James", an episode of the television series, In "Everybody Knows", a season two episode of the television series, Reeves is mentioned in the plot of "The Royal Family", a season two episode of the television series, Reeves' status as one of the first black sheriffs plays a significant role as a childhood role model for the character of Will Reeves in the, Reeves is mentioned in season 3 episode 2 of the television series, Reeves features in the "Stressed Western" episode of, A miniseries based on Burton's 2006 biography (and co-produced by. 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