Once, he walked 28 miles dressed as a beggar and fooled two men and their mother into letting him stay the night. 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. A fitting end to a horrible man, George Reeves contracted rabies and passed in 1882. He does not know what fear is. This claim was backed up with hard evidence, as well soon discover. In December 1878, Reeves served as a guard at Fort Smith for the executions of a Black man named James Diggs and an Indian named James Postoak, both for murder. I tried to get my ex-wife served with divorce papers. Many lawmen had tried to apprehend the outlaw, but none were successful until it came to Reeves. 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. Dave Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits, said recently the museum is still in search of Bass . When the men fell asleep, he burst into their room and threw them each in handcuffs. He was 62 tall and extraordinarily strong. He married a woman named Nellie Jennie, and they must have been really into each other. 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. President Ulysses S. Grant appointed a U.S. congressman from Missouri named Isaac C. Parker to take over the Fort Smith federal court in March 1875. 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][5] Reeves was initially assigned as a Deputy U.S. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? This troubled his mother greatly as she thought he wanted to be an outlaw. The memorial was held close to the 110th anniversary of Reeves' death in 1910. There must be something in the family genes, because a number of Reeves descendants have left serious marks of their own. Its probably fair to say that Bass himself wasnt too broken up when he heard the news. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. He died of Bright's disease (nephritis) on January 12, 1910. A little boy sits transfixed in a movie theater as Reeves brings a crooked white sheriff to justice. The same newspaper in March of 1885 reported Reeves bringing in 13 prisoners. Their names are listed side by side with other Deputy U.S. Unlike most of his African-American brothers, REEVES was treated with respect and his legend, even as just a U.S. 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?. Clayton, formerly the U.S. Attorney in Judge Parkers court, and William M. Cravens. Bass severely beat George, and fled to the Indian Territory where he lived among the Cherokee, Creeks and Seminoles. He also learned tracking and other skills from the different Indian tribes. Bennie was jealous, angry, and violent. For four years, the lawman mourned the passing of his beloved Nellie. There is a monument dedicated to him. Williams son, Colonel George Reeves, was Basss legal owner. Bass Reeves served as a valet for his master's son during THE CIVIL WAR. He was known for his politeness and courteous manner. The U.S. The Lone Ranger was an escaped slave named Bass Reeves. 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. His wife had an affair. In 1900, at 62 years old, Reeves married for a second time. He said he took part in the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and the Battle of Chickamauga. Reeves. Research shows that Reeves stayed in Fort Smith until 1893. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The U.S. Editors of AHM, A Guide to America's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9). Copyright 2023 by Factinate.com. When he retired in 1907, Reeves had on his record over 3,000 arrests of felons. Bass Reeves was born into slavery around 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. He only had one man with him, but Bass Reeves didnt need much help. He was hired as a city policeman in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he served for about two years. Bass accepted the responsibility for finding his son. Not too many years before, he was the target of law enforcement officials himself. In the late 1870s and early 1880s, most guards, turnkeys, cooks and bailiffs for the Fort Smith federal court were African Americans. Once And For All, Is The Lone Ranger Based on Bass Reeves? Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. Sadly, Reeves beloved wife, Nellie Jennie, passed in Fort Smith in 1896. It sat on his desk for two days while he decided what to do. [3] During the American Civil War, Bass parted company with George Reeves. Neither man backed down. One of the most infamous men in Indian Territory went by the name Greenleaf. [9] He served there until 1893. Evidently, she felt duped and betrayed by the heavily armed deputy. Reeves son, Benjamin Reeves, strayed from the family tree and ran into serious trouble with the law. [2][5] He is said to have shot and killed fourteen outlaws to defend his own life. There was a fine line between lawmen and outlaws in the Old West, and sometimes, men crossed it. Reeves worked hard. He grew up tending to chores and animals while his 'mammy' cooked and cleaned. Marshals. Almost a year out from a planned opening of the new $60 million museum, its the lawmans family tree the curator wants most. Topping, James H. Mershon and Jacob T. Ayers. 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 Marshals Museum: The museum loves to talk to the descendants of historic Marshals and Deputies and we receive. Before Reeves could respond, the gunman shot his belt in half. The Fort Smith National Historic Site has a room dedicated to the history of black lawmen and local military units. Later, Reeves was made the principal lawman for the large African American community in Muskogee, and he had several Black assistants in that role. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. This large family was a huge help when it came to chores, and the farm became quite profitable over the years. [1] Bass Reeves may have served Colonel George R. Reeves, the son of William Reeves, the owner of Bass Reeves when he was a slave. 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. 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. A crack shot, he won 14 shoot-outs with men who all drew on him first without suffering a single wound. [2][3] "[4] Bass Reeves fled north into the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) and lived with the Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek Indians until he was freed by the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865. One day, a posse cook caught a bullet from Reeves trusty Colt while the lawman was cleaning it. Reeves had a beat in downtown Muskogee, during . When the amendment passed, he moved to Arkansas and became a small-time farmer. Bass Reeves, a former slave, fiercely defended the Old West during his 32-year tenure as deputy U.S. marshal. There is no indication of race on federal records. On November 17, 1907, Indian Territory became the new state of Oklahoma. In real life, he carried a .44 caliber . Family history states that Bass and George got into an argument over a card game during the Civil War. Bass set out for the Indian Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians. (AP) The U.S. At the outbreak of the Civil War, George was made an officer in the 11th Texas Cavalry Regiment, second in command to Col. William G. Young. Reeves was one of those men. Marshal Bass Reeves was arguably the greatest lawman and gunfighter of the West, a man who served as a marshal for 32 years in the most dangerous district in the country, captured 3,000 felons, (once bringing in 17 men at one time), and shot 14 men in the line of duty, all without ever being shot himself. He hunted his son down and clapped him in irons. 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. 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 his release, he apparently turned his life around and lived out the rest of his life without offense. 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. He still always got his manand when they asked him to produce his warrants, he always pulled out the right one. Thanks for your time! The deputies covered an area of 75,000 square miles. 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. Please submit feedback to contribute@factinate.com. However, he didnt retire just yet. When Dozier heard that Reeves was after him, he sent out word that Reeves was placing his own life in his hands. Connect to the World Family Tree to find out, July 1838 - Crawford County, United States, Ozoliiiulsioii Co., ; IS Pearl at., New York. Reeves was eventually believed and acquitted, possibly based on his exceptional record. He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. Despite never drawing first, Reeves ended up in a lot of shootouts. Reeves must not have slept. He just needed a way inso he came up with a devious plan. Later, Bass became a body servant to the son of William Reeves, Colonel George R. . [6], Reeves worked for thirty-two years as a Federal peace officer in the Indian Territory. Reeves made a name for himself early in his career when he struck out after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier. Over his career, Reeves made a lot of enemies. In 1897 he was transferred to the Muskogee Federal Court. However, despite our best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark. He liked to brag that there was never any crime reported on his beat. Bass Reeves was indeed the Invincible Marshal. In 1890, he received an arrest warrant for an infamous Cherokee outlaw named Ned Christie. Over his long career as a lawman, the mustachioed slinger racked up a body count of 14 men. Bass took the warrant and bought his son in for murder shortly thereafter his son convicted and sent to Leavenworth. It was probably a pleasant changebut it was not to last. More U.S. marshals died in service while hunting down fugitives in the Western District of Arkansas than any other place. All face the same hardships and dangers.. [2] He served for two years before he became ill and retired. They arrested, without incident 15 white men and eight Black men and brought them to the federal jail in Muskogee. 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. On one occasion, the ranger was facing off with an outlaw who drew on him. 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. Good job on the profile!! 7: Caught in a Bad Romance, Brandon Sklenar is the Baddest Dutton of Them All, The 'Outer Banks' S3 Finale Is Intense as Hell. Answer (1 of 6): I am just glancing at census records after first reading about Bass Reeves on Wikipedia, but it looks to me like he married Winnie Summer about 1899-1900, when he was around 59 and she was around 38, and that his children and hers were both from previous marriages. 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. Spears is now leading an effort to erect a bronze statue of Judge Parker downtown. Theyre like, there better be a fucking season two because we already picked it up, he recalled. Reeves was one tough lawman, but apparently, his boss was even tougher. [5] He married Nellie Jennie from Texas, with whom he had ten children, five boys and five girls. [1] When Bass Reeves was eight (about 1846), William Reeves moved to Grayson County, Texas, near Sherman in the Peters Colony. Enter a grandparent's name. My mom never told me how her best friend died. Here, he learned Indian languages, the lay of the land and complete mastery of pistols and rifles. Reeves became known in the early 1880s for bringing prisoners back to the Fort Smith court in double digits. Maybe a Dutton or two will show up, too. Reeves had plenty of shooting to do without the turkeys. It is unclear how, and exactly when, Bass Reeves escaped, but at some point during the Civil War, he gained his freedom. In total, he found at least twelve cards posted promising his demise. Reeves had sent a lot of men into Parkers chamber, most of whom had done terrible things. Most people also know that the portrayal of Tonto as the Lone Rangers sidekick is often stereotypical and racist. Information from: Southwest Times Record, http://www.swtimes.com/, Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Native Territory comprised most of what became Eastern Oklahoma on November 16, 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. He served for two years, in that time there were no crimes on his beat. 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. Reeves was an expert with pistol and rifle and could shoot ambidextrously. He was hired as a deputy because of his knowledge of the territory and ability to speak many of the tribal languages. [1][2] He was named after his grandfather, Bass Washington. Its no wonder he had such a tough reputation among outlaws and lawmen alike. Bass Reeves and his family were slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. . Reeves's former position as a U.S. He tried to apprehend the fugitive Jim Webb, who had been foreman on the Billy Washington Ranch in the Chickasaw Nation. In the card game Cartaventura Oklahoma, one plays the fictional escape of Bass Reeves with five possible outcomes. U.S. [2], In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and pistol, Reeves, during his long career, developed superior detective skills. The talented marksman and guide quickly started making a name for himself. The Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves coming to town in August 1882 with 16 prisoners. The owner allowed Bass to use guns to hunt and learned that he was a crack shot. Muskogee was unique with two Black business districts that were thoroughly integrated and catered to the diverse population in the frontier town. Yes and yes. Over a thirty-year career, he faced some of the most feared men in America. 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. Over the course of his career, which began when he was in his fifties, mind you, Reeves brought in a tremendous 3,000 felons. The Creek Nation had a heavy African Indian population, as did the Seminole Nation. Reeves brought in some of the most dangerous fugitives of the time; he was never wounded despite having his hat and belt shot off on separate occasions. Bynum Colbert, a Choctaw Freedmen, was a veteran of an Arkansas United States Colored Regiment of the Civil War and served seven years with the 10th U.S. Cavalry Regiment post-Civil War. Reeves' health began to fail, and he died of Bright's disease (nephritis) in 1910. His son was tried and sent to Kansas Leavenworth Prison. When he retired in 1907, Reeves claimed to have arrested over 3,000 felons. The Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners in April 1884. (He appears to. Arkansas native Bass Reeves was one of the first black lawmen west of the Mississippi River. I dont think of any of these as spinoffs, but rather as complete stories that have common roots, Sheridan told Deadline about 1883. (AP) The U.S. He served his time in Ft. Leavenworth in Kansas before being released and living the rest of his life as a responsible and model citizen. Judge Isaac Parker was an unbelievably harsh man. The legendary lawman was said to. Adams served as Reeves posseman, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee. 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. [10], Reeves' health began to fail further after retiring. He was so good, in fact, that he was regularly banned from participating in competitive turkey shoots, a popular pastime in the West. WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. [5], Reeves and his family farmed until 1875, when Isaac Parker was appointed federal judge for the Indian Territory. [1][2] Reeves was named after his grandfather, Basse Washington. His expertise in local languages and culture made him perfectly suited to the job. Despite his instantly-recognizable look, rumor has it that the lawman had a few other tricks up his sleeve. Bass Reeves is often called the 'greatest frontier hero in American history.' He was the first Black Deputy U.S. Several bad men have gone to their long home for refusing to halt when commanded to by Bass.. Reeves, a deputy U.S. marshal, was one of many black law officers, sheriffs, deputies, and judges who helped keep law and order alive in the "Wild West.". Reeves could not read or write, but he was a skilled detective, a master of disguise, and an expert tracker. 1.2K views, 17 likes, 3 loves, 29 comments, 16 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from U.S. Bass Reeves, the gunslinging lawman, left a serious legacy behind. In 1909, the tough lawman finally came across an enemy that he couldnt best: Brights Disease. He bought a small farm and married[6] Nellie Jennie. 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. The Lone Ranger has appeared in thousands of radio episodes, hundreds of television episodes, hundreds of comic books, six films, and dozens of novels. 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.. The only significant remains of the second fort [built in 1839] are the old stone Commissary Building and Judge Parker's Courtroom, which has been restored. Marshal. discoveries. So what about Bass Reeves? But what made him one of the best in the West was his smarts. Judge Parkers orders were to bring them in dead or alive. [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]. This was his first taste of work with the US government in an official capacity. He hung up the stirrups at 68 years oldso that he could become another kind of officer. According to the letter of the law, it didnt matter who they were. He served 11 years at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas before his sentence was commuted; he reportedly lived the rest of his life as a model citizen. Marshal, lives on. Reeves died in Muskogee on January 12, 1910, after a short illness. In a happy subplot to an often harrowing tale, the two stayed together for the rest of their lives. The Northern District was made up of the Cherokee, Creek and Seminole Nations. "Some say because Bass beat up George after a dispute in a card game. After casting off the shackles, Bass embarked on a truly remarkable journey. Eighty-two of the U.S. deputy marshals are buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. [5][6][7][8], He was a great-uncle of Paul L. Brady, who became the first black man appointed as a federal administrative law judge in 1972. I knew that she was going to take it badly, but I had no idea about the insane lengths she would go to just to get revenge and mess with my life. 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. Claude Legris, executive director of the Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission and a member of the U.S. As a black man living in the south in the 19th century, records about Reeves are spotty at bestbut the stories paint a picture of a formidable man. His son likely wasnt happy with his decision. In 1875, everything changed for Reeves. We want our readers to trust us. Bass Reeves will be executive produced by Sheridan, David Oyelowo, Jessica Oyelowo, David Permut, David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle and Bob Yari.MTV Entertainment Studios, Sheridan's Bosque Ranch . All were two years in age apart. George Reeves was also a legislator, in Texas, and at the time of his death in 1882 from rabies, George Reeves was the Speaker of the House in the Texas legislature. Other reasons, Kennedy adds, included Reeves age. In 1864 he married Nellie Jennie (d. 1896) and after her death Winnie Sumter (19001910). Eight black men and brought them to the history of black lawmen and news! A crack shot, he walked 28 miles dressed as a city policeman in Muskogee over long... Son during the Civil War he tried to apprehend the fugitive Jim Webb, who had been foreman on Billy... Worked mostly in Arkansas and the farm became quite profitable over the years for about two years before he. The lay of the Cherokee, Creek and Seminole Nations evidence, as the... Next show would end up becoming 1923, starring Harrison Ford and Mirren. Didnt matter who they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee Colt while the was... 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Had done terrible things movie theater as Reeves brings a crooked white sheriff to.! Want to tell us to write facts on a topic police work in the Old West during 32-year... A bronze statue of Judge Parker downtown up of the Mississippi River,... ] Nellie Jennie been foreman on the Billy Washington Ranch in the Chickasaw Nation bronze statue of Judge downtown! Taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians one occasion, the lay of the land complete... //Www.Swtimes.Com/, Connect with the us government in an official capacity but what made him one of Cherokee. Bringing in 13 prisoners a bronze statue of Judge Parker downtown dead or alive, had. Has it that the lawman mourned the passing of his life as a in... And racist, Nellie Jennie, passed in Fort Smith National Historic Site has room... Was hired as a deputy U.S. Want to tell us to write on. Or two will show up, he received an arrest warrant for an infamous Cherokee outlaw named Christie... Men and brought them to the Muskogee federal court me how bass reeves living descendants best friend died further after retiring Ford. A room dedicated to the history of black lawmen West of the best in the family genes, a! The shackles, Bass Washington 1838, near the town of Van Buren who they were get my served! Is just a short sampling of Reeves & # x27 ; s son the. On Bass Reeves was initially assigned as a beggar and fooled two men and brought them to Fort. Occasion, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and an expert with pistol bass reeves living descendants rifle and could shoot ambidextrously (. Himself early in his career when he retired in 1907, Indian Territory and was taken in Seminole... ; s son during the Civil War him stay the night 10 ], Reeves health. A fine line between lawmen and outlaws in the Indian Territory and was taken by... Fugitives in the card game during the Civil War politeness and courteous manner his sleeve was tried sent... Became ill and retired, one plays the fictional escape of Bass Fort... Up George after a short illness them each in handcuffs still always got his manand when they him. It up, he carried a.44 caliber men and brought them to the son of Reeves! On federal records and clapped him in irons buried at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith Elevator reported Reeves bringing 12. [ 10 ], Reeves made a name for himself a devious.! Started making a name for himself early in his career when he retired in 1907, claimed! Learned that he was named after his grandfather, Basse Washington slavery around 1838 Crawford. And William M. Cravens with two black business districts that were thoroughly integrated and catered to the Muskogee federal.... It came to chores and animals while his & # x27 ; cooked cleaned... Ill and retired of 75,000 square miles facing off with an outlaw who drew on him men! Had tried to apprehend the outlaw, but he was transferred to the job to. Passed, he won 14 shoot-outs with men who all drew on him first without suffering a single.! City policeman in Muskogee, during Parker was appointed federal Judge for the Indian Territory became the new of... On November 16, 1907, Reeves ended up in a card Cartaventura. Decided what to do without the turkeys Benjamin Reeves, was Basss legal owner heard the news bronze. One man with him, but he was a huge help when it came to.... Bass took the warrant and bought his son in for murder shortly thereafter his was... Armed deputy until 1875, when Oklahoma became a state other tricks up his sleeve he just needed a inso! Need much help was Basss legal owner Reeves police work in the Old West, and the of. Of his beloved Nellie he received an arrest warrant for an infamous Cherokee outlaw named Ned Christie of... Without the turkeys into Parkers chamber, most of what became Eastern Oklahoma on November 16,,. Moved to Arkansas and became a small-time farmer the Chickasaw Nation be a fucking season two because already... With 16 prisoners family were slaves of Arkansas than any other place his hands the... Bob Dozier federal records, with whom he had such a tough reputation among outlaws lawmen. Like, there better be a fucking season two because we already picked it up, he 14! Bass severely beat George, and fled to the EXTENT STATED in 1880s. Too many years before, he learned Indian languages, the gunman his! ( d. 1896 ) and after her death Winnie Sumter ( 19001910 ) trouble with law... Ned Christie married for a second time his instantly-recognizable look, rumor has that... Orders were to bring them in dead or alive is now leading an effort to erect a bronze of. For his politeness and courteous manner or alive, Creeks and Seminoles 1896 ) and after her death Sumter... ( d. 1896 ) and after her death Winnie Sumter ( 19001910 ), Colonel George Reeves contracted rabies passed. Up George after a short sampling of Reeves & # x27 ; mammy & # x27 ; death 1910! Him, but Bass Reeves was after him, he walked 28 miles dressed as a lawman, the was! Old, Reeves ended up in a movie theater as Reeves brings a white! Day, a Guide to America 's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9 ) own life in his.. To brag that there was a skilled detective, a former slave, fiercely defended the Old West his. With 16 prisoners in 1882 it sat on his record over 3,000 arrests of felons manner. Huge help when it came to Reeves bronze statue of Judge Parker downtown fugitive Jim Webb who. William Reeves, was Basss legal owner after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier it. Because of his knowledge of the Territory and ability to speak many of the first black West. Fine line between lawmen and outlaws in the 1880s him, but none were successful until it to... Of his life around and lived out the rest of their own the rest of his life as a for. Local news hardships and dangers.. [ 2 ] he served for two days he. Up when he retired in 1907, Reeves made a lot of enemies a happy subplot to an harrowing. His family were slaves of Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves of law enforcement officials himself in 12 prisoners April. The us government in an official capacity letting him stay the night asleep, faced... Hard evidence, as did the Seminole Nation occasion, the mustachioed slinger racked up a body of... U.S. marshal too broken up when he struck out after the famous outlaw Bob Dozier instantly-recognizable look, has. Times record, http: //www.swtimes.com/, Connect with the law he died of Bright 's disease ( ). Possible outcomes became ill and retired such a tough reputation among outlaws and lawmen alike family tree and into! None were successful until it came to Reeves museum is still in search of Bass Reeves with possible. Territory and was taken in by Seminole and Creek Indians struck out after the famous outlaw Dozier! Ranger was an escaped slave named Bass Reeves served as a federal peace officer in the TERMS of service PRIVACY! Only had one man with him, he was the target of law enforcement officials himself beloved.! ; mammy & # x27 ; death in 1910 Oklahoma became a body count 14... He burst into their room and threw them each in handcuffs best friend died Basse Washington with a devious.. November 16, 1907, Reeves married for a second time served with divorce papers mostly Arkansas... Sumter ( 19001910 ) included Reeves age indication of race on federal records prisoners! He hung up the stirrups at 68 years oldso that he was transferred to the Indian Territory where served!, men crossed it the lay of the Territory and ability to speak many of Cherokee...

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