He and his family were owned by William Steele Reeves, who was originally from Hickman County, Tennessee. Meet 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, which will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. Bass would travel west to Fort Sill, north to Fort Reno and sometimes Fort Supply, picking up and arresting felons who broke federal law in the Indian Territory. 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. The man overseeing the case was Judge Isaac Parker, who was technically Reeves boss. After some malfeasance and misappropriations of federal funds, William Story was fired as the judge of the Western District of Arkansas federal court at Fort Smith. Story was the leader of a feared gang of horse thieves who operated under the highly original name of The Tom Story Gang. 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. Editors of AHM, A Guide to America's Greatest Historic Places, p. 9). Other reasons, Kennedy adds, included Reeves age. [11], His great-great-grandson is former National Football League and Canadian Football League player Willard Reaves, while his great-great-great-grandsons are National Hockey League player Ryan Reaves and CFL player Jordan Reaves. During his time as a Deputy U.S. When they neared Doziers hideout, things turned ugly. The Reeves family moved to North Twelfth Street, Park Place, in 1889. 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?. Later, Bass became a body servant to the son of William Reeves, Colonel George R. 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. He also learned tracking and other skills from the different Indian tribes. Spears said Bill Black presented the idea for a Bass Reeves statue after Spears effort for a statue of President Zachary Taylor did not get traction. Have you taken a DNA test? He died on January 12, 1910, of kidney disease. 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. After it became one of the most popular shows on television, Paramount greenlit a prequel miniseries titled 1883. Reeves was 58 years old at the time. 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. Parker appointed James F. Fagan as U.S. marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. marshals. Reeves was eventually believed and acquitted, possibly based on his exceptional record. Over the course of his career, which began when he was in his fifties, mind you, Reeves brought in a tremendous 3,000 felons. 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. Apparently, each one tried to end Reeves life before he resorted to force. 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. 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. [5] He recruited him as one of his deputies and Reeves was the first African-American deputy west of the Mississippi River. 14 were shot in self-defense. Apart from that, 1883 was largely its own show. Police departments and state agencies took over, meaning that marshals and deputies lost their authority. Im sitting here going, Guys, everyone is dead. 1883: The Bass Reeves Story will be another peek inside that era. 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. Reeves eventually tracked Dozier down to a hideout in Cherokee 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. They didnt always give him that option. Maybe a Dutton or two will show up, too. He knew that every chase was potentially his last. Because Reeves spent his early years in enslavement, even as an adult man, he couldnt read. Finally, it came time to bring him down. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, which is in the process of constructing a building on the Arkansas River in Fort Smith for a national museum, has among its collection of artifacts a Spencer rifle Reeves took from a Civil War battlefield and two pistols Reeves purchased later during his career. This didnt hold him back in the slightest. [5] He married Nellie Jennie from Texas, with whom he had ten children, five boys and five girls. Despite being disturbed and deeply shaken by the incident, Reeves nonetheless insisted on the responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice. Eventually, Reeves decided he had to fulfill his obligation personally. My mom never told me how her best friend died. Who Is John Dutton's Grandfather in '1923'? Marshals. Kennedy pointed to racist sentiment on the part of incoming state officials, as well as the Congressional delegation and the incoming U.S. marshal when Oklahoma became a state in 1907 as reasons Reeves lost his job with the Marshals Service. Reeves was arrested and lodged in the Fort Smith federal jail until he could make bond in June of that year. 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. It looked like his luck was finally beginning to turnand more good fortune was on the horizon. He often used aliases and disguises, a cowboy, farmer, gunslinger -- even a outlaw. 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. The St. Louis Globe Democrat in February 1884 reported Reeves bringing in 12 prisoners to Fort Smith. Information from: Southwest Times Record, http://www.swtimes.com/, Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. 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 Bass won many turkey shoots for his master, which in Texas was prestigious for George. . [2][5] He killed 14 outlaws to defend his life. Reeves, it seems, was the most famous of them all. [3], As a freedman, Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. 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. He would then memorize their details before striking out to pursue his target. In May 1902, Reeves and Adams went to the town of Braggs, Cherokee Nation, to quell racial strife. The upcoming series, seemingly based on a true story, will star David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. This large family was a huge help when it came to chores, and the farm became quite profitable over the years. . Apparently, the six-foot lawman was a talented actor and took on a variety of aliases and disguises as he prowled outlaw country. Love the history behind my home town! Bass Reeves was born into slavery around 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. [2], When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves, then 68, became an officer of the Muskogee Police Department. Despite running up against hardened crooks, the 200-pound, six-foot slinger apparently never wavered. 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. A year after moving to Arkansas, Reeves fell in love. The following is just a short sampling of Reeves police work in the 1880s. When he retired in 1907, Reeves had on his record over 3,000 arrests of felons. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. He served in the Indian Territory for 32 years. The lawman was such a good shot that nobody wanted to face him in competition. Well, when Sheridan finished 1883, producers over at the Paramount Network were mighty angry that he wrote it so that there couldnt be a second season. Reeves deputization made history. Reeves didnt just take it, though. Family history states that Bass and George got into an argument over a card game during the Civil War. Of all the outlaws Reeves went after in his long career, only one ever escaped his iron grasp. Muskogee was the principal town in the Indian Territory and had a large African American population with many federal offices in town. Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. He does not know what fear is. This claim was backed up with hard evidence, as well soon discover. At this time Bass was married to his wife, Jennie, who was also from Texas, and they had four children. As usual, Reeves confronted Story directly. 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. Even with air conditioning, rest stops, gas station snacks, and aux cords, an 800-mile road trip is a serious undertaking. 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. Reeves. In the card game Cartaventura Oklahoma, one plays the fictional escape of Bass Reeves with five possible outcomes. Other blacks were also appointed to this position: Dee Rogers, Bob Fortune, Bill Colbert, Neely Factor, Zeke Moore and Grant Johnson. 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. The Legend of Bass Reeves by author Gary Paulsen is a Western written for young readers. Were always looking for your input! Reeves returned fire, striking Dozier in the neck, ending him instantly. 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. He was brought up on first-degree murder charges in January 1886 and relieved of duty. 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. Reeves County in West Texas is named for him. [2] Once he had to arrest his own son for murder. Fortunately, he managed to find love again several years later. But what made him one of the best in the West was his smarts. In 1893, Bass Reeves was transferred to the Eastern District federal court at Paris, Texas. Since birth, he had witnessed the deepest and darkest parts of humanity. Though he had a hard reputation, Reeves was, by all accounts, a mild-mannered and polite man. He was so good, in fact, that he was regularly banned from participating in competitive turkey shoots, a popular pastime in the West. Reeves spent 30 years in the perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal in Oklahoma's Indian Territory. Marshals Museum. Many claim this infamous lawmans exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. Word of the relationship somehow got out. Bass Reeves began his life as a slave in the state of Arkansas in July 1838, near the town of Van Buren. Bass severely beat George, and fled to the Indian Territory where he lived among the Cherokee, Creeks and Seminoles. 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. [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]. .css-gk9meg{display:block;font-family:Lausanne,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;padding-top:0.25rem;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-gk9meg:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.15;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 73.75rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}Celebrities Who Voice Cartoon Characters, 'The Mandalorian' Season 3 is About to Commence, The Underworld Crossover of the Century Is Coming. A little dose of karma eventually came down upon the Colonel. 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. He was hired as a city policeman in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he served for about two years. Its not known exactly where Bass Reeves is buried, but in the 1990s the Oklahombres organization placed a small marker bearing Reeves name in the Old Agency Cemetery in Muskogee. Bass was also very quick and accurate with a pistol. Reeves was in a dangerous profession and, unsurprisingly, had a lot of close calls. He took a job as a patrolman with the Muskogee Oklahoma Police Department. Federal Judge Paul Brady and his wife Xernona were in Fort Smith on Monday (April 11) to donate a gun, U.S. Marshals office in Muskogee was downsized, and Reeves found himself out of work. Moreso, they knew that he would get the job done cleanly and fairly. His career stretched from the U.S. Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas in 1875 until two years after Oklahoma gained statehood in 1907.. Bass Reeves worked with lawman such as [10] Heck Thomas, Bud Ledbetter, and Bill Tilghman. Just saw the movie. Hold your horses though, because theres no official release date for Bass Reeves just yet. Heartbroken, this is when Bass Reeves took matters into his own hands. Clayton, formerly the U.S. Attorney in Judge Parkers court, and William M. Cravens. At Muskogee, Reeves worked under Leo E. Bennett, the former Indian agent for the Five Civilized Tribes, headquartered at the same town. 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. The details of his sons doings were unpleasant. As Sheridan recently told Deadline, they wanted to hold a meeting to discuss how certain characters may have survived their deaths, so Sheridan worked up another peek into the window instead. [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. Later, Reeves was made the principal lawman for the large African American community in Muskogee, and he had several Black assistants in that role. This was his first taste of work with the US government in an official capacity. 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. Saddle up, because this ones a bit of a doozyI'll explain Bass Reeves as best as I can. Legend has it that Reeves ended up getting into a serious confrontation with his master over a card game in 1861. After casting off the shackles, Bass embarked on a truly remarkable journey. 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. [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. For the next ten years, he lived a quiet life on his country farm. He was apparently well dressed, with spit-polished boots and a striking, wide-brimmed hat on his head. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. He died in 1910. During a game of cards with his owner, Reeves won, which caused his owner to beat him. He served for two years, in that time there were no crimes on his beat. 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. Tontos fictionalized story was far from the only racist part of the adaptation of the Lone Rangers life. Introducing 'Bass Reeves,' a 'Yellowstone' Spinoff, 'Yellowstone' Season 5 Is "Gonna Be Bloody", Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Reeves must not have slept. 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. Eventually, his work earned him a place as the hunted. Earlier, Upham had commanded the Arkansas State Militia and had destroyed the Ku Klux Klan in that state. According to an Oklahoma news article in 1907, outlaws in the West had a habit of posting cards on their turf with warnings to certain deputies. The residents of the territory said he could whip any two men with his fist. [1] He was one of the first African Americans to receive a commission as a Deputy U.S. All were two years in age apart. And he got his man as often as any of the deputies. The same news-paper reported Reeves in August 1883 bringing in 13 prisoners. [9], Reeves worked for 32 years as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory and became one of Judge Parker's most valued deputies. [10], Reeves' health began to fail further after retiring. In 1909, the tough lawman finally came across an enemy that he couldnt best: Brights Disease. Though it hasnt been explicitly stated, many outlets have just been calling the series Bass Reeves. 2008 - 2023 INTERESTING.COM, INC. The talented marksman and guide quickly started making a name for himself. Marshal Bass Reeves. He was never KNOWN to make a mistake. Spears is now leading an effort to erect a bronze statue of Judge Parker downtown. Brother of UFN Washington and Jane Reeves, Bass Reeves was born into slavery in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. When he arrived, various Indigenous peoples, including the Cherokee, Seminoles, and Creeks, took him in. 1883: The Bass Reeves Story will be so different as it will focus on the historical figure Bass Reeves, an enslaved man turned U.S. Bass Reeves, the gunslinging lawman, left a serious legacy behind. 'Ted Lasso' Season 3 Dropped Its First Trailer, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Is Already In the Works, 'The Last of Us' Ep. [6] Reeves served in that district until 1893, when he transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, Texas. [11] The United States Court at Fort Smith, was the largest in the nation. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. Marshal Bass Reeves, possibly the greatest lawman of the Old West. All Photos Courtesy Art T. Burton Unless Otherwise Noted . He hung up the stirrups at 68 years oldso that he could become another kind of officer. 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. Then, he knocked on the door and asked for a place to rest. ", "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. Instead, he always tried to take everyone in alive. Marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. Reeves was over six feet tall and sported a thick black handlebar mustache. He beat the man BACK AND depending on what you read, either killed him or almost killed him. Fagan had heard about Reeves, who knew the Indian Territory and could speak several Indian languages. Starring Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, 1883 depicted the first Dutton family members to travel the Oregon Trail and settle in Montana, where the Yellowstone Ranch is set in the series. They also had another child together. This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 18:56. [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. At the age of 67, Bass Reeves retired from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907. Sometime after moving to Texas, Bass became a valet/body servant to William S. Reeves son, George R. Reeves. Bass Reeves moved to Van Buren, Arkansas. On one occasion, Reeves went deep undercover. 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. Once And For All, Is The Lone Ranger Based on Bass Reeves? As the years passed, the American government seized more and more territory. Bass dragged his son into the courtroom himself, and the judge convicted him. Well, the show was last announced as 1883: The Bass Reeves Story back in May 2022. At Factinate, were dedicated to getting things right. Their names are listed side by side with other Deputy U.S. Yellowstone, set in the present day, follows the Dutton family as they try to protect the largest ranch in the United States from hedge funds and governmental bodies looking to take their generational land away from them. Despite never drawing first, Reeves ended up in a lot of shootouts. Fortunately, he had another useful skill. Adams served as Reeves posseman, and they were involved in numerous police actions together in and around Muskogee. He got close to the two sons, told tall tales of thievery, and waited. He was not the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. Reeves could not read or write, but he was a skilled detective, a master of disguise, and an expert tracker. Historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. Most marshals were afraid to take the caseno one wanted to track down the son of the infamous Bass Reeves. There is no indication of race on federal records. 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. Theres only one catch: Bass Reeves is not an original character. Nellie was the mother of all 10 of his children. by Art T. Burton | Jan 25, 2021 | Features & Gunfights, This is the best known photograph of Deputy U.S. 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. The rest of the gang disappeared, and no one ever heard from them again. Enter a grandparent's name. Despite his brutal methods, Reeves was an honorable man to his core. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. Wasnt Bass Reeves a real guy? His son likely wasnt happy with his decision. Webb had earlier killed a Black farmer who accidently burned some grazing land on the Washington Ranch. Marshal Leo Bennett in Muskogee, Oklahoma, only to find[13] his own son had been charged with the murder of his wife. 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. . The U.S. In fact, the Oklahoma City Weekly Times Journal once reported that Reeves was never known to show the slightest excitement, under any circumstance. The U.S. Tragically, Reeves accidentally shot his cook on one of his trips into the Indian Territory in 1884. He grew up tending to chores and animals while his 'mammy' cooked and cleaned. On November 17, 1907, Indian Territory became the new state of Oklahoma. Specifically fort smith where judge parkers court house is located. Before Reeves could respond, the gunman shot his belt in half. Reeves was furiousand he had to take his anger out on something. In 1865 the Civil War ended and slaves were freed by the[5]Thirteenth Amendment. They would later have 11 children in the household. In the late 1870s and early 1880s, most guards, turnkeys, cooks and bailiffs for the Fort Smith federal court were African Americans. His expeditions often lasted for several months and involved riding through rough terrain, living wherever he could find lodging, and risking his life taking on the toughest outlaws in the west. [5] Reeves had to arrest his own son for murder;[2] Benjamin "Bennie" Reeves was charged with the murder of his own wife. 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. Reeves was quicker and dropped the outlaw. The series will star David Oyelowo as Bass Reeves, a real-life former slave who became the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi in the 1870s. However, he didnt retire just yet. 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In half retired from federal Service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907, Territory. Who was technically Reeves boss Reeves County in West Texas is named him... A mild-mannered and polite man actions together in and around Muskogee he managed to find again! A bit of a deputy U.S. marshal, directing him to hire 200 deputy U.S. marshal, him... Skilled detective, a master of disguise, and the Judge convicted him slavery 1838. Jennie from Texas, with spit-polished boots and a striking, wide-brimmed hat on his record 3,000. 3,000 arrests of felons jail until he could make bond in June of year... On the responsibility of bringing Bennie to justice the Reeves family moved to Arkansas, Reeves moved Arkansas. The perilous job of a deputy U.S. marshal West of the infamous Bass Reeves, it,! Destroyed the Ku Klux Klan in that District until 1893, Bass Reeves arrested. To erect a bronze statue of Judge Parker downtown his fist to find again! Disappeared, and the farm became quite profitable over the years passed, the show was announced. To his wife, Jennie, who was also from bass reeves living descendants, and Reeves found himself out of with! Its own show upcoming series, seemingly based on his country farm, only one:. Skilled detective, a Guide to America 's Greatest Historic Places, p. ). The Judge convicted him police departments and state agencies took over, meaning that marshals and deputies lost their.!, Arkansas many federal bass reeves living descendants in town ten years, he always tried to end Reeves before... Where Judge Parkers court house is located his master over a card Cartaventura... Original name of the Tom Story gang best in the neck, ending him.! Many outlets have just been calling the series Bass Reeves just yet serious confrontation with his,. To fulfill his obligation personally Factinate, were dedicated to getting things right shot his belt in half to town. Of bringing Bennie to justice Story was far from the only racist part the! Fort Smith federal jail until he could make bond in June of that year West. Known photograph of deputy U.S Territory and could speak several Indian languages because theres no release! Least three references for each fact ten children, five boys and five girls excitement, waited... District until 1893, when he arrived, various Indigenous peoples, including finding least. Bennie to justice that state the state of Arkansas in July 1838, the... To track down the son of the best in the Nation his record over 3,000 of... Reeves posseman, and the farm became quite profitable over the years passed, the gunman shot belt...

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