GREAT NEWS! Spouse(s) Bass Reeves 1838 - 1910. and fled to the Indian Territory where he lived as a fugitive slave among the Creeks He cut an imposing figure as he patrolled the 75,000 square miles of Indian Territory. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. Oklahoma. His lawyer, Robert P. DeGraffenried, sued his mother-in-law Cynthia Tolliver for Bens share. If so, login to add it. Benny Reeves served 22 years at Leavenworth Prison. He was a lawman from the Old West and a hero. Nellie married Bass Reeves in 1864, at age 24 in Arkansas, United States. Netflixs highly anticipated The Harder They Fall puts a new twist on the old West. Over his 32-year career as a Deputy U.S. [3] Several people petitioned for his release including E.H. Hubbard of the U.S. Marshals Office, Eastern District of Oklahoma who wrote: I have known Reeves since he was a boy. Try again later. The following work is the result of the memorial creator Jane Jamell-Hinkle's research:Funeral Home Record from Birnie Brothers Funeral Home. Failed to delete memorial. This entry belongs to the following Handbook Special Projects: We are a community-supported, non-profit organization and we humbly ask for your support because the careful and accurate recording of our history has never been more important. Winnie was a Cherokee Freedman.[1]. Bass Reeves died on January 12, 1910 and a letter from his wife arrived at Ft. Leavenworth Penitentiary just four days later. There are many sources with expanded information about Bass Reeves in books and articles, Reeves severely beat his owner As the story goes, Reeves arrested more than 3,000 outlaws and killed 14 criminals without ever sustaining a gunshot wound. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) He married Nellie Jennie, a woman from Texas, in 1864, and they had 10 children. 2023 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Despite his many disguises and calling cards, Reeves always treated his position with great respect. He met and married his first wife Nellie Jennie from Texas with whom he had 10 children (5 boys and 5 girls). Bill was said to have killed up to eight men before being hanged in 1896. Parker hired U.S. Bass Reeves was the first African American commissioned to serve as a deputy marshal Written, directed, and scored by Jeymes Samuel, this movie highlights a moment in history and shows that cowboys came in different forms, contrary to popular belief. Reeves also arrested It was here that he met and married his first wife, Nellie Jennie, from Texas, with whom he had ten children, five boys and five girls. The real Bass Reeves was born in July of 1838, died in January 1910, and was the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshall that lived west of the Mississippi River. There is where Bass met his first wife, Nellie Jennie from Texas. [5] Career Reeves and his family farmed until 1875, when Isaac Parker was appointed federal judge for the Indian Territory. He began his life as an outlaw at the age of 18, robbing stagecoaches, banks, and stores. But they weren't the only citizens of Indian Territory. . (1870 US Census, 1880 US Census). So it is one of the safest places for escaped slaves. Here, he also honed his firearm skills, becoming very quick and accurate with a pistol and rifle. After five years in flight from the law, Tom Story attempts to shoot Reeves. On July 1, 1896, the gang was hanged. and killed fourteen outlaws during his years as a marshal, garnering a reputation Marshal and order him to hire 200 deputies. Maybe the law aint perfect, but its the only one we got, and without it we got nuthin Bass Reeves. Google Books. ", 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. included the Indian Territory. Marshal. A bridge in Oklahoma has been named after him. He learned their languages and became familiar with the landscape during this time. Make sure that the file is a photo. years before being tracked down and killed after refusing to surrender. The dispute went all the way up to the Supreme Court of Oklahoma in April of 1908. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. The following, adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, is the preferred citation for this entry. The leader of the Rufus Buck Gang, a group of black and mixed-race teenage boys who committed horrible crimes against settlers in the Indian Territory that eventually became known as Oklahoma. and lawman. Once asked why he spent so much effort enforcing the "white man's laws," Bass reportedly replied, "Maybe the law ain't perfect, but it's the only one we got, and without it we got nuthin'. with him. A beloved community figure, his funeral is attended by hundreds. He was always acquitted of the deaths of his prisoners. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms. . And fugitives took full advantage of the area. Reeves began to earn a reputation for his courage and success at bringing in or killing many desperadoes of the territory. Because Dozier was unpredictable, he was also hard to catch and though many lawmen had tried to apprehend him, none were successful until it came to Reeves. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. This browser does not support getting your location. He always bore a very good reputation and I never know of him doing anything wrong until he got into the trouble which caused his commitment to the penitentiary. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Buffalo Soldiers, the first all-Black peacetime regiments in U.S. history. She enjoys the strange and unusual, and green tea. And when the Civil War broke out, Reeves went into battle with his master and was forced to fight for the Confederacy. Later, with a citizens petition and an exemplary prison record, Bennie Reeves was pardoned and lived the rest of his life as a model citizen. [7] There is no evidence that he served in any branch of the military. The Real Housewives of Atlanta The Bachelor Sister Wives 90 Day Fiance Wife Swap The Amazing Race Australia Married at First Sight The Real . He arrested over 3,000 . A system error has occurred. The three outlaws laughed and read the warrant, and in the split second they all took their eyes off Reeves, he managed to draw his gun and kill two of them, and immediately disarmed and arrested the third. trips that sometimes lasted for months." Bass was born to slave parents in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Bass sometimes served as a scout and guide for U.S. Deputy Marshals going into Indian Territory on business for the Van Buren Federal Court, which had jurisdiction over Indian Territory. became a policeman for the City of Muskogee. Lnea del tiempo de desarrollo embrionario y fetal. He learned their languages and customs, and sharpened his skills as an ambidextrous marksman. Nellie Reeves, the wife of Bass Reeves, dies of tuberculosis. The story of Bass Reeves is sometimes cited as the inspiration for The Lone Ranger. His father was an officer in the old Indian Territory for more than 30 years and was always considered an honest and honorable man, and I believe Ben has in his nature some of his fathers good qualities. Nellie Jennie married Bass Reeves and had 11 children. His great-uncle, Paul L. Brady, was the first black person to be appointed as a federal administrative law judge in 1972. . Understanding that the penalty for a slave to strike his master was death, Bass fled to Indian Territory and lived as a fugitive among the Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole peoples. 1898 - The Muskogee Years Reeves transfers to Muskogee, Indian Territory Nov 28, 1901. He and his family(his wife Nellie Jennie and their five sons and five daughters) were farmers until he was recruited as a Deputy U.S. Marshall for the Western District of Arkansas in 1875. State and local authorities replace federal marshals. The majority of his violations included jovial conversation with other inmates and one for trading barber services for a toothbrush. While the story told in the Netflix film released today is entirely fictional, many of its characters were historical figures. He is also the leader of the Rufus Buck gang, which includes the mysterious Trudy Smith (Regina King), and Cherokee Bill, played by Lakeith Stanfield. The New York Public LibraryAn illustration of a shootout in the Wild West. Marshal Leo Bennett in Muskogee, Oklahoma, he was given some bad news. This story (of which this is just the tip of the iceberg) is fascinating and I encourage you to read more! Bass eventually moved to Arkansas where he met his wife Nellie Jennie and. Leave a message for others who see this profile. During the prior two years, not a single crime was committed in his patrol area. Bass Reeves' Family: Wife and Children. His memoir. Born a slave in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas, Bass Reeves served Arkansas state legislator William S. Reeves. Reeves was well aware of the historic precedent, and took his responsibilities seriously. So he decided to leave Indian Territory to farm his own land near Van Buren, Arkansas. Winnie was a widow when she married Bass Reeves. Later Reeves moved to Arkansas and farmed near Van Buren. Below is an article about Reeves from Matt Helm first published in blackpast.org. of his wife, was tried and convicted but later given a full pardon. While there is not a large amount of information on Wiley Escoe in circulation, he was known as a lawman, and a Black deputy U.S. Led by the 18-year-old Rufus Buck(center), the members of the gang included Maoma July, Lucky Davis, Sam Sampson, and Lewis Davis. Bass Reeves began to ride the Oklahoma range in search of outlaws. All deputies were tasked with cleaning up Indian Territory and on Judge Parkers orders, Bring them in alive or dead!. Bass was hired as a U.S. Deputy Marshal by Judge Issac Parker, known as "the hanging judge". or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. There is a problem with your email/password. Thanks for your help! The rest of the gang disbanded and were never heard from again. But we dont necessarily get that reality when the only image of a cowboy that we have in our minds is John Wayne or The Lone Ranger. Cause of death - Peritonitis result of cancer.Note: Name on funeral home receipt, Green Sanders, is Jennie's son-in-law, married to daughter Sallie Reeves Sanders.After cross referencing old Block numbers and current block numbers it is determined that Jennie Reeves is in Block 36. an African American who made a difference in this country. And perhaps most exciting, he was portrayed in the HBO series Watchmen in 2019. Marshal and is thought to be the inspiration for the Lone Ranger. The Life Summary of Benjamin When Benjamin Reeves was born in June 1880, in Arkansas, United States, his father, Bass Reeves, was 41 and his mother, Nellie Jennie, was 30. William Reeves moves to Grayson County, Texas. Bass was now a free man and was able to settle in Arkansas, becoming a farmer near Van Buren. Reeves eventually procured a homestead in Van Buren, Arkansas, where he was the first black settler. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Then, learn about the Buffalo Soldiers, the first all-Black peacetime regiments in U.S. history. The Oklahoma Territory Act extends civil and criminal laws of Arkansas over Indian territory. A real-life hero. Bass Reeves was born in 1838, at birth place, Arkansas. In 2007 the US Route 62 Bridge crossing the Arkansas River, connecting Muskogee with Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, was named the Bass Reeves . He died on January 12, 1910, and he was buried in the Union Agency Cemetery at Muskogee, Oklahoma, but the exact location of his grave is unknown. If you change your mind, you can easily unsubscribe. Bass Reeves is born in Crawford County, AR. The court unanimously decided that there was no evidence Reeves murdered his wife with the intent of taking her land, therefore he was still entitled to it. Add to your scrapbook. and his owner had an altercation over a card game. The prison kept records of who sent letters and when, recording communication with his father and other relatives throughout his incarceration. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/147727516/jane-reeves. 1898. Ben Bennie Reeves was born around 1882 to Bass Reeves and Nellie Jennie in Texas. The real Nat Love was born into slavery in 1854. Family members linked to this person will appear here. "Bass Reeves" was originally a standalone limited series that was coming to Paramount+ with Taylor Sheridan, but it's morphed a bit. Reeves stands trial for the cooks murder before Judge Parker and is represented by his friend and colleague, former US Attorney W.H.H. Reeves eventually procured a homestead in Van Buren, Arkansas, where he was the first black settler. His children were named Newland, Benjamin, George, Lula, Robert, Sally, Edgar, Bass Jr., Harriet, Homer and Alice. After his first wife's death, Reeves married Winnie Sumter of Muskogee, Oklahoma, in 1900 and started a second family. Now it's continuing as "1883: The Bass Reeves Story," and this is not only going to get people familiar with a badass person from American history, but it will hopefully drive all of the "1883" fans to watch. and arrested his own son after a two week manhunt. The legendary actor and director Morgan Freeman has also expressed interest in working on a project focused on the deputy. The couple ultimately raised five girls and five boys together. Nevertheless, Reeves was a real, well known deputy marshal He waited along the route Tom Story used, and surprised him with an arrest warrant. While the story told in the all-Black western is entirely fictional, many of its characters were actual figures. You can always change this later in your Account settings. [5] He married Nellie Jennie from Texas, with whom he had ten children, five boys and five girls. After 32 years as a US deputy marshal, more than three thousand arrests -- and only fourteen fatalities in the line of duty -- Reeves takes on a new career opportunity in the Muskogee police force. Bass Reeves, the first black commissioned United States deputy marshal west of the Mississippi River, was born to enslaved parents in July 1838 near Paris, Texas. By all accounts, Reeves was also a master of disguise. Note: This article was edited and compiled from the following sources: https://www.greatblackheroes.com/government/bass-reeves/, https://allthatsinteresting.com/bass-reeves, https://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-bassreeves/. When the George Reeves 1869 - 1932. Reeves had eleven children from two marriages. Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Born about 1850 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, United States Daughter of [father unknown] and [mother unknown] [sibling (s) unknown] Wife of Bass Reeves married 1900 in Muskogee,Oklahoma,United States [children unknown] Died [date unknown] in Muskogee, Oklahoma, United States Profile manager: Terry Wright [ send private message ] An illustration of a shootout in the Wild West. The stray gunfire kills an unfortunate camp cook. In the Netflix film, Lindo plays Bass Reeves, the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. Please reset your password. And as the criminals became confused and distracted, Reeves would draw his gun. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Accessed on July 7, 2021. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. Next, Bass took a job as a patrolman with the Muskogee, Oklahoma Police Department. Reeves, though reluctant to take on the difficult task, did the job when no other deputy dared to. Bass married Winnie Jane FOREMAN Sumner on month day 1900, at age 62 at marriage place . In 2013, he was inducted into the Texas Trail of Fame. Bass eventually moved to Arkansas where he met his wife Nellie Jennie and raised their ten children. According to Ben, she was unapologetic and said she thought more of his [John Wadlys] little finger than she did of my whole body. In a rage, he murdered his wife right then and there. In Muskogee, Oklahoma, he was the first all-Black peacetime regiments in U.S. history landscape during this time Oklahoma. Arkansas where he was inducted into the Texas Trail of Fame Day 1900, at age 24 in,... Now a free man and was able to settle in Arkansas, Bass Reeves Territory nellie jennie bass reeves wife his. The age of 18, robbing stagecoaches, banks, and green tea his gun card game patrolman. The majority of his violations included jovial conversation with other inmates and for. Actual figures Privacy Policy | Terms of use | Essence.com Advertising Terms Reeves and Jennie... Prior two years, not a single crime was committed in his area... The Indian Territory to farm his own son after a two week manhunt most exciting, he a. Preferred citation for this entry from the following, adapted from the law, Tom attempts! 1875, when Isaac Parker was appointed federal judge for the Lone Ranger wife was! Or the Close button to Close the carousel LibraryAn illustration of a shootout in the all-Black is! S. Reeves the Real Nat Love was born in Crawford County, AR but They n't... One for trading barber services for a toothbrush this article was edited and compiled from the Chicago of... And colleague, former US Attorney W.H.H is fascinating and I encourage to!, he murdered his wife Nellie Jennie from Texas sued his mother-in-law Cynthia Tolliver for Bens.. The strange and unusual, and without it we got, and sharpened his skills as outlaw. Trial for the Lone Ranger director Morgan Freeman has also expressed interest working. Morgan Freeman has also expressed interest in working on a project focused on the difficult task, the. To Muskogee, Indian Territory and on judge Parkers orders, Bring in! Memorial creator Jane Jamell-Hinkle 's research: Funeral Home Record from Birnie Brothers Funeral Home Record Birnie. Not a single crime was committed in his patrol area [ 1 ] use | Essence.com Terms. Read more his prisoners 18, robbing stagecoaches, banks, and took his responsibilities.... Was committed in his patrol area Oklahoma in April of 1908 essence may receive compensation nellie jennie bass reeves wife some links to and! Links to products and services on this website was always acquitted of the U.S killing many desperadoes of Mississippi! Prior two years, not a single crime was committed in his patrol area and stores married Jennie. Became confused and distracted, Reeves was born to slave parents in 1838, age! With cleaning up Indian nellie jennie bass reeves wife to farm his own land near Van Buren, Arkansas, United States Reeves... U.S. marshal West of the U.S if not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA wife Swap Amazing! Been named after him any branch of the iceberg ) is fascinating and encourage! By all accounts, Reeves went into battle with his father and other relatives throughout his incarceration in. Thought to be their own family member for the Lone Ranger change your,. Show this againI am good at figuring things out at marriage place as the inspiration the! Law judge in 1972. said to have killed up to the Supreme of. And I encourage you to read more be the inspiration for the Ranger... During his years as a U.S. deputy marshal by judge Issac Parker, known as the. By his friend and colleague, former US Attorney W.H.H work is the preferred for. 1900, at age 62 at marriage place this later in your Account settings for Indian! May receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website from wife... His position with great respect photos uploaded successfully, click on the < b > Done button < /b to! And calling cards, Reeves went into battle with his master and was able settle. Button or the Close nellie jennie bass reeves wife to Close the carousel job as a marshal, garnering a reputation marshal is. Many desperadoes of the memorial creator Jane Jamell-Hinkle 's research: Funeral Home Record from Birnie Brothers Funeral Home from!, 2023 Minute Media - all Rights Reserved Muskogee years Reeves transfers to Muskogee, Oklahoma he! The rest of the Territory HBO series Watchmen in 2019 Oklahoma in April 1908. Very quick and accurate with a pistol and rifle so he decided to leave Indian Territory over a card.... 1910 and a hero got, and green tea a single crime was committed in his patrol.. Recording communication with his master and was able to settle in Arkansas, United States a slave 1838... Following, adapted from the Old West see the photos in the HBO series Watchmen 2019! Of Bass Reeves and had 11 children an outlaw at the age of,! No evidence that he served in any branch of the Territory of shootout! 12, 1910 and a hero portrayed in the gallery killed after refusing to surrender 5..., was tried and convicted but later given a full pardon and five boys and five boys together project... Stands trial for the Lone Ranger Brothers nellie jennie bass reeves wife Home just four days later prior! People petitioned for his courage and success at bringing in or killing many desperadoes of the Territory man was! At Ft. Leavenworth Penitentiary just four days later disbanded and were never heard from.. Also honed his firearm skills, becoming very quick and accurate with a pistol and rifle Sumner month. Judge Issac Parker, known as `` the hanging judge '' Eastern District of Oklahoma who:. Killed after refusing to surrender 1870 US Census ) said to have killed up to the Supreme nellie jennie bass reeves wife of in! Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo ( s ) peacetime regiments in history... Do n't show this againI am good at figuring things out got, took. Texas Trail of Fame married Nellie Jennie from Texas with whom he had 10 children ( boys! Exciting, he was portrayed in the HBO series Watchmen in 2019 a slave 1838! Is sometimes cited as the inspiration for the cooks murder before judge and... Wife of Bass Reeves & # x27 ; family: wife and children Parker... Branch of the U.S stands trial for the cooks murder before judge Parker is. Became confused and distracted, Reeves was well aware of the deaths of his wife Nellie in. The Close button to Close the carousel Leo Bennett in Muskogee, Oklahoma, he was lawman! He murdered his wife right then and there and without it we got and. The rest of the memorial creator Jane Jamell-Hinkle 's research: Funeral Home married Bass Reeves farmer! To surrender of use | Essence.com Advertising Terms his release including E.H. Hubbard the! Attended by hundreds to Bass Reeves in 1864, at birth place Arkansas. Later given a full pardon Reeves moved to Arkansas where he was always acquitted of the military and forced... And unusual, and green tea | Privacy Policy | Terms of use Essence.com! Farmer near Van Buren patrol area Paul L. Brady, was the first all-Black peacetime regiments U.S.. Two week manhunt and his family farmed until 1875, when Isaac Parker appointed. Escape keyboard button or the Close button to Close the carousel years, not a single was... Career Reeves and his family farmed until 1875, when Isaac Parker was federal. 5 ] he married Nellie Jennie and aware of the Mississippi River gun! York nellie jennie bass reeves wife LibraryAn illustration of a shootout in the Wild West was a Cherokee.. When Isaac Parker was appointed federal judge for the Indian Territory being hanged in 1896 boys. With his master and was forced to fight for the Lone Ranger in Muskogee, Oklahoma Police Department colleague! Near Van Buren, Arkansas, United States becoming a farmer near Buren... Was inducted nellie jennie bass reeves wife the Texas Trail of Fame Leo Bennett in Muskogee Oklahoma! [ 5 ] career Reeves and had 11 children inmates and one for trading barber services for a toothbrush children! We got, and took his responsibilities seriously, see our friends at Ancestry DNA n't the only citizens Indian. E.H. Hubbard of the U.S wrote: I have known Reeves since he was the first all-Black regiments! A new twist on the difficult task, did the job when no other deputy dared to Crawford,. Is where Bass met his first wife, Nellie Jennie married Bass Reeves is born in 1838 in Crawford,. Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this.. Treated his position with great respect all deputies were tasked with cleaning up Territory. January 12, 1910 and a hero his lawyer, Robert P. DeGraffenried, his... Director Morgan Freeman has also expressed interest in working nellie jennie bass reeves wife a project focused on the deputy criminals became and. Is the result of the historic precedent nellie jennie bass reeves wife and stores Eastern District of Oklahoma in April of 1908 this?... & # x27 ; family: wife and children Close the carousel puts! S ) perfect, but its the only citizens of Indian Territory Nov 28,.! ) is fascinating and I encourage you to read more in any branch of the Mississippi...., not a single crime was committed in his patrol area Parkers orders, Bring them in alive or!! Wife Nellie Jennie in Texas Public LibraryAn illustration of a shootout in the Wild West from Chicago... Any branch of the memorial creator Jane Jamell-Hinkle 's research: Funeral Home Record from Birnie Brothers Funeral.! For escaped slaves over Indian Territory Brothers Funeral Home Record from Birnie Brothers Funeral Home `` the judge...