Photo: Photograph courtesy of the Fort Smith Museum of History

Photographer: Photograph of the poster by Denise Boose
Taken: July 13, 2012
Caption: Photograph courtesy of the Fort Smith Museum of History
Additional Description: Deputy Marshal Reeves went into Indian Territory prepared to bring back his captives. His time on the trail was spent with a cook and his chuck wagon, a guard, a least one posse man and a wagon to transport prisoners. Reeves preparedness, his cleverness at disguises, and his determination to carry out the law led to over 3,000 arrests of whites, blacks and Indians. Belle Starr surrendered to Reeves when she learned he had a warrant for her arrest - such was her respect for the Deputy Marshal. By far, the most difficult arrest Bass Reeves ever made was that of his own son Benjamin for the murder of Benjamin's wife. Bass Reeves was never wounded during his time as a Marshal and killed only fourteen men in the line of duty over a 32 year career. When Indian Territory became the state of Oklahoma, Reeves was out of a job. Not ready for retirement, Reeves joined the police force in Muskogee, Ok. He was 70 years of age and walked with a cane! He spent two years as a Muskogee policeman where not a single crime was committed on his beat! Bass Reeves passed away on January 12, 1910 of Bright's disease - kidney ailment - in Muskogee, OK. His passing was mourned by people of every race, color, and creed. Reeves left a legacy of honor, duty, fairness and character that are not only traits of a successful lawman, but ones of a true man - no matter his color.
Submitted: July 28, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California.
Database Locator Identification Number: p213593
File Size: 0.067 Megabytes

To see the metadata that may be embedded in this photo, sign in and then return to this page.