Bass Reeves: Runaway Slave to Lawman
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- čas přidán 31. 10. 2023
- Make no mistake about it, the exploits of escaped slave-turned-lawman Bass Reeves are legendary.
Described in the papers of his day as a holy terror and one of the greatest manhunters to ever grace Indian Territory, Bass Reeves served as a deputy U.S. Marshal for over three decades; routinely traveling into no man’s land and returning with wagonloads of prisoners. With over 3,000 arrests and over a dozen kills to his name, Reeves was not only one of the most effective lawmen of the Old West but also one of the most deadly. But who was Bass Reeves really? What kind of man was he? Where’d he come from? How does a mere mortal grow such an amazing mustache? And did he really inspire the Lone Ranger? #wildwest #history #lawman
This is part 1 in a 2-part series. Part 2 is HERE: • The Legacy of Bass Ree...
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This is part 1. Look for part 2 next week!
So.. i was like ready to hit the hay..i be making me a cup of coffee instead.👍🏻
Outstanding episode. Keep em coming Josh. THUMBSUP
@@pickititllneverheal9016 thanks
@@brotherbrovet1881 they shoot Winchester 44-40?
What's going on from Van Buren, Arkansas. Been waiting on this one for a long time. Great job sir
Bass Reeves is an old west Icon. How he made it 32 years of his trade, is a testimony to his skills and pure audacity. A rare individual indeed.
Agreed
Yeah definitely was savage when life was really savage
Absolutely love the use of audacity to describe him. It’s perfect! He was incredible
32 years and he started in his later 30s, which was a lot older in those days. He is clearly one of the tougher men of all time
He was NOT an African, so why is an African actor portraying him in film?
I am sick and tired of these racist hiring cheap Africans and Caribbean actor to portray my ancestors!!!!
No one can portray a Black American better than an actual Black American actor and actress!!!
The jealousy, hatred, xenophobia and racism toward Black Americans has gotten out of control!!!
His character deserves more than just 1 season
Bass Reeves is awesome. He should be taught during US history courses. He is definitely an example of what makes America great.
DeSantis ain't havin' that. Too bad he can't stop us from researching the truth 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿
He was NOT an African, so why is an African actor portraying him in film?
I am sick and tired of these racist hiring cheap Africans and Caribbean actor to portray my ancestors!!!!
No one can portray a Black American better than an actual Black American actor and actress!!!
The jealousy, hatred, xenophobia and racism toward Black Americans has gotten out of control!!!
@residentrump3271 Critical Race theory and black history aren't the same thing. I wish people would look into it before crying "that's wacist!".
@@jasoncrutchfield4848 🐷supremacy and truth aren't the same thing. I wish people would look into it before crying "we're better than everyone else"!
@@jasoncrutchfield4848Well neither one is being taught 😂. For a country that loved westerns we had an entire genre dedicated to it. Ronald Reagan, Clint Eastwood and John Wayne. Made their bones in it. Black Cowboys, Black lawmen have been ignored. Is CRT perfect no it’s not was it taught in high schools? Highly unlikely as it is a college course. Black history is a month tbh we don’t need black history month we need history period. Except American history often doesn’t include black history in it. So black history was created. What does CRT teach? That the implications of slavery in America has a long last effects that still ring today in 2024. If I say that I’m a victim just because I want to discuss the impact.
My great- great grandmother was born in slavery in 1838. Closer than we think. Thank you so much for this I love western history and so glad you included Mr. Reeves
Thanks for listening!
Bass Reeves is without a doubt a man of true grit, an individual of rare loyalty to his profession despite racial prejudice and inspiration to what people in law enforcement could be, I personally believe that this single man can match the Texas Rangers in terms of bringing men to justice.
Bass Reeves is a true Legend From a Former slave to the most Notorious lawman and Bounty hunters of all time Nothing but respect to him Look I said true legend Someone that can be admired and looked up too
Like I said I what I meant...this man was the first OG
He was NEVER a bounty hunter. He was a US Marshall. Big difference
Bass’ mustache has ten kills alone.
I heard twenty
@@WildWestExtravaganzanaw, I heard 30
Definitely the greatest American law dog. Also, I concur, that is an epic mustache. Thanks for the episode Josh.
The pinnacle of facial hair
yea but where is it portrayed on the actor here playing the part🤔 the mustache is such a big part of bass reeves persona it's an insult to see this scaled down version
Bass is a fascinating character. I think Denzel would be good to play him in a movie.
Definitely
Duh 🙄
DENZEL is to old for this part . David Oyelowo is the choice for the movie, because he played Martin Luther King Jr in SELMA and also as a pilot in the REDTAILS and he directed this movie called LAWMAN
@@coporal4 have to disagree, Denzel isn’t too old, and he looks the part
If you watch the movie magnificent seven the newest one Denzel plays a character that honestly heavily seems made from bass he's a deputies Marshall in like 7 states super badass cowboy and gunslinger not bass or telling his story but watching him and knowing basses story you'll see the similarities
Hands down my favorite legend of the old west!
I remember being totally fascinated by his story when I was learning about him during Oklahoma history and government class my freshman year of high school.
That's pretty cool
I have to say sir, as an oldish Texan I admire the way you turn a phrase.
Thank you, sir
Bass Reeves is an American legend.
Glad to see you back in the saddle, Josh.
He is
Another excellent episode. Looking forward to seeing what Taylor Sheridan does with an actual historical figure. Hoping he gets this one correct. Back in the early 2000's the National Park Service was doing a major restoration on the Hanging Judge's Courthouse in Fort Smith. I was fortunate enough to supply materials to this project and visit the site weekly. One day I rolled up and everyone was extra excited. They had been stripping layers of paint from the walls of the basement where prisoners were held. They discovered a wall with all sorts of writings & carved names & messages. It was quite the discovery. I was in that room several times over the course of the project and it always had deep, dark, creepy feelings about it. Would not want to go in there alone, at night. The project manager had a Phd. in History and seriously studied each project he was assigned to. I felt he did a top shelve job with this restoration. Was proud to have a small part in it.
Very cool!
I visited prior to the restorations the holding cells were creepy AF! Glad you had a part in the redo that is awesome actually. I don't have family there anymore but its a nice ride up. May take some of the grand kids on a road trip.
@@WildWestExtravaganza TV
He was NOT an African, so why is an African actor portraying him in film?
I am sick and tired of these racist hiring cheap Africans and Caribbean actor to portray my ancestors!!!!
No one can portray a Black American better than an actual Black American actor and actress!!!
The jealousy, hatred, xenophobia and racism toward Black Americans has gotten out of control!!!
WHAT'S SO AMAZING ABOUT THIS. IS THAT BASS REEVES IS MY COUSIN. RIGHT OFF MY BLOODLINE. OUR OLD HEADS WERE ALWAYS TALKING ABOUT BASS REEVES. I JUST RECENTLY MET ONE OF MY REEVES COUSIN. DIED JANUARY 12, 1910 IN MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA, WHICH IS WHERE HE RETIRED FROM LAYMANSHIP. A FRIEND ART. T. BURTON, LOOK HIM UP, YOU'RE FIND OUT A LOT.
I enjoyed Mr. Burton's book
The new Bass Reeves show on Paramount was the reason I got the subscription! This man is an American Legend and one of the baddest men ro walk the planet, his survival, tracking, smarts and gun skills that make the Devil himself jealous
Bass was a hero of mine growing up. He still is.
Bass Reeves was the baddest man of the Old West. He deserves far, far more recognition and films dedicated to his memory and exploits.
Yep
How is he a fraud?
Josh, this is one of those stories I can just hear the joy in your voice as you speak and I hear to admit I’ve laughed out loud multiple times. Keep up the great work brother.
Hollywood really needs to make a true movie about this remarkable man!
They have
@@semigoth299what is it called then?
@@Noodlepunk "Hell on the Border" I saw it last year around this time when direct TV had their free movie channels available, I don't remember if it was Showtime, Paramount, or MGM. It's a solid movie not great, but it's solid.
Hollywood and the word truth do not go hand-in-hand
He was NOT an African, so why is an African actor portraying him in film?
I am sick and tired of these racist hiring cheap Africans and Caribbean actor to portray my ancestors!!!!
No one can portray a Black American better than an actual Black American actor and actress!!!
The jealousy, hatred, xenophobia and racism toward Black Americans has gotten out of control!!!
Carl Weathers in his prime should played him in block buster, look at the photograph left side! This guy was the inspiration for many of the Hollywood Cowboys...Thx from Northern Germany Ludwig.
Actually Montel Williams tried to get a movie made about him back in the 90s but every studio turned him down. Of we get countless movies about Wyatt Earp which is largely made up by his wife
need not have to go back that far.. johnathan majors is a great intense charismatic candidate if he can get past this 'me to' social issue
You are Correct sir...!
2 years ago during black history month my son had to write a report about a inspirational person from the past or present A few months before I watched a documentary about Bass It was good timing I made sure I told home that he arrested his own son
Why do we have to have black history month, whats happening to the world
@@bigal3364 we shouldn’t. I agree
That took some nerves of steel to do that
@@bigal3364Morgan Freeman said it’s our history not just black history.
It’s was promote the achievements of other people and it’s become a militant agenda and it’s sad 😢
I keep coming back to this one.
The world could use a few more men of the quality of Deputy Marshal Reeves....
I was just listened to the episode on Captain Jonathan R Davis. I was marveling on how you were less than a thousand subscribers at the time. Now you are within an eyelash of 30,000. Well done sir.
It has been quite a ride
@@WildWestExtravaganza yes sir. I am happy that I jumped on this train quite a while back.
Me too buddy
You are on your way brother. Your style of telling a story is your own. You own that. We need to share your content. God Bless
Brother, you are a master story teller. Great f’ing episode.
Perfect thing to relax to while enjoying a drink
Thank you, sir
Always enjoy your storytelling and history
Glad you enjoy it!
Thank you so much for taking the time to feature an African American western legend on your channel. I hope that you will do a feature on Texas Red one day . Great info and I thoroughly enjoyed listening.
Telling lies about our people is not a good thing. He may as well be Tyler Perry
@@DarkNJuju why do you say he's telling lies? I'm just curious .
I really enjoy hearing about Bass Reeves
Same
As a lifelong resident of Muskogee, Oklahoma thank you ❤. Part of north side of town is known as Reeves Addition
Apparently that was not named after him
@@WildWestExtravaganza..Sorry it's Reeves Addition. Do you mind informing me of who/what it was named for?
@@WildWestExtravaganza..There are plans and funds have been raised for a Bass Reeves statue. He will be honored as Muskogees first black police officer!
I honestly can't remember but I think I heard Art T. Burton say it recently. It might have been in an interview he did with the Most Notorious podcast
Very cool!
This is an amazing show. I couldn’t stop listening after the first ten seconds. I can’t wait for the show to be out.
Thanks
Bass Reeves was the toughest of all the Badasses of the West. Seriously surprised I never heard of him until 15 years ago.
Just saw an ad about the new bass reeves series on paramount+! Had to come back to where I first heard about him! Your channel is goated 🐐
Heck yeah
Badass. Simple.
Finally some exposure to people who didn’t sit around and things to drop in their lap so this awesome guy was thrusted into greatness. I’ve always been for the truth no matter what color it is it’s not just the basic b/w it’s everything and without being militant about it I grow tired of certain groups who try to militant things that isn’t no way near it because I was told all when I asked my dad those questions I ask as a kid and to an adult before he died he never lied he would walk away if I asked a question that he didn’t think I was ready for I rather have that than a lie that most tell their kid’s.
So who sits around and let things drop in their lap???You say one thing here and walk the fence. What militant groups are you talking about. THE PROUD BOYS, THE KLAN, THE AMERICAN NAZI PARTY? huh. Sounds hypocritical and racist to me. You sound just as bad as BASS REEVES master and other 19th century folk.
What the hell did you just type
Accidentally came upon this fine video. Well done. Excellent all around. I've been waiting for these recent and upcoming shows/movies about Bass. The man is a legend.
First time I came across his name was from the series Justified. The wonder of learning and exploring!
The real lone ranger!
I have been looking forward to this for a long time. Bass Reeves is one of my favorite old west law man... thanks for the shout out josh. old cousin Cletus still complaining about getting shot 🙄 😂
Haha
The Cletus story 😂
More of Bass please!
Tomorrow!
As usual, great content. Looking forward to the next episode. I hope it doesn't, even if it takes a year I'd still enjoy it. The quality continues to grow and I hope your viewers do as well.
Even the TV show called Lone Ranger was not As good As the real Bass Rives He was honorable true to his shield and trustworthy and one of the best bar none if not the best Marshall ever in the history of the United States No one can surpass him and no one ever will !
Bass was an icon
Gotta elevate legendary bass reeves. ! Good job
I've never heard of him until now🤔 really enjoyed this video thx for sharing.... smiles
Glad you enjoyed
Bass Reeves was an icon of the old west lawmen.
Awesome Man , Know he was a very skilled and badass in any company.
You should check out the movie “Corsicana” it’s about Bass Reeves. A .44-40 would be in the ground long before 500 yards a .44 magnum drops over 6’ @ 100 yards. So yeah not likely with firearms of the time.
I'll check it out
Most Country Folks Would Say
That Bass Reeves was one he'll
Of a Lawman R.I.P 🪦💐🎖️🍺🐎
You forgot to mention Ike Rogers as one of the first black marshals. Cherokee freedman, and civil war first colored infantry veteran. Captured one of the most notorious Outlaws Cherokee Bill. Also a commissioned by Judge Isaac Parker.
I talked about him a lot on the Cherokee Bill series
@@WildWestExtravaganza ohhhh in my way to watch that. I must say that I really do enjoy your work. Thank you
Heck yeah, thank you!!!
My Great Great Great Grandfather was the Post Master of Brisrtown Oklahoma. 50 or 60 miles west of Fort Smith. He had a nephew named Jesse Mooney who was one of the only doctors who lived in the territory. They had both married Cherokee women to be able to stay. They had dealings with Belle Starr, Jesse James, The Youngers, and many more outlaws. Jesse was once called upon to ride down to Pontotoc County to pull a bullet out of Reeves. There is a book called "A Dr. In Belle Starr Country" written by a distant relative that proves the stories my family passed down.
Glad he got a show!!!! Cool story
The should make true to life story about Reeves starring Edris Elba!
The Lone Ranger
Nice channel can't wait for part two I only heard of this man a couple of times but never read his autobiography thank you very much for this video
Glad you enjoyed it
The show has been really good so far!
Thank you, sir. I've been looking forward to this one. Your moustache concept is spot on. That's actually why I listen to you. It's more for your life tips than anything. I think I need to add this moustache business to my profile. The god of war description isn't working out like you said it would.
All great men have mustaches
Bass Reeves was a standout in old west law enforcement.
Honestly, I've been absolutely fascinated with this dude ever since i learned about him
Bass Reeves must be who Clint Eastwood portrayed in Hang Em High, my personal favorite Clint Eastwood western ... is that the Man with No Name series?
Gunslingers has Bass Reeves with the skinny on him as well. (Romanticized of course) It isn't as entertaining but does some justice to the man. One bad hombre! I live in Arkansas and there is quite a bit about him in the Ft. Smith courthouse tour. One of Judge Parker's favorite lawmen, he even found him not guilty on trumped up murder charges. I am sure you'll cover it. Most lawmen would have wilted and called it quit. Bass went right back to work. Thanks for the entertainment Josh.
Should have listened longer you do indeed cover said event.
I did indeed! Glad you kept listening.
I'm almost certain this is either my cousin or my actual great something grandfather. I don't know for certain, but it matches up with other factors in my lineage that I do know and it makes SO much since if he and his wife were my relatives on the Reeves side. She looks part Cherokee. They just both seem like people with similar personality traits and patterns. Reeves literally means Sheriff from medieval times when a certain job was designated to your bloodline and I have so many detectives and high ranking police and politicians in my family. We are related to the Clinton's from Arkansas so that may be the link. My grandaddy Thomas Earl Reeves Sr. has passed away and I am having to piece together from what he traced and told me about that I can look up and verify. I have found a lot of things that match up to this. That would be really awesome if I was related. I was just talking to someone about ancestors and I wasn't looking for this. It just came up in my feed. 🙏
Bass Reeves aka "the real lone ranger" ( he was)
He was my hero since I was 10 years old. Known to me then as the Lone Ranger. In the library ( no internet back then) I read about Bass. Being a white kid I was shocked to learn he was black. That just furthered my awe of the man. Truely a great man!
I am Creek, Red Stick, and my Great Great Grand Father claimed to have known Bass Reeves when they were both just a Child in Oklahoma.
Very cool
I've always loved Bass Reeves. That Issac Parker let him bring in his wayward son and then didn't hang him for the murder of his wife shows how much respect Bass commanded. Any other Marshal would not have been allowed to intervene and bring in his own kin I bet.
That Winchester model 1873 44-40 is on display at the NRA museum inside Bass Pro Shops at Spring field Mo along with a ton of other cool antique firearms as well. Or at least there is a Winchester model 1873 44-40 that belonged to Bass Reeves on display there.
Very cool
My Dad was born in Stroud, Oklahoma, and moved to Cochise County, Arizona, at age 2. I wish he were alive.
Bass Reeves is EASILY one of the most legendary figures of the Wild West.
Not the only lawman of the era. Still a very very incredible guy.
Congratulations on the newborn, looking forward to part two👍🏻🤠👍🏻
Josh, I'm 3 miles from our 1st national military battlefield park. We pronounce it Chick-a-mogga. Great show as always!❤
Looking forward to listening to the rest of mr. Bass Reaves one bad azz man for sure. get better soon man👍✌
Much appreciated
Great story only thing I noticed off in the TV show was the Seminole were fighting as confederates during the Civil War, with Stand Waite chief of the Cherokee, she did say her husband died in the war, either he was really lucky and didn't run into one confederate native after he escape or that part of the story is fiction. We would like to think some people were super kind, and wouldn't turn him in, but that's not how people are especially poor Texas people.
When he goes off about his mustache 🤣😂
I grew up in Crawford County & have read about Bass all my life & have visited The jail you spoke of in Ft. Smith, Judge Parker's Courthouse & the gallows about 5x now😮
I am sure the way a U.S. Deputy Marshall was paid at the time contributed to Bass's productivity.
Whether a criminal was a petty thief, or a murderer, U.S.D.M's were paid $2 an arrest. They were given .06 per mile to the site of arrest & .10 cpm on the return trip and the same amount for the prisoner & if they brought them in ALIVE, or I am pur-tee sure Mr.Reeves would have shot a few more! ....if they killed them, they only recieved $1 & were responsible for burying them!...so, it was much more profitable to bring suspects in alive.
They were also paid .50(cents) to serve subpoenas, or bring in witness. If they tracked a guy for days, or even weeks & did not make an arrest, they were not paid😮😡
I believe 1/4 of the deputies earnings went to the U.S. Marshall😮 Deputies did not receive a regular salary until the 20th century🤷♂️
Great show again Josh! One of my favorites!😉👍
Good info!
@@WildWestExtravaganza thank you
So horses back in those days, had odometer's built in to themselves ! Interesting...
@@carywest9256 😂🤣 no, but they did have maps & mileage charts 😉...most of the info that I provided I gleaned from the National Park Service
He was NOT an African, so why is an African actor portraying him in film?
I am sick and tired of these racist hiring cheap Africans and Caribbean actor to portray my ancestors!!!!
No one can portray a Black American better than an actual Black American actor and actress!!!
The jealousy, hatred, xenophobia and racism toward Black Americans has gotten out of control!!!
Another excellent episode Josh :) and thanks for recognising the importance of epic facial hair :)
Always!
All I know is the " Black cowboy " movies are done Extremely well. I never knew there was that many Bad ass black dudes and dudetts lol. It's nice to see a great story of real black folks from back in the day. Definitely some of my Favorite Blck cast movies. Not a Soulplane fan.😂 I'm white if ypu can't tell lolol. Also great story telling. You have a good voice to Narrate. I'm gonna sub.
I have a mustache like he has I got a kick out of what you were saying that was hilarious and very true😂🤣😂🤣🙌🙌🙌👏👏👏
I am looking forward to learning more about this interesting lawman. Best Wishes Josh.
Thanks, more to come
Art Burton's Red, Black, & Deadly is an excellent read & where I first heard of Bass Reeves about 20 years ago. He was helluva man😮.
Bass, the bad ass. My dude
Badass! That mustache is on point too
All of my family history is on the east Coast. I'll be reading about my great uncle (Walter B Gibson, look him up if you're bored) and then I see a story like this and I remember "oh yeah... That was going on in the same time" 😅
I first heard about Bas Reeves on the Justified TV show. Art and Raylan where dropping names of their favorite marshalls. Art leaned back in his chair and said with reverence, Bas Reeves. Raylan just nodded and smiled. I Google Bas and couldn't believe how much of a bad MF he was! Can't wait for a few more films about him. Great clip my man.
Don fry has the same stache
Most of what you said here was shown in the recent TV series, so it's good to know they were fairly accurate.
Thanks, Extravaganza.
Anytime
This was a great video on a great man. Your hilarious take on his epic stache has instantly gained you another subscriber.
Awesome, thank you!
You got me on the snapper and cleetus story, lol! 😂
Thank you for sharing this history of the old west. I learned something new today. Greetings from El Paso, TX.
Greetings!
good to hear your sound again
Thanks
Sound like you're feeling better.
Glad for that. Another interesting video. Well done.
True Grit a masterpiece? I'll take any video from you over that movie. Only part i liked is when. The Texas ranger put that smart mouth kid over his lap and whipped her.
Unforgiven. Now that's a masterpiece.
Unforgiven as well
Fantastic as always, love these stories.
Glad you like them
@@WildWestExtravaganza Ive got a familial connection to the Dalton Gang, later becoming the "Law" family or the "Law-Daltons". Anytime I am on the verge of intense anger (Road Rage) I just think to myself "Don't go full Dalton".
Words to live by
You got me excited I remember seeing him or a reference to him in red dead 2
THANK you Josh!
Thank YOU
I love the remake of True Grit! The Cohen Brothers took a great western and made it better which isn't very common at all. Most remakes suck and westerns are sadly given short shrift these days.
There is no frontier anymore except space and while I love Star Trek, I think the hay day of westerns brought out the best in Hollywood. The Westwrn is the American Illiad. All of the stories are a credit to the reality in more cases than not. True there is a lot of bull mixed in, but the brutal truth isn't fit for stories. Achilles was probably a monster but through the eyes of a Greek hoplite who spent 30 years besieging Troy and knew he'd never see home, he would look shineyer. Lol!
7:10 - 7:35 is why I’m subbed to this channel… 🤣
It’s like talking about history with my buddies. They are educated but also immature… I wasn’t ready for the taint tickling baby making Bass.
My man
I believe this is the second movie about Reeves and he deserves them both.
Man you said the best thing I ever heard taint tickler lol lord I got to steal this one lol
You've obviously never seen Shadow Riders or The Sacketts, showing Selleck's & Elliott's Stache's as phenomenal..... However, point taken...
Good movies
Dude!!!!!!!! Bass had balls made from titanium!!!!!!!
3:15 great freakin point
Althought could it be a lack of resources? Nobody wanting to teach a slave due to Prejudice