It is generally accepted that the legend of the Lone Ranger is based on the exploits of Bass Reeves, ex-slave, and ex-Confederate There are many stories on the internet about Bass Reeves and his escape to freedom, they all usually tell of a card game with his owner William Reeves. I have not been able to confirm the service of Bass Reeves in the Confederate army, which is not unusual, but did confirm the service of G. R. Reeves
Birth: Jan. 3, 1826 Hickman County Tennessee, USA Death: Sep. 5, 1882 Pottsboro Grayson County Texas, USA
REEVES, GEORGE ROBERTSON (1826-1881) ~ George Robertson Reeves was born to William Steel Reeves and Nancy Totty Reeves on January 3, 1828, in Hickman County, Tennessee.
The family moved to Crawford County, Arkansas and on October 31, 1844, Reeves married Jane Moore there. Together they would eventually have 12 children.
George and Jane then moved to Grayson County, Texas in 1846, where he held several county offices. From 1850 to 1854, he was County Sheriff. In 1856 he was elected to the Texas Legislature where he represented the county until 1858. He would later serve in the legislature again in 1870, 1875, 1879, and in 1881-82. In his last term, he was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives.
When the Civil War broke out, he raised a company for William C. Young's Eleventh Cavalry and later became colonel in command. His unit fought in Indian Territory, at Pea Ridge with Benjamin McCulloch, the Siege at Corinth, the battles of Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Knoxville, and Tunnel Hill; all part of Ross's Texas Brigade.
There are several places named in honor of George Reeves. The first is the community in Grayson County that developed around Fort Johnston was called Georgetown. The Confederate Camp in Grayson County is named Confederate Camp Reeves. Reeves County, Texas is named for him. And, the George R. Reeves Masonic Lodge of Pottsboro, where he served as master, is named in his honor.
Reeves was bit by a rabid dog and died of hydrophobia on September 5, 1882.
