Reeves, William Steele

Summary

Father: George Reeves Jr
Mother: Mary Polly Steele

Birth: 9 March 1794, Pendleton, Anderson, South Carolina
Birth Source: Robertson Family Bible

Death: 7 June 1872, Pottsboro, Grayson, Texas
Death Source: Tombstone

Spouse1: Nancy Totty

Narrative

Children of William Steele Reeves and Nancy Totty:

1. Betsy Caroline Reeves, b. 11 Sep 1817 in Hickman, Tennessee
2. John Peterson Reeves, b. 11 Sep 1819 in Hickman, Tennessee
3. Mary Ann Reeves, b. 5 Feb 1822
4. Robert OBarr Reeves, b. 03 Feb 1824 in Hickman, Tennessee
5. George Robertson Reeves, b. 03 Jan 1826 in Hickman, Tennessee
6. Thomas McNairy Reeves, b. 09 Nov 1827 in Tennessee
7. William Jasper Reeves, b. 25 Jan 1830 in Tennessee
8. Dorinda Sandal Reeves, b. 17 Jul 1832 in Tennessee
9. Lewis Totty Reeves, b. 21 Jul 1834 in Crawford, Arkansas
10. Matilda Jane Reeves, b. 01 Oct 1836 in Crawford, Arkansas
11. Nancy Tennessee Reeves, b. 07 Feb 1839 in Crawford, Arkansas
12. Talitha Ann Reeves, b. 28 Nov 1841 in Crawford, Arkansas

According to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture, Bass Reeves, one of the first black lawmen west of the Mississippi River, was a former slave of the William S. Reeves family. Bass Reeves became a legend during his lifetime for his ability to catch criminals under trying circumstances.

Research Notes

Sources

1850 Census:  Grayson County, Texas
1860 Census:  Grayson County, Texas

William Steel Reeves Family Bible
Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture, Bass Reeves