posted January 15, 2009 10:07                         

quote:

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Judy Wallman, a professional genealogy researcher in Southern
California, was doing some personal work on her own family tree. She
discovered that Harry Reid's great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged
for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. Both Judy and
Senator Harry Reid share this common ancestor.

The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows in
Montana Territory.

On the back of the picture Judy obtained during her research is this
inscription: "Remus Reid, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial
Prison 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught
by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889."

So Judy recently e-mailed Senator Harry Reid for information about
their great-great uncle. Believe it or not, Harry Reid's staff sent back
the following biographical sketch for her genealogy research:

"Remus Reid was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory. His business
empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and
intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he
devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking
leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key
player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective
Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function
held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing
collapsed."

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