- Judy Wallman, a professional genealogy researcher in
southern California, was doing some personal work on her own family tree.
She discovered that Congressman Harry Reid's great-great uncle, Remus Reid,
was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. Both
Judy and Harry Reid share this common ancestor.
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- The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing
on the gallows in Montana territory:
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- 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.'
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- So Judy recently e-mailed Congressman Harry Reid for
information about their great-great uncle.
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- Harry Reid:
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- Believe it or not, Harry Reid's staff sent back the following
biographical sketch for her genealogy research:
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- "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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- NOW THAT'S how it's done, folks.
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- That's real POLITICAL SPIN
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