Possibly apocryphal but very funny:
Judy Wallman, a professional genealogy researcher in southern
California, was doing some work on her own family tree. She
discovered that Harry (senator (D) from Nevada) 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.
The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows
in Montana territory.
[cid:004c01c9a721$e5f83c60$0301a8c0@dc01.fujixerox.net]
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 6 times.
Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889.'
So Judy recently e-mailed Senator Harry Reid for information about
their mutual 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.'