MORE THAN SEW SO

Putting a "Spin" on Things

Judy Wallman, a professional genealogy researcher here in southern California, was doing some personal work on her own family tree. She discovered that Senate Majority Leader 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.

Harry Reid

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 Congressman 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.’

NOW THAT is how it’s done folks! That’s real SPIN.

Until next time

Share and Enjoy:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Filed under: amazing, family, horse

16 Responses to “Putting a "Spin" on Things”

1. Pamela Plumley, on January 9th, 2009 at 1:28 am Said:

   Ha! I love how they reworded his life with flattering sounding descriptions of his activities! That’s the government for ya!!!

2. Shari Thomas, on January 9th, 2009 at 1:52 pm Said:

   I knew there was a reason I had an intense dislike for Harry Reid. We’ve been dealing with him sticking his nose across the border for some time now here in SW Utah.

   Shari Thomass last blog post..New year, new day… melting snow

3. Judy, on January 9th, 2009 at 2:00 pm Said:

   Hi there Pamela and Shari! DON’T get me started on the government…my blog’s NOT big enough!…LOL Thanks so much to both of you for your comments!

4. Lynne, on January 9th, 2009 at 5:30 pm Said:

   Oh my! Now that’s definitely political speak ease if I’ve ever heard it! LOL

   Lynnes last blog post..Vacations and Attractions in Branson Missouri

5. Judy, on January 9th, 2009 at 7:26 pm Said:

   Hi Lynne…Thanks for commenting! I don’t think there’s one politician on the face of the earth that doesn’t have “spin” coming out of his pores and mouth! LOL

   Judys last blog post..Putting a “Spin” on Things

6. Barbara, on January 9th, 2009 at 9:07 pm Said:

   He sure looks like a shady character in the pic. Now we know why. I agree with you Judy on the spinning politicians. They are spinning us down the tube, if we don’t get rescued soon. Ahhh…the government!

   Barbaras last blog post..Finally – A Company That Listens !

7. Judy, on January 9th, 2009 at 9:26 pm Said:

   Hiya Barb…Thanks for commenting. Yes, I think if you put a handlebar mustache on old Harry, he’d look very much like his uncle! “See” you soon

   Judys last blog post..Putting a “Spin” on Things

8. ~willow~, on January 10th, 2009 at 1:21 am Said:

   I laughed so hard at such a great example of “spin”!!

   Unfortunately, this entire piece is not true. See this entry in snopes.com for more info.

   ~willow~s last blog post..another 3-in-1

9. judy, on January 10th, 2009 at 5:34 pm Said:

   Hi willow, I posted this with tongue in cheek. I did NOT check it but thought it might be erroneous. It was just so funny, and basically true to polico speak, that I just couldn’t help myself! LOL

10. Dorothy Stahlnecker, on January 10th, 2009 at 8:52 pm Said:

    This is a great blog and don’t get me started regarding the promises of politicians…

    Thanks for stopping by my blog grammology.com

    Dorothy Stahlneckers last blog post..Are you making the best of your life?

11. Judy, on January 10th, 2009 at 10:25 pm Said:

    Hi there Dorothy. Thanks for dropping in and commenting! And, I know exactly what you mean…..Stop by any time!

    Judys last blog post..Putting a “Spin” on Things

12. Terri, on January 13th, 2009 at 6:15 pm Said:

    This is a riot. I’m still chuckling. Guess it’s all in how something is phrased, huh?
    Fell off the platform…..I love it……lol

    Terris last blog post..Childhood, Passions & Friendship

13. Judy, on January 13th, 2009 at 7:56 pm Said:

    LOL Terri…I still laugh when I see the picture. I guess the facts were relatively straight…just said a lot more eloquently than what had been printed on the back of the picture. Thanks for the comment.

    Judys last blog post..We All Need A Tree

14. Max Wyatt, on January 21st, 2009 at 1:57 pm Said:

    It’s an urban legend. Just change the last name to match your least liked politician and viola! For details, follow the link.

    http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_remus_reid.htm

15. Judy, on January 21st, 2009 at 2:16 pm Said:

    Hi Max…I know that…didn’t actually KNOW it when I posted, but suspected. But, you’re right, any of them would fit perfectly into that mold! LOL. Thanks for the comment

    Judys last blog post..Generation Gap

16. Garage Gym Empire. | 7Wins.eu, on August 2nd, 2009 at 11:30 am Said:

    [...] Welcome to Front Porch LLC » Recent dealsA Traveling We Will Go… « It’s All About Liesl» Putting a “Spin” on Things More Than Sew So [...]