Recently, 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.

Continuing her investigations Judy discovered that Remus Reid was a
horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885, escaped 1887 and
robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Eventually he was caught by
Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889.'

Trying to find out more Judy e-mailed Congressman Harry Reid for
information about their great-great uncle.


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 honour when the platform upon which he was standing
collapsed."