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 Congressman Harry Reid
share this common ancestor.

Congressman 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 in politics folks!  That’s real SPIN.