Family history for the day

Rico says his friend Mike sends this:

Judy Walkman, a professional genealogy researcher in Southern California, was doing some research on her own family tree when she discovered that a distant relative, Senator Harry Reid's great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889.

The only known photograph (above) of Remus shows him standing on the gallows in Montana territory. On the back of the picture 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.

Walkman recently emailed Senator Harry Reid (above) for information about their common ancestor. Believe it or not, Reid's staff sent back the following biographical sketch: 

"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."

That's how real political spin is done, folks!