Politicians – the ultimate 'Spin' masters

Judy Wallman, a  professional genealogy researcher in Southern California, was doing some work on her own family  tree.  She discovered that she was a distant relative of Harry Reid, Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate.  She also learned that she and Senator Reid share a common ancestor.  Senator Reid's great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing and train  robbery in Montana in 1889.

Senator, Harry Reid, Majority Leader (D) U.S. Senate

The only known photograph of his great-great uncle, Remus Reid, shows him standing on the gallows in the 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.'

Judy recently e-mailed Senator Harry Reid for any other information he might have 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 Reid 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.