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

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 Senator Harry Reid for information about
their great-great uncle.

Harry Reid:

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's how it's done, Folks! That's real POLITICAL SPIN