Bass Reeves: US Deputy Marshall
Bass Reeves was born in July 1838 in Arkansas, and he was one of the most remarkable figures in American law enforcement history. He was born into slavery but escaped to the Indian Territory, where he lived among Native Americans, learned their languages, and gained extensive knowledge of tracking, hunting, and wilderness survival. These skills were crucial in pursuing criminals across vast and often treacherous landscapes.
In 1875, he started working as a deputy U.S. marshal, becoming one of the first African American deputy marshals west of the Mississippi River. Throughout his 32-year career, he apprehended over 3,000 outlaws and gained a reputation as one of the toughest lawmen in the American West. Some of the outlaws arrested by Reeves are listed below:
Bob Dozier was considered one of the most elusive outlaws in the Indian Territory. Bass Reeves tracked him down and killed him in a shootout in 1878.
Belle Starr, often referred to as the “Bandit Queen,” was notorious for her involvement in horse theft and harboring fugitives. Though Bass Reeves did not directly arrest her, he pursued many members of her gang and significantly disrupted their operations.
Jim Webb, a notorious outlaw, was involved in various violent crimes, including murder. His capture by Reeves in 1884 after a dramatic gunfight highlighted Reeves’s bravery and skill in confronting dangerous criminals.
The Greenleaf Brothers were members of a gang that committed several robberies and murders in the Indian Territory. Bass Reeves managed to apprehend them, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable lawman.
A member of the notorious Dalton Gang, Tom Story was involved in numerous train and bank robberies. Reeves successfully captured him, showcasing his ability to bring even the most well-connected criminals to justice.
Reeves was well-known for his exceptional marksmanship, size, and strength, as well as his clever tactics and use of disguises. Reports indicate that he was ambidextrous and could shoot accurately with both hands. This skill made him a formidable opponent in gunfights and earned him respect among both outlaws and fellow lawmen. Standing at six feet two inches tall, his size and strength, combined with his combat skills, enabled him to subdue even the most dangerous outlaws in close encounters. He was also noted for his clever tactics and use of disguises, often employing ingenious methods to capture fugitives, such as posing as a beggar or a cowboy. His ability to blend into different environments and deceive criminals was a testament to his strategic thinking and resourcefulness.
Despite being illiterate, Reeves had an extraordinary memory. He could memorize warrants and affidavits, ensuring he carried out his duties accurately. His dedication to justice was unwavering, as evidenced by his relentless pursuit of lawbreakers and his willingness to arrest his own son when necessary.
We should celebrate Bass Reeves’s remarkable legacy and recognize the invaluable contributions he made to law enforcement. He paved the way for future generations of African American lawmen and set a high standard for courage, dedication, and integrity in upholding the law. His story serves as an inspiration to all those who strive to make the world a safer place for everyone.
An open edition work of art by Robert Jackson measuring 17×13 inches in size. Ships unframed.Â
