Bass Reeves “I just might take a liking to being law. It’s actually kind of fun.”
bass Reeves does a hat trick.

Bass Reeves

(1838-1910) — First African-American deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi; credited with arresting more than 3,000 felons

By Bob Hilson

The first black lawman to serve west of the Mississippi River, Bass Reeves was a larger-than-life figure from 1875 until the early 1900s as he pursued thousands of outlaws as a federal “peace officer.” Reeves is said to have arrested 3,000 felons — including his son on a murder warrant — and brought in another 20 dead.

But as far as his fatality count, Reeves was quick to set the record straight: True, he did kill 20 people while working as a lawman, but 14 were killed in self-defense.

A tall, muscular and imposing man with a thick mustache that covered much of his face, Reeves was known as the “Indomitable Marshal” who, legend has it, was “so tough he could spit on a brick and bust it.” Reeves frequently dodged gunshots while chasing felons, but amazingly was never wounded.

Trickery, handcuffs and quickly off to jail

Reeves often used trickery, including disguises, to catch fugitives. He once shot up his own cowboy hat, donned dirty shoes and clothing, and carried a cane in an attempt to catch two wanted men. His ploy worked, as the men soon felt so comfortable with Reeves they fell asleep. Reeves quickly slapped handcuffs on them and carted the pair off to jail.

Born into slavery in Crawford County, Arkansas in 1838, Reeves was moved by his owner to Texas in the 1840. Accounts differ on how Reeves and his owner parted ways. One version says Reeves left after he physically beat his owner during a card game. Another says that Reeves left following the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865, which freed all slaves.

Reeves lived among the Cherokee, Seminole and Creek tribes in Oklahoma, where he not only became a marksman with handguns and rifles, but learned to speak at least five Indian languages.

His vast knowledge of Indian Territory was why he was chosen to become a U.S. deputy marshal. A federal judge declared the region to be extremely lawless, as murderers and thieves sought refuge there and no one was better suited than Reeves to track them down.

The Lone Ranger

Some believe that Reeves’ occupation and Wild West lifestyle were the basis for the Lone Ranger, the classic radio and television series from the 1950s and 1960s, noting similarities between Reeves’ and the character’s ease in working with Native Americans and the ability of
both to remain unscathed while rounding up bad guys.

Historicatures mark However, many scoff at that theory, saying Reeves’ life was much more interesting and adventurous than any fictional creation.

Reeves died in 1910 at age 71. He is buried in Oklahoma, although the exact location is unknown.

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