Bass Reeves U.S. Marshal
U.S. Marshall between 1875-1907. Served the Western district of Arkansas and the Eastern district of Texas.
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Another incredible pioneer that was well before his time was U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves. Reeves was born into the slavery back in July 1839 in Crawford County, Arkansas. He then ran away from slavery at the age 13 into Indian Territory now known as Oklahoma today. At the time Native Americans were known for taking in runaway slaves due to the same mistreatment they have received from whites. With time spent with Native Americans Reeves learn the language along with the territory and how to track, few of the skills that would come handy down the road. Despite obstacles and hurdles he had to face, Bass broke through the barrier and became the first African American U.S. Marshal years later. Even though Reeves could not read or write, his extraordinary ability to memorize vast majority of outlaws and their crime served him well. He capturing over 3,000 outlaws from black, white, and Native American. Bass Reeves was a pioneer and was great at his job, a job at the time was not popularized for African American (Nelson). Bass was so professional he couldn’t be bribed or bought, he once hunt down his own son for committing murder to his partner. An incredible work ethic that was very rear at the time.
Today, Bass has been honor with multiple awards for his loyalty and his work ethic by the U.S. Marshal. Even until this day, he has his own section in the museum and also a street name after him for his bravery in pioneering a path way before his time. His impact in history still lives on, like the fictional move “Django” based on his live. |
NELSON, VAUNDA MICHEAUX, AND R. GREGORY CHRISTIE. BAD NEWS FOR OUTLAWS: THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF BASS REEVES, DEPUTY U.S. MARSHAL. MINNEAPOLIS: CAROLRHODA BOOKS, 2009