Bass Reeves

Bass Reeves

July 1838 - January 12, 1910

Bass Reeves was the first African American commissioned to serve as a deputy marshal west of the Mississippi River.

Bass Reeves was born a slave in Paris, Texas. Reportedly escaping from his owner during the civil war after an altercation over a card game in which Bass severely beat his owner.

Reeves fled and lived in the Indian territory as a fugitive amongst the Creeks and Seminoles.

After the emancipation proclamation in 1863, newly freed Reeves moved to Arkansas and later was appointed and a US Deputy Marshal.

Reeves served in this role for the next 32 years bringing to justice over 3000 criminals and killing fourteen outlaws in the lawless Indian territory.

Reeves was Maverick in becoming the first in his field.

Surprisingly he was also illiterate his entire life and memorized warrants read to him by federal judges.

He was a man steadfast on accomplishing his job no matter the obstacles of the time.

Today in Maverick Black History we celebrate Reeves Bass as the true disruptive Maverick that he is!

---

Mav Fact: Amongst the man captured was Bob Dozier, a murderer and cattle and horse thief who eluded Reeves for several years before being tracked down and killed after refusing to surrender. Also, outlaw Tom Story was tracked five years between 1884 and 1889, and killed by Reeves gunfight.

---

For More Information on this Maverick follow the link ---> https://blackpast.org/aaw/reeves-bass-1838-1910