Bass Reeves was born in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Needless to say, it wasn't a great place to be if you were black. You were less than human. You were property; a slave.
It wasn't until the Civil War when Bass was able to escape from his master. If I had to guess, I'd say he really didn't like being known as someone's property.
He fled deep into Indian Territory, where he was able to hone his firearm skills. When the 13th Amendment was passed, Bass would walk back into the states a free man, and would use his freedom for good.
Having learned several Indian languages (Not to mention, being skilled in combat) Bass Reeves was recruited as a deputy U.S. Marshall. This is where the good part of the story begins. He basically became an African-American version of The Lone Ranger.
Yes, like Django. You must feel really smart for making that connection.
Bass worked for almost three decades as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territories, and became one of the force's most valued deputies. Reeves brought in some of the most dangerous criminals of the time, and due to his detective skills, arrested over 3,000 men, but was never wounded, despite having his hat and belt shot off on separate occasions.
Now, I can't think of a police officer today who could even serve that long, let alone arrest thousands of people. If I had my belt shot off, I think I'd call it quits. Then again, I'm more of a mouse than a man.
On top of all of that, Bass had to arrest his son for murder once. Though shaken by the fact, he would be the one to track down his own son and bring him to justice.
Reeves retired in 1909 due to failing health. He would die a year later, aged 71. He had 14 kills and over 3,000 arrests to his name, and yet, he's an unsung hero of the wild west. Hopefully, that miniseries starring Morgan Freeman can get off the ground already.
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