Currently reading Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal and am saving, in my commonplace book, notable people that I have read about. My second notable person is an African American name of Bass Reeves. Born a slave but died a legend in America. He was a straight shooter and always got his man. He tried really hard to not kill anyone even if Judge Isaac Parker said dead or alive. Bass even had to arrest one of his own sons.
"In 1887, Reeves was charged with murdering a posse cook. Like the many outlaws he had arrested, he was tried before Judge Isaac Parker. He was represented by United States Attorney W.H.H. Clayton, who was a colleague and friend. In the end, Reeves was acquitted."
"The lengthy and glowing obituary for this universally respected man described him as 'absolutely fearless and knowing no master but duty.'
Over the 35 years that Bass Reeves served as a Deputy United States Marshal, he earned his place in history by being one of the most effective lawmen in Indian Territory, bringing in more than 3,000 outlaws and helping to tame the lawless territory. Killing some 14 men during his service, Reeves always said that he 'never shot a man when it was not necessary for him to do so in the discharge of his duty to save his own life.'”
Legends of America: Bass Reeves
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| A statue of U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves in Fort Smith, Arkansas. | By Jeannie Nuss/AP Photo |
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