BASS REEVES U.S. MARSHAL

Bass Reeves was born a slave in 1838 in Texas, in the 1860s he ran away and fled into the Indian Territories and lived with the Seminole and Creek tribes, becoming an expert marksman, hunter and tracker.

With the end of the Civil War Bass started his own ranch, he married and started a family of 10 children.

Reeves farmed his land until 1875 when he was asked by Marshal James Fagen to become a Deputy U.S. Marshal. Fagen had been tasked with cleaning up the territory and was allowed to hire 200 Deputy Marshals. Fagen had heard Bass knew several Native languages and knew the territory so Bass was a natural choice.

Reeves is said to have arrested as many as 3000 felons, and admitted to having killed 14 outlaws he was trying to apprehend.

Bass Reeves gets his man!

With a warrent in hand Bass Reeves sets out in search of Stage Robber Clem Beechnut.

He spots smoke near the river.. Clem is cooking his breakfast...

CLEM!!! Drop that bacon and poke your hands up! Now dont you move for that scattergun!!

I got you right in my sights.... you're caught!

Clem starts for his double barrel.....

BOOM! Bass lets one loose..... Clem knows better than to move again.. he knows Bass is an expert shot.

Clem throws down his 1860 Colt....

"Turn around so I can tie your hands Clem.. where's your horse?" "Broke his leg coming down that wash. I had to shoot him"

Well, you best get a drink, I reckon it's a long walk back to Fort Smith.......

And it was......

Bass Reeves Web story, photography, art all Copyright Stevo's Toys 2006-2007-2008