Bass Reeves was born into slavery in 1838 and became one of the most famous lawmen of the American frontier. In 1875 he was appointed a deputy United States marshal serving the federal court of Judge Isaac Parker, with authority across Indian Territory.
Marshals of that era earned fees and rewards for the fugitives they brought in, and Reeves was credited with thousands of arrests over more than three decades. He was known for his skill with disguises, his marksmanship, and his strict sense of duty.
Remarkable Fact
Reeves even arrested his own son, who had been charged with murder, because he believed the law applied to everyone.
Safety Note
Never approach a wanted person yourself. If you have information about a fugitive, contact law enforcement. Learn more about fugitive recovery history and public bulletins at FugitiveHQ.
Save this pin on PinGallery and explore more stories from the history of law enforcement, investigations, and fugitive recovery.