On this day, May 10, in 1875, former slave Bass Reeves was sworn in as a deputy U.S. Marshal in Fort Smith, Ark., becoming one of the most feared and fearless lawmen in the Old West.
Bass Reeves
Reeves was hired by the “Hanging Judge” Isaac Parker, to help bring justice to the vast Indian Territory, a have for outlaws. Reeves was an expert with pistol and rifle, spoke several Indian languages and was familiar with the Indian Territory, in what is now Oklahoma.
Over 32 years, Reeves arrested more than 3,000 fugitives, including his own son on a murder charge. Sometimes he used disguises to track down criminals.
Notorious outlaw Belle Starr is said to have surrendered when she learned that Reeves had the warrant for her arrest.
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