A man rises from his Brutal life as a slave to becoming the first black U.S. Marshall.

SYNOPSIS:

Bass Reeves was born a slave in 1838, named after his grandfather and later took his owners last name. When he was twenty-two Bass was sent to the American Civil War as a personal servant to his owner's son, Confederate Colonel George Reeves. One night in a Confederate battlefield Camp, Bass was forced to play poker with the drunken Colonel Reeves, who got angry when Bass won and started beating him. The colonel was finally knocked to the ground by Bass out of desperation. In the South, striking your slave master was a hanging offense, so Bass hastily fled and after a narrow escape, landed in Indian Territory living with the Indians where he learned to shoot and fight, but more important, he learned to be a good and honorable man. The war raged on and finally the slaves were freed. Hearing the news, Bass left for his old home in Arkansas and eventually became a scout for Indian Territory Deputy Marshall's. Soon Bass was offered a Deputy Marshall's commission in Fort Smith Arkansas by Judge Parker. Bass was exemplary in his duties, known for his courage and honesty. Bass Reeves is considered to be the best lawman that ever lived, having over three thousand arrest and fourteen notches on his pistol during thirty-two years of service. Bass went through many trials and tribulations. He could not read or write, but never failed in his duties. Many criticized him, but he shined through. Toward the end of his carrier, he accidentally shot his camp cook and was accused of murder by his detractors. A lengthy trial reined his carrier and took all of his money and youth. Finally found innocent, he was broke, but he was able to get a job in Indian Territory as a city policeman, finally passing away at seventy-two of a kidney disease. THIS IS HIS DYNAMIC STORY

BASS REEVES, U.S. MARSHALL