Fourth Grade
Worksheets
Bass Reeves: First Black U.S. Deputy
Bass Reeves was born into slavery in Paris, Texas, in 1824. He took the last name of his owner, George Reeves. He worked as a water boy on his master's farm until he was old enough to go to work beside his father in the fields. George Reeves took a liking to the tall, young slave boy. He made him his household servant and personal companion when he was older. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, George Reeves joined the Confederate Army and took Bass Reeves with him into battle. It was during this time Bass Reeves ran away from his master.
Some said it was because his master beat him severely after losing a card game. Some said it was the other way around. Others said Bass heard that President Lincoln was freeing the slaves. Whatever the reason, Bass Reeves simply ran away. He ended up living with the Seminole and Creek Indians for nearly two years. During his stay with the Indians, he learned to use a rifle and became an expert with pistols. He became so good with the rifle that he was forbidden to enter turkey shoot contests in the area.
Bass Reeves left his Indian home sometime in 1863. He bought his own land in Arkansas when the Emancipation Proclamation freed the slaves. He got married and was a successful farmer and rancher. He and his wife, Nellie, had ten children. There were five boys and five girls growing up on his Arkansas farm.
