Bass Reeves started life as a slave, but he grew up to be one of the most respected lawmen in the West. In 1875, Judge Isaac C. Parker hired Reeves as a deputy U.S. marshal because he knew Reeves was familiar with the terrain of Indian Territory, was on friendly terms with several Native American tribes, and could speak their languages-three factors that were extremely advantageous for tracking down criminals in such a lawless, sprawling region.