Interesting article telling history of what was probably the US marshal who inspired the Lone Ranger character.
His name was Bass Reeves, he rode a light gray steed, carried twin .45 Colt Peacemakers in a cross belt and used a signature black hat. He was born in 1838, served as Marshal from 1875 to 1907 (32 years), captured 3000 living felons, have killed only 16 (as he preferred to resort to killing only for self defense).
At an era where the average height was 5'6", he towered at 6'2". He lived a couple years with the Cherokee where he learned how to speak fluently 5 native american languages.
He used to give silver dollars as a calling card.
The full article:
https://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/6408028-Police-History-Was-U-S-Marshal-Bass-Reeves-the-real-Lone-Ranger/A true American hero, after leaving his position as US Marshal, he took a position at Muskogee Oklahoma Police Department until his passing in 1910 of natural causes. A lawman for life.
Detail: he was also the first black lawman West of Mississippi, born a slave in Crowford County in Arkansas. After hearing of the Emancipation Proclamation, Bass proclaimed himself to be a free man and escaped.
