Nellie Jennie, wife of the famous lawman Bass Reeves, has a story that is often forgotten because of her husband’s great achievements. However, her life is just as interesting. She played an important role in supporting Bass and raising their large family. In this blog post, we’ll explore Nellie Jennie’s life, her relationship with Bass, and the lasting legacy she left behind.
Who Is Nellie Jennie?
Nellie Jennie was born around 1840 in Sherman, Texas. She met Bass Reeves while they were both enslaved under Colonel George Reeves in Grayson County, Texas. Despite the challenges they faced, their love endured even after Bass was forced to fight for the Confederacy during the Civil War.
After the war ended, Bass escaped slavery and eventually reunited with Jennie in Arkansas. There, he discovered they had a daughter named Sarah (referred to as Sally in the Paramount+ series “Lawmen: Bass Reeves”). Together, Bass and Jennie went on to have a total of eleven children between 1861 and 1882.
Nellie Jennie’s Early Life
Born into slavery in Texas, Nellie Jennie’s early life was undoubtedly difficult. However, she showed remarkable strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Her relationship with Bass Reeves began during this challenging period, and their bond only grew stronger over time.
After the Civil War and their emancipation in 1865, Nellie and Bass settled in Van Buren, Arkansas. There, they started building a life together, with Bass initially working as a farmer before becoming a Deputy U.S. Marshal in 1875. Throughout his career, Nellie remained a loyal and supportive wife and mother.
Family Of Nellie Jennie
Nellie Jennie and Bass Reeves had a large family, with eleven children born over the course of two decades. Their firstborn, Sarah, was born in 1861, followed by Robert, Harriet, Georgie, Newland, Edgar, William, Benjamin, Alice Mae, Lula, and Homer.
Raising such a large family while Bass pursued his career as a lawman couldn’t have been easy. However, Nellie Jennie’s dedication to her family never wavered. She provided a stable home life for her children and supported her husband through the challenges of his dangerous job.
Her Marriage To Bass Reeves
Nellie Jennie was born around 1850 in Texas. She married Bass Reeves, who was a slave at the time owned by a man named George Reeves.
Despite the hardships of slavery, Nellie and Bass’s love endured. Together, they had ten children: Sally, Robert, Harriet, Georgie, Newland, Edgar, Benjamin, Alice Mae, Lula, and Homer.
Nellie Jennie’s Life During the Civil War
When the Civil War broke out, Bass was forced to fight for the Confederate Army under his enslaver Colonel George Reeves. Meanwhile, Nellie remained enslaved on the Reeves plantation in Texas, waiting for Bass to return.
After the war ended, Bass was able to escape slavery. He made his way to Arkansas where he joyfully reunited with Nellie. There, they discovered they had a daughter named Sarah who had been born during their time apart.
Jennie’s Support During Bass’s Career As A Deputy U.S. Marshal
After they were emancipated in 1865, Nellie and Bass made a home together in Van Buren, Arkansas with their growing family. Bass initially worked as a farmer to support them.
In 1875, Bass was hired as a Deputy U.S. Marshal. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled lawman. Throughout his groundbreaking career, Nellie was his rock, managing their home and children while Bass was away on dangerous missions.
Her steady support and sacrifices helped make it possible for Bass to become one of the most prolific and respected Black lawmen of the Old West. He reportedly arrested over 3,000 felons and killed 14 outlaws in the line of duty.
Nellie Jennie’s Later Years & Death
After many years of proudly supporting her husband and raising their eleven children, Nellie Jennie passed away on March 19, 1896 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Though her own life was marked by the injustices and struggles of being an African American woman in the 19th century, she showed resilience, strength and grace. Her legacy lives on through the lasting impact that she and Bass had on their family and community.
Conclusion
Nellie Jennie’s life was filled with strength, resilience, and support. While her story is often overlooked because of her husband Bass Reeves’ famous career as a lawman, Nellie was a key part of their family and helped Bass through many challenges.
From facing the hardships of slavery to raising eleven children, she showed great dedication and courage. Her legacy, just like Bass’s, continues to live on, reminding us of the important role she played in their remarkable journey together.
