The Enigmatic Life of Bass Reeves' Wife, Jennie: Unveiling the Truth

Article Overview

Bass and Jennie's love story goes beyond their period of enslavement and endures long after their freedom, as portrayed in the Paramount+ series "Lawmen: Bass Reeves."

Throughout Bass's service in the Civil War, Jennie displayed unwavering loyalty, patiently awaiting his homecoming while enduring the hardships of enslaved life on George Reeves' ranch in Texas.

Bass and Jennie had ten children together and remained committed to each other until Jennie's death in 1896.

In the new Paramount+ series Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Bass Reeves' wife Jennie plays a crucial role. Portrayed by Lauren E. Banks, Jennie and Bass are depicted as love interests from the beginning of the highly-anticipated Western series. As both Bass and Jennie were once enslaved under Colonel George Reeves in the 1860s, they were eventually freed after the Confederates lost the U.S. Civil War in 1865. The ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment granted freedom and independence to Bass, Jennie, and all African Americans across the country under federal law.

What Happened To Jennie While Bass Reeves Was Away During The Civil War

Episode 2 of Lawmen: Bass Reeves showcases the enduring bond between Bass and Jennie. Even after their emancipation in 1865, they chose to stay together and raise their daughter Sally in Van Buren, Arkansas. Bass, transitioning to a life of farming, provided for his family until 1875 when Deputy U.S. Marshall Sherill Lynn (played by Dennis Quaid) extended an offer for him to join his ranks. Throughout Bass's ever-changing career and life, Jennie remained a devoted mother and wife to the legendary Old West lawman.

During the U.S. Civil War, Bass Reeves found himself compelled to join the Confederate Army, serving under Colonel Geroge Reeves due to his enslavement. Colonel Reeves commanded troops in several significant encounters like Pea Ridge, Arkansas and Chickamauga, Tennessee. This forced separation from his beloved Jennie left Bass Reeves with a sense of uncertainty, unsure if they would ever be reunited. However, his exceptional valor on the battlefield, which even impressed Colonel George Reeves, enabled him to ultimately return to Grayson County, Texas and be joyfully reunited with Jennie.

While Bass was away at war, Jennie was forced to stay on George Reeves's ranch in Grayson County, Texas as a slave and await Bass's return. To her relief, Bass survived numerous battles with George Reeves, allowing them to continue their life together in Texas amidst the raging Civil War. However, George Reeves betrayed Bass, depriving him of his opportunity for freedom. In response, Bass confronted him and then fled Texas, leaving Jennie behind against his will. It wasn't until after the war concluded in Arkansas that Bass reunited with Jennie and learned about their daughter, Sally.

Jennie & Bass Reeves Had 10 Children Before She Died In 1896

Jennie and Bass, as free Americans, had a total of ten children, with Sally being one of them. They officially tied the knot in 1870 and already had four children, namely Sally, Robert, Harriet, and Georgie. During their marriage, they were blessed with five boys and five girls. One of their children, Bennie, mentioned in Lawmen: Bass Reeves episode 2, was ultimately apprehended by Bass for his wife's murder. Sadly, Jennie Reeves passed away on March 19, 1896, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Editor's P/S

Jennie Reeves, the wife of Bass Reeves, was a remarkable woman who faced numerous challenges during her life. Despite being enslaved and separated from her husband during the Civil War, she remained loyal and patiently awaited his return. Her unwavering devotion to Bass and their family is a testament to her strength and resilience. Jennie's role in Bass's life was crucial, as she provided him with unwavering support and love, which enabled him to become the legendary lawman he is known as today.

Jennie's death in 1896 was a devastating loss for Bass and their family. Her absence left a profound impact on their lives, and Bass undoubtedly felt the void left by her passing. Despite the pain of losing his beloved wife, Bass continued to honor her memory and the love they shared. Jennie's legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren, who carry the torch of her strength and resilience.