Bob Dozier – Killed at the hands of Bass Reeves
The annals of the American West are replete with tales of daring outlaws and the unflinching lawmen who pursued them. Among these narratives, the story of Robert "Bob" Dozier and his fateful encounter with Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves stands out as a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of lawlessness. Dozier, a man who seemingly traded a life of honest labor for one of crime, became a thorn in the side of law enforcement in the sprawling Indian Territory, ultimately meeting his end at the hands of one of the most legendary figures of the Old West.
Before his descent into criminality, Bob Dozier was known as a prosperous farmer. Unlike many outlaws of the era, who were often driven to crime by poverty or desperation, Dozier’s motivations remain shrouded in mystery. Some speculated that he sought adventure, while others believed greed fueled his transformation. Regardless of the reason, his transition from farmer to outlaw was remarkably successful, demonstrating a cunning and ruthlessness that made him a formidable adversary.
Bob Dozier quickly established himself as a versatile criminal, engaging in a wide array of illicit activities. His rap sheet included cattle rustling, store and bank robberies, stagecoach holdups, and the fleecing of unsuspecting travelers. He was also the ringleader of a horse-stealing operation, a fence for stolen jewels, and a participant in numerous land swindles. Adding to his notoriety, Dozier was rumored to employ torture and even murder to extract information from his victims. His ruthlessness earned him a reputation as a dangerous and unpredictable criminal, making him a high-priority target for law enforcement.
For years, various lawmen, including Deputy U.S. Marshals operating under the jurisdiction of Judge Isaac Parker, attempted to bring Dozier to justice. Judge Parker, often referred to as the "Hanging Judge," presided over the United States District Court in Fort Smith, Arkansas. His court held sole federal jurisdiction over the vast and lawless Indian Territory. This territory had become a haven for cattle and horse thieves, whiskey peddlers, and bandits seeking refuge from the reach of "White Man’s Court," which was absent until 1875. The marshals who served under Parker were tasked with the daunting challenge of maintaining order in this untamed region, and Bob Dozier proved to be a particularly elusive quarry.
In 1878, the pursuit of Bob Dozier intensified when Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves took up the chase. Reeves, a towering figure both physically and in reputation, was known for his courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the law. The outlaw, openly defiant of law enforcement, including the U.S. Marshals and Judge Parker, soon learned that Reeves was on his trail. Dozier sent a message to Reeves, threatening to kill him if he didn’t cease the pursuit. However, Reeves was not easily intimidated. He responded with a message of his own, informing Dozier that the outlaw would eventually have to stop running, and when he did, Reeves would be ready to face him. With no further communication, the relentless game of cat and mouse continued. Dozier fled, and Reeves doggedly pursued.
After months of relentless tracking, Reeves received information that led him to the Cherokee Nation in present-day Oklahoma. He and a single posseman ventured deep into the Cherokee Hills, sensing that they were closing in on their target. On December 20, 1878, as a storm raged, the two lawmen sought shelter for the night. As they were searching for a suitable spot, a gunshot rang out, and a bullet whizzed past Reeves’s head. The two men immediately took cover, bracing themselves for further attacks. However, only silence followed.
Reeves soon spotted a shadow moving through the trees and fired two shots. The gunfire was returned, prompting the lawman to dive for cover once more. From his position on the ground, Reeves identified his attacker as Bob Dozier, who was laughing loudly, confident that he had killed his pursuer. Seizing an opportunity, Reeves jumped to his feet and ordered Dozier to drop his weapon. The outlaw quickly crouched down, raising his rifle in response. But Reeves was prepared, and with a swift movement, he fired, striking Dozier in the neck. The shot proved fatal, and the outlaw fell instantly.
The death of Bob Dozier marked a significant moment in Bass Reeves’s career. According to his daughter, Alice Reeves Spahn, Reeves considered bringing Dozier to justice as one of the high points of his long and illustrious service. The incident highlighted Reeves’s skill, courage, and unwavering commitment to upholding the law, solidifying his place as a legend of the Old West. The story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by lawmen in the untamed territories of the American frontier and the enduring legacy of those who fought to bring order to a lawless land.
The story of Bob Dozier and Bass Reeves is a microcosm of the larger struggle between law and lawlessness that defined the American West. It is a tale of pursuit, cunning, and ultimately, the triumph of justice over evil. While the name Bob Dozier may not be as widely recognized as other outlaws of the era, his story serves as a compelling reminder of the dangers faced by those who dared to challenge the authority of the law in the Old West.