There's some debate over whether or not the Lone Ranger is based on Bass Reeves, but there are certainly some similarities. Both were tall, dark-skinned, and powerfully built. Reeves was also an expert marksman and a skilled horseman. He worked as a U.S. marshal in Oklahoma and Texas for more than three decades and was known for his toughness and determination.
He captured more than 3,000 outlaws during his career and was never wounded in the line of duty. So there's no doubt that he was an impressive man - just like the Lone Ranger.