Bass, Sam (1851-1878), was a Texas outlaw. Born in Indiana on July 21, 1851, he left home at 17 to find work as a cowboy and became involved with criminals. During his six years in Texas, he became known as a “good badman.” He led a band of bank and train robbers and, according to legend, shared what he stole with the poor. Bass was betrayed to the Texas Rangers by one of his own men at Round Rock in 1878, and was killed on July 21. His legend has been kept alive by the ballad that bears his name and by stories of his generosity. 
