Fort Bend Lifestyles and Homes Magazine Apr 2009: Historically Fort Bend

Fifteen years later, Bassett married Libbie Mitchell, a daughter of John C. Mitchell, a prominent Richmond lawyer. They would have six children, including Robert Bassett, long time District Attorney in Richmond; Sidney Winston Bassett; Eleanor Lee Williams and Gerald Wheeler Bassett. In addition, Winnie Bassett died at age 1 and Clem Bassett Jr. died at age 21.

During the turbulent post-reconstruction years of the late 19th century, Bassett presided over a meeting of 400 Democrats. He and others provided a calming influence on the more radical Democratic factions. He was instrumental in forming the Jaybird Democratic Organization of Fort Bend County in 1889 and was its first president. He also chaired the club ’s first biennial meeting in 1890.

Clem Bassett was elected Sheriff of Fort Bend County in 1890 and became Tax Collector in 1902.

Bassett was active in the United Confederate Veterans and commanded the “Clem Bassett Camp,” which was named in his honor. He was a director in the Richmond Gin Co., Richmond Cotton Oil Co., Richmond Electric Light and Water Works, and the Rosenberg Gin and Cotton Co.

In 1913, Bassett built a colonial home across the street from the courthouse. In 1961, the courthouse acquired the house for an annex to relieve overcrowding. This house would eventually be moved to Crabb and become Great Oaks Manor.

Clem Bassett died on Oct. 9, 1914.

You may have seen the Bassett home, which was moved south of Richmond and is now the Great Oaks Manor bed and breakfast. But, what do you know about Clem Bassett, the home ’s first owner?

Bassett was born in 1842 to Clement Bassett and Julia Lee Beal. They came to Richmond shortly after the Battle of San Jacinto. Clement Bassett was one of the first lawyers in Richmond and represented the area in the State Legislature. He died in Houston in 1848.

Clem Bassett would grow up to join Terry’s Texas Rangers and fight in the Civil War. The regiment first went to Kentucky, then to Mississippi and then took part in the Battle of Shiloh. Bassett also fought in battles at Perryville, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta, Lookout Mountain, Savannah, and other places. He was wounded twice, but returned to Richmond at war ’s end with the rank of Captain. The bullet from his second wound went through a large Spanish hat he was wearing; he kept the hat throughout his life.

After the war, Bassett began his career as a merchant and cattleman. Later, he added farming to his business interests and formed a partnership with Sidney J. Winston. In October 1870, he married Lida Moore, daughter of Dr. Matthew Moore. She died in 1871 during childbirth.