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- A Family History of Limestone County, Volume One
Henry Bassett
The Henry Bassett family was originally from England, and came to Texas when it was a new frontier.
The John Harper family, for religious reasons, left Ireland and settled in Kosse, Texas.
The Bassett family bought land three miles west of Kosse, and built the first brick house in Limestone County, over one hundred years ago. The family has continued to maintain and live in the home.
Henry and Hattie Ford Bassett lived in the house and had three sons. Only one son survived. He, Willie Ford, lived in the house all of his life. The oldest son died in early adulthood, and the middle son died when he was 12 years old. Willie Ford Bassett died in 1967, and his wife, Lula Harper Bassett, died in 1969.
Willie Ford and Lula had three daughters. Zelma Bassett married a prominent Texas pediatrician, Dr. Ramsay Hudson Moore of Dallas. He died in 1965. He was one of the founders of Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. Willie Ford Bassett married Dr. Robert S. Sparkman of Dallas, a widely known surgeon. A chair of surgery was established in his honor at the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas for his many contributions to the Baylor department of surgery. Hattie Ford Bassett, the youngest daughtter, died in 1975.
Willie Ford Bassett owned one of the first cars in Limestone County. It was a white Buick with much brass trimmings.
The family endured hardships and droughts throughout the century. A sad time was when the government program destroyed cattle and paid seven dollars per head for them. A tragic time was when the landmark home was robbed in the 1970's of family heirlooms that the family treasured and had worked hard to have in the home.
The land was mostly in cultivation until the Cotton Conservation program made it difficult for land owners. It is now pasture land. The H-lazy-B cattle brand, is one of the oldest continuously used brands in Central Texas by the Bassett family.
The three Bassett daughters were inspired by their family to do their best in whatever they undertook. They have had a wide and an active interest in historical, philanthropic, cultural, civic, educational and social affairs in the State and the Country.
The family has always participated in the Kosse community programs.
The three Bassett daughters were recognized by being listed in "The Texas Women of Distinction", and in the "Who's Who of American Women".
Written by Mrs. Robert Sparkman
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Bassett Family Association Database
1894 - 1965 (71 years)