a biography of tom bass
Tom Bass was born into slavery on January 5, 1859 to his mother, Cornelia Gray, and her owner, William Hayden Bass. He was raised by his grandparents, Presley and Eliza Gray. The Bass family plantation in Boone County Missouri, on which he was born, bred, raised, and trained horses. The plantation also raised cattle and crops.
At some point in his life he left the plantation in Boone County and went to Mexico Missouri. Since he was exposed to horses at a young age, he started a career working with horses with a buyer named Joseph A. Potts. After he learned what he needed from Joseph, he started his own horse training business. Buyers from all across America brought their horses to him for training using his gentle practices. "Horses are like humans," is something he always said. He was known to never use whips, clubs, or raise his voice to his horses.
He invented a training tool called the Bass Bit. He made it to prevent abuse on horses during training. It also prevented unnecessary strain and pain on horses mouthes during training. Although he created the Bass Bit, he never patented it. He said it was because he wanted to, "give the horses of the world something to make their way in life a little easier."
Eventually he became known worldwide as an amazing saddle horse trainer and an amazing equestrian showman. He won multiple prizes on famous American saddle horses such as Miss Rex and Belle Beach. He was the first African American to ride in the American Royal horse show. Because of his known talent with horses he was allowed to show in the same ring with the white trainers.
When he was young he became known for his skill with horses and knowledge of them. He represented Missouri in the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. He was so famous that he was invited to perform on Miss Rex in the Royal Horse Show in London, England. Also, Queen Victoria Invited him to her Diamond Jubilee in England. He trained horses for lots of people, including Theodore Roosevelt and Buffalo Bill Cody. He also rode in the parades of presidents Grover Cleveland and Calvin Coolidge.
He spent most of his life in Mexico Missouri except for one point when he owned a stable in Kansas City Missouri with his brother Jesse. And he got married to Angie Jewell on September 20, 1882. They had a son named Inman who was born on August 10, 1897.
Tom Bass earned respect for his technique and training skills in a time when people discriminated against African Americans. He made Mexico the "Saddle Horse Capitol of the World," and that's what he's remembered for. He died of a heart attack in his home and was buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Mexico Missouri. On Monday April 12, !999 he was inducted into the Missouri hall of fame in the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City Missouri.
timeline
Achievments and fun facts
Tom Bass Road is the new name of the section of former Highway 63 South
He founded the American Royal
He was a member of the horse advisory committee for the Kansas City Fire Department
At first he was the only African American allowed to perform at the American Royal
His race barely affected his career in KC or anywhere else
He performed for 5 U.S. Presidents
He founded the American Royal
He was a member of the horse advisory committee for the Kansas City Fire Department
At first he was the only African American allowed to perform at the American Royal
His race barely affected his career in KC or anywhere else
He performed for 5 U.S. Presidents
By: Alexis Scott