| Notes |
- He was a C.S.A Veteran. He is buried in the Cedar Ridge Cemetery, Bibb County, Georgia.
He enlisted on 31 May 1862 in Company G., 8th Georgia Calvary. He was captured near Greenville, North Carolina on 18 Feb 1865. He was released on 23 Jun 1865 to Point Lookout, Maryland. His POW record shows that he was of fair complexion, brown hair, hazel eyes and 5'8" tall. He stated that he was born 8 Feb 1841 in Macon County, Georgia. He applied for a pension in Bibb County, Georgia, and died 13 Feb 1918.
1870 Federal Census of Perry, Houston County, Georgia (20 Jul 1870)
George W. Bassett 28 M Georgia Farmer 500 500
Pollie 23 F South Carolina Keeping House
John H. Duffill 15 M Georgia Farm laborer
(George and Hollie married within the year in August)
1880 Federal Census of Upeer 5th, Houston County, Georgia
G.W. Bassett 39 M GA GA GA Head Works on farm
Mary 34 F GA GA GA Wife Keeping House
John 10 M GA GA GA Son At school
Ben 6 M GA GA GA Son At school
Pat 5 M GA GA GA Son
Newton 4 M GA GA GA Son
Fredrick 2 M GA GA GA Son
Bassett 1 F GA GA GA Daughter
William B. Bassett 37 M GA GA GA Brother
1900 Federal Census of 481 Militia District, Bibb County, GA (13 Jun 1900)
Benjamin A. Bassett 27 M Sep 1872 GA GA GA Head Laborer Lumber Mill
Charles R. 18 M Nov 1881 GA GA GA Brother Painter R.R.
Martha 17 F Mar 1883 GA GA GA Sister
Mary S. 55 F Apr 1845 GA SC SC Mother
(Mary married 30 years, 11 children, 7 living)
Macon Daily Telegraph, 13 Feb 1918
Deaths and Funerals, George W. Bassett
George W. Bassett, age 77 years, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. B.T. Thomas, 116 Chappel Street, Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock. Mr. Bassett had been in ill health for several weeks and his death had been expected since he was stricken with a stroke of paralysis a few weeks ago. Mr. Bassett served in the War from 1861 to 1864, having been a member of R.A. Smith Camp, United Confederate Veterans, until a few years ago. He has been a leading contractor in Macon and other cities. He was the contractor of the Georgia Agricultural College at Barnesville, and by his popularity in his business he was well known throughout the State. Beside his daughter, Mrs. B.T. Thomas, two sons survived, J. M. Bassett, of Griffin, and C.R. Bassett, of Macon; one brother, B.W. Bassett, of Houston County, and one sister, Mrs. McKinley, of Unadilla.
The funeral services will be held from the residence, 116 Chappel Street this Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock. Rev. J.T. Hering officiating. The interment will be made in Cedar Ridge Cemetery.
Columbus Enquirer, 7 Jul 1893
A Tragedy in Macon
A Man Killed By A Blow On The Head
With a Stick While Asleep
The Result of an old Quarrel
The Assailant’s Escape
Coronor’s Jury Pronounced it Murder
Macon, GA, July 6 – (Special) – W. E. Bridwell died this morning at 8 o’clock from the effects of a blow on the head from a hickory stick by George E. Bassett last night at 12 o’clock while the two men were on the porch of John Simmons’ house in South Macon.
Bassett struck three blows, but Bridwell warded off two of them with his arms. His skull was fractured by one of the blows, from which he died. The coroner’s jury pronounced the deed murder. There was no eye witness to the difficulty . Pat Bassett, a son of George Bassett, testified he was in the act of entering the gate of Simmons’ yard when he heard his father say: “But Bridwell, you once took advantage of me; now if you are no coward let us fight this thing out like men.” The next thing Pat heard were the blows from the stick. George Bassett fled to Houston county and has not yet been caught. Bassett was formerly deputy sheriff. Bridwell was a cattle dealer. A year ago Bridwell cowhided Bassett because of disrespectiful remakrs Bassett is said to have made about a female relative of Bridwell’s. Bassett presented Bridwell to the grand jury and an indictment was found, and the case set for trial this week. Bassett agreed not to press the preosecution if Bridwell would publish a card in the newspapers apologizing, etx., to Bassett. Bridwell died this, the card appearing lat week. The solicitor general consented to nol pros the case against Bridwell, and it was thought the entire matter had been amicably settled, but last night’s tragedy showed otherwise.
Ed Flowers testified before the coroner’s jury that ten minutes after 12 last night Bridwell enterd his store with blood streaming down his face and said, “George Bassett struck me on the head while I was asleep.” Bridwell then sankd to the floor and remained unconscious until his death.
Macon Telegraph, 7 Jul 1893
Killed With A Hickory Stick
George Bassett Beats William E. Bridwell
Over the Head and Kills Him
The Murderer Escaped
Coroner’s Jury Declares it to Be Murder
The Killing the Result of an
Old Feud – Cowhided Years Ago
W.E. Bridwell, a butcher doing business on Fourth street, died yesterday morning at the home of Mr. J.A. Flowers in South Macon, about a half mile beyond the city limits, at 8:15 o’clock from the effects of injuries inflicted with a large hickory stick in the hands of George W. Bassett.
The difficulty happened at 11:50 at the home of J.T. Simmons in South Macon and was the termination of an old feud that had existed between the two men for about 1 year.
Bassett made his escape after he had committed the crime and has not been apprehended.
Nearly a year ago Bridwell cowhided Bassett at a store on Fourth street for having, as he claimed, been talking about his wife. At the time Bassett offered no resistance, but afterward threatened to kill Bridwell.
A good deal was said on both sides at the time and cards from each side were published in the newspapers. Since then the men have been deadly enemies and on several occasions would have had a personal encounter but for the interference of friends.
A few weeks ago, however, the friends of both parties were surprised to see a card in the Telegraph over Bassett’s signature saying that he had been misinformed as to certain facts and that he publicly withdrew all he had said about Bridwell.
It Looked Like Peace.
The card was constructed by their friends as meaning that peace had been declared between Bridwell and Bassett but they soon found that they were mistaken and that their hatred for each other was more intense than before. In the meantime the grand jury had found an indictment against Bridwell for the assault he made on Bassett nearly a year ago and the case was to have been heard yesterday, Judge Bartlett having held a jury over for that purpose.
Night before last Bridwell and Simmons went home together, and Simmons, being very drunk, went to bed leaving Bridwell and several others on the front porch.
As the time passed the visitors left one by one, while others went to the house, among them being Bassett, who was one of the last to leave. Finally every visitor left except Bassett and his son. By this time it was nearly 12 o’clock at which time the difficulty took place.
Just what happened is best told by the witnesses at the coroner’s inquest, which was held yesterday morning at 9:30 o’clock.
As Told on the Stand.
Pat Bassett being sworn said that he knew Mr. Bridwell, whose death came from a blow from Mr. George Bassett about 11:50 last night at John Simmons’ house in this county. The witness was not present and did not know how it occurred. He was trying to get in at the gate when he heard it and tried to get them apart. They were on the porch and his father, George Bassett, said, “Mr. Bridwell get up and defend yourself, you have double-teamed on me.”
Mr. Bridwell was sitting down at the time and got up. The witness could not see what Mr. Bridwell did. Mr. Bridwell was hit with a stick by Mr. Bassett and witness heard the lick.
Bridwell got up and tired to defend himself. He did not seem to have any weapon. Both were drinking. He did not know whether they had a previous quarrel. Mr. Bridwell lived a mile off. Mr. Simmons was drunk and they carried him home. He had been carried home and they came afterward. The double-teaming had referred to an old difficulty. Witnesses’ father had the stick when he struck the last lick Bridwell sat down and was not struck afterward. Bridwell came first, went off and came back.
J.T. Simmons, being sworn, said that he knew the deceased, but didn’t know how he died. He went last night to his house and then went off. George Bassett came afterward. Don’t know about the fuss – was drunk and in bed. The people I saw came to my bed to see me. A bad feeling existed between the two about a lawsuit Bridwell came about 7 or 8 o’clock, Bassett about 10 or 11, Mr. Ed Flowers, Tom Callaway, Newt and Tat Bassett, George Collins and Ed Buffington came to my bed and I recognized the.
E.D. Flowers, sworn – I live here Mother told me Mr. Bridwell came here last night and asked to have his head washed. I found him about daybreak in bed unconscious.
J.A. Flowers, sworn – Mr. Bridwell came here about 12 o’clock and asked to have his head washed. Some one had knocked him in the head. Told us George Bassett hit him. Got unconscious about 3 a.m. Was rational until then. Dr. Scoven came and said he was not dangerously hurt and Dr. Johnson was sent for. Bridwell had been on a protracted spree. Mr. George Collins helped with him. (Stick introduced by Collins).
George V. Collins, sworn – Was not at difficulty, Helped wash his head. Was at Bassett’s last night. Both were there when I left, I heard no quarrel while there. Did not hear Bridwell say who strick him. Claimed to have been struck while sitting in a chair. Did not talke like a man in a dying condition – not out of the way. Said they took advantage of him. When I left Mr. Bridwell was asleep in a char. We asked him to stay until we came back.
Dr. L.L. Johnson, M.D. Sworn – Came at 2.30. Saw head shaved. Said Dr. Scoven had been here. Gave no medicine. Was unconscious. Knew he had no chance for life from a blow in the head. Can’t say what weapon was used, but the blow was sufficient to produce death.
J.W. Simmons, being sworn, said that he had known the deceased for seven years and saw him last on July 4. He was sober, but was a steady drinker, though he hardly ever gets down from it. He was quiet except when aroused and easily controlled. He had been more ore less under the influence of whisky for a few weeks.
Dr. Johnson, being recalled, said that he had made a post mortem examination. Death came by concussion produced by a blow on the head by some instrument. The skull was fractured three-quarters of an inch and the brain was found coagulated. The stick shown would produce the result in the hands of a boy 15 years old. He was struck form the front and he did die from that blow.
Mr. Buffington, sworn – Was at Simmons’ last night. Saw both there. left between 11 and 12 o’clock. Saw no row. Both were on the porch. Did not hear them speak. It is about one-fourth of a mile from here to Simmons’. Saw the stick. Mr. George Bassett had it when he came in. Bassett came and went in room and came out on porch. Bridwell was in a chair and Bassett came out and sat down. Did not hear them talk to one another for three-quarters of an hour. Both seemed to be drinking. I left only those two on the porch.
Verdict of the Jury.
After the evidence was all in the jury retired to themselves and rendered the following verdict:
“We, the jury empanelled to pass upon the death of William E. Bridwell, upon our oath say that having viewed the body of the said W.E. Bridwell and having the evidence submitted and that the said W.E. Bridwell came to his death from a blow inflicted with a stick in the hands of George W. Bassett of said county of Bibb, and in our opinion the same is murder”. Signed by W.A. David, foreman; George W. Morgan, J.A. Bedingfield, J.E. Schofield, J.D. Head, G.L. Bright, B. H. Wrigley, George L. Smith, J.S. Avant, E.C. Ellison, A. Vannuci, James A. Simpson.
The stick used was a very large hickory stick and had the appearance of being intended for a club more than a walking stick. It is noe in the possession of Coroner Hodnett.
Bassett left soon after the difficulty and has not been arrested. He is said to have been seen in Houston county yesterday, but the information was not authentic.
Both men were married and had families.
Macon Telegraph, January 10, 1896
Geo. Bassett Goes Free
Judge Hardeman Directed a Verdict Soon After Mr. Hodges Began for the Defense
A Very Remarkable Statement
Mr. Felton Thought That It Was One of the Best He had Ever Heard
Bassett Showed That Bridwell Was in the Act of Raising a Chair
The murder case of George Bassett came to a sudden end in the superior court yesterday afternoon.
The prosecution had introduced all its evidence and closed. The defense had offered no evidence except the prisoner’s statement. They announced closed and Attorney Bob Hodges had begun his opening speech for the defense.
Suddenly, Judge Hardeman Interrupted the attorney, saying there was no necessity to proceed further with the case.
“If the jury were to find a verdict of guilty,” said the judge, “I would be compelled to set it aside on your motion, Mr. Hodges; and unless the jury objects I shall direct you to take a verdict of not guilty. I have come to the conclusion that the evidence introducted by the prosecution doesn’t warrant anything but an acquittal, and I don’t see the necessity of holding the jury together all night when they can’t do anything more than acquit the defendant.”
No objection was raised. A few of the jurors looked at others, but as no one seemd to change countenance, it was agreed that Mr. Hodges should draw up the verdict of acquittal.
The courthouse had been thronging with friends of Bassett and the dead man, and as soon as the court announced the prisoner’s freedom, a crowd gathered around and showered their congratulations upon him. Bassett, under an im?? of gratitude, arose from his seat and started for the jury box, as if to express his thanks. His lawyers stopped and engaged him in conversation, and the jury then passed out into the crowd.
Bassett for a number of years was deputy sheriff of Bibb county, and was considered an unusually brave and faithful officer.
The wife and son of the dead man sat by Solictor Felton and Mr. Cooper to assist in the prosecution. They expressed disappointment at the turn the case finally took.
A son of the prisoner sat by him during the trial and affectionately stroked his father’s head when the acquittal was announced.
The arraignment was formal, and it was thought the trial would occupy at least two days. The most important feature of the investigation was the prisoner’s statement, the evidence being very unsatisfactory for the prosecution. When Mr. Bassett finished his talk, Solictor-General Fulton whispered to Mr. Cooper that it was one of the best statements he had ever heard from a witness stand. The case was covered by the prisoner from the date of the fight in Daly’s store, when Bridwell and his son horse-whipped him. The entire story was told without a pause, except for a few additional points when the prisoner explained why he ran away from Macon after the killing, etc.
The Prisoner’s Story.
While in Daly’s store taking a drink with a friend, Bassett was surprised by William Bridwell and young Claud Bridwell, who came staying into the rear of the store, the one with a horsewhip and the other with a three-pound chop-axe. Claud’s stroke with the axe was warded off the head by Bassett’s arm, but struck Bassett’s left shoulder, Goerge and Dick Green ran into the store and rescued Bassett as everybody else ran out and left him with the assailants, William Bridwell was steadily applying the horse whip all the while.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1841 - 1918 (77 years)