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Virignia-Pilot, Norfolk, Friday, March 20, 1903
A Tragedy In Tarboro
Raleigh, N.C., March 16. ? A special from Tarboro, N.C., says:
This morning at 9 o?clock in front of the postoffice on Main street, Dr. J.M. Baker shot Dr. H.T. Bass and inflicted what may turn out to be a fatal wound. The pistol ball went through both walls of the stomach and penetrated the liver.
Two shots were fired by Dr. Baker, only one taking effect. Dr. Bass pulled out his pistol after he was shot twice but says that he does not remember whether he shot it or not. The pistol fired, but the ball went over the heads of the crowd.
After the shooting Dr. Bass walked to his office and soon afterward was carried to his home. In the afternoon Drs. Southgate Leigh, of Norfolk, assisted by Dr. Moore, of Elm City, and Dr. David T. Tayloe, of Washington, performed an operation to repait the damage, but not to extract the bullet.
At this hour, 8 o?clock, Dr. Bass is living, but the surgeons who were present have stated that it will be nothing short of a miracle if he recovers.
The shooting of Dr. Bass was the result of bitter feeling of long standing existing between the two men.
Last summer there was a difficulty on the street between the two men and Dr. Bass knocked Dr. Baker down. The troubles were brought about by criticisms of the management of the sanitarium of which Dr. Baker is the head.
The matter was later heard in court and at the trial Dr. Baker was exonerated. In the court room both men drew their pistols, but friends intervened. Dr. Baker is a much smaller man than Dr. Bass, and is ten years his junior, being about 47 years old. This morning Dr. Bass attached Dr. Baker. As to exactly when an dhow the shooting occurred the statements that have been made upon the street are conflictin. Some say that the shot which may prove fatal, was fired while the two men were actually fighting, others say that Dr. Baker shot Dr. Bass after they were pulled apart.
When the first shot was fired it seems that Dr. Bass had his hand on Dr. Baker?s pistol for mthe appearance of burnt powder on Dr. Bass?s hand. Dr. Baker contends that he acted in self defense.
Soon after the shooting Dr. Baker gave himself up to the sheriff. By agreement of counsel he was this afternoon placed under a $5,000 bond.
Both Dr. Bass and Dr. Baker are physicians of fine standing in the town and hve many friends.
Later this afternoon Dr. Bass made his will.
Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Friday, March 20, 1903
Dr. Bass Dies From His Wounds
Raleigh, N.C., March 17. ? A special to the News and Observer from Tarboro says:
Dr. H.T. Bass, who was shot here yesterday by Dr. J.M. Baker, died at his residence last night between 11 and 12 o?clock. He was on the operating table and as he began to show signs of sinking the operation was not completed. Early in the night he became unconscious and thereafter sank rapidly.
The funeral took place from Calvary church this afternoon. Rev. Dr. Gamble conducting the service. The church could not contain the immense crowd that attended. The remains were interred in Calvary churchyard.
Dr. J.M. Baker, who shot Dr. Bass, left here yesterday afternoon for Richmond on professional business.
The coroner?s jury went to the house of the deceased and viewed the remains this morning, then adjourned until the 22d., when they will hear testimony. The preliminary hearing will be on Monday.
Dr. Bass? ante-mortem statement differs in no important particulars from the report of the tragedy sent out Monday night.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1851 - 1903 (51 years)