Richard Bassett

Richard Bassett (March 28, 1846 – February 21, 1905 ) was a Baptist minister and a Republican member of the Indiana House of Representatives from Howard County. He was one of four African American state legislators elected in Indiana in the 19th century.

Early life and education

Bassett was born in 1846 at Snow Hill, North Carolina, Known as the Bassett Settlement, the community grew to 11 families, and at its peak had its own school, church, and post office, as well as a general store and blacksmith shop.

Bassett was particularly known for his work in the Sunday School movement, and was appointed "state Sunday-school missionary" in 1888. Due to illness, however, he did not participate fully in the 1893 legislative session, and was obliged to be absent for part of it.

Bassett's final post was at the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Indianapolis, where he served from 1900 to 1903. In 1903, he suffered a stroke which ended his preaching career.

Upon his death, plans were laid for a monument to be erected in Bassett's memory in Kokomo; it was to have been dedicated in 1906.