C.Bascom Slemp was born on September 4, 1870 at Turkey Cove (Seminary) in Lee County. He was home-schooled by Professor William Davidson of King College. At age nine, he served as a Page in the House of Delegates. Slemp attended the Virginia Military Institute at the age of 16. He graduated in four years with the highest grade point average ever; a record that still stands today. In 1891, he studied law for one year at the University of Virginia and later passed the bar exam in 1901. Before beginning his law practice in Big Stone Gap, he served as Principal of Stonega Academy in Big Stone Gap from 1893-1895.

C. Bascom began his law practice in Big Stone Gap. In 1907, C. Bascom's father passed away while serving a term as the Ninth District Congressman. C. Bascom was voted to fill his father's seat. He was re-elected to seven consecutive terms from 1907-1923. After Congress, Slemp served as Private Secretary to President Calvin Coolidge from 1923-1925.