ONLINE EXHIBIT
C. Bascom Slemp
1870 - 1943
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.
