Tom Bass who invented this Weymouth Bit sold the bit in the early 1900's for $15.00 It was never patented.

Tom was born to a slave girl in the 1850's on the huge Bass Plantation south of Columbia, Missouri in Boone County.  Tom's grandfather was Presley Grey, who was an expert with the fine horses raised on the plantation. Tom was fortunate to grow up with so many opportunities to work with the best horses in Missouri.  Tom's father, William Hayden Bass, was the son of plantation owner, Eli Bass. Tom apparently inherited a good eye for champions from his father.

It appears that Tom may have left the Bass Plantation for Mexico, Missouri as early as 1870.  Mexico was definitely the place to be, if one wanted to work with the very best horses. Quickly Tom had found a home, and before long, Tom had a reputation as a gentle, but effective trainer of even the most difficult horses.