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Bassett Family Association - , Modern Founder (originally founded in 1897)

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Splinters From The Tree January 2013

(1) Welcome
(2) Nathaniel Bassett, Newburyport, Massachusetts merchant
(3) Harold Bassett, Dairy Technician
(4) Joseph C. Bassett of Muskegon, Michigan
(5) James E. Bassett of Chicago, Embezzler
(6) Col. Erskine Birch Bassett of Kentucky
(7) Thomas Butland Bradford Bassett
(8) New family lines combined or added since the last newsletter
(9) DNA project update

Section 1 - Welcome

Happy New Year to all those receiving my Bassett family newsletter!

Work continues on inputting names into the website database, but no lines were completed since the last newsletter. However, the #1B John Bassett family should be complete by the time of the February 2013 newsletter.

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Section 2 - Featured Bassett: Nathaniel Bassett, merchant of Newburyport, Massachusetts

Nathaniel Bassett was a merchant from Newburyport, Massachusetts.
He descended from #4B William Bassett of Lynn, Massachusetts as follows:

Roger Bassett and wife Ann Holland
William Bassett (b. 1624) and wife Sarah Burt
John Bassett (b. 1653) and wife Mary
John Bassett (b. 1690) and wife Charity Curtis
John Bassett (b. 1726) and wife Mary Bubier
Christopher Bassett (b. 1751) and wife Nancy
Nathaniel Bassett (b. 1789) and wife Betsey Frothingham

Ad for Nathaniel Bassett from the Newburyport Herald, Massachusetts, March 13, 1829
Ad for Nathaniel Bassett from the Newburyport Herald, Massachusetts, March 13, 1829

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Section 3 - Featured Bassett: Harold Bassett, Dairy Technician

Harold Julius Bassett descends from #63B Hansford Bassett as follows:

Thomas Bassett
Hansford Bassett (b. 1809) and wife Susanna Harwell
William Howell Bassett (b. 1834) and wife Mary Ann Phelps
Lorenzo Dow Bassett (b. 1861) and wife Mary Gardner
Orange Bassett (b. 1889) and wife Blanche Miley
Harold Julius Bassett

Harold Julius Bassett

The Columbia Daily Tribune
Friday, December 21, 2012
Harold Bassett (1917-2012)

Dr. Harold Julius Bassett passed away Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, after a long and productive life. He was 95.

A memorial service is planned for the spring of 2013.

Harold was born May 7, 1917, in Newton, Miss. During World War II, he was a captain in the U.S. Army, serving in the field artillery. After the war, he attended Ohio State University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating in 1951 with a Ph.D. in dairy science.

Dr. Bassett went on to become a nationally-respected expert in the field of dairy technology. After working in the private sector, including a position at Midwest Research Institute, now MRIGlobal, in Kansas City, he accepted a professorship in food science and nutrition at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1969.

As a professor in the Extension Division, he was able to mentor many new food scientists, and they remain an important part of his legacy. Dr. Bassett retired in 1982 and continued to consult for various dairy industry groups for many more years.

Harold married Ruth Elizabeth Emery on June 18, 1949.

They were married for 62 years and raised five children. Harold was an enthusiastic member of the Midwest Rock and Lapidary Club, and he and Ruth loved to camp and travel.

After his retirement, they spent many happy years collecting rocks and jewelry and had adventures in all 50 states.

He is survived by his daughters, Barbara Bassett of Columbia, Shellie Bassett of Lee's Summit, Amy Bassett of Columbia and Betty Higgins (Mark) of Tulsa, Okla.; son Kenneth Bassett (Jeannie) of Columbia; granddaughter Emily Martin (Nick) of Columbia; and grandson Brian Higgins of Tulsa, Okla.

His wife, Ruth, preceded him in death last year.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate cards. These can be sent to Barbara Bassett, P.O. Box 7025, Columbia, Mo., 65205.

Condolences can be left online at www.heartlandcremation.com

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Section 4 - Featured Bassett: Joseph C. Bassett of Muskegon, Michigan

Joseph C. Bassett of Muskegon, Michigan descends from #14B Jean Besset as follows:

Jean Besset (b. 1642) and wife Anne Seigneur
Jean Besset (b. 1672) and wife Madeleine Plamondon
Guillaume Besset (b. 1717) and wife Louise Paquet
Daniel Besset (b. 1762) and wife M. Josette Menard
Guillaume Besset and wife Josette Rogier
Jean Baptiste Bessette (b. 1824) and wife Celeste Demers
Narcisse Zephir "Joseph C." Bassett  (b. 1854) and wife Mary Leah Bassett

Even though the story below says that Joseph and Mary are not related, Mary is also descended from Jean Besset.

Muskegon Chronicle, March 25, 1918
Obituary
Joseph C. Bassett

        Joseph C. Bassett, 385 Grand avenue, died this morning after an illness of several months, at the age of 64 years. Mr. Bassett was born in Canada, coming to Muskegon in 1873. He was married to Miss Mary L.l Bassett in 1874. They moved on to Kankakee, Illinois, coming back to Muskegon four years later, where they have since made their home. Mr. Bassett was at one time alderman of this city. He was a member of Lovell Moore lodge No. 182, F. and A.M., and of the Modern Woodmen of America, Camp No. 1975. He leaves nine sons, Louis Bassett of Seattle, Washington; Moses of Hague, North Dakota; Ira, in France; Edward of California; William, Walter, Elmer, Clarence and Herbert, all of this city. Twelve grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Beaupra of Iowa; Mrs. St. Peter Antigo, of Wisconsin; Mrs. Peter Campbell and Mrs. Champoux, of Muskegon. He leaves also two brothers, John and Joe, both of this city. The funeral announcement will be made later.

Muskegon Chronicle, Saturday, February 16, 1907
Muskegon Chronicle, Saturday, February 16, 1907

A Family of Boys (Submitted by Kay Deuster)
Muskegon Chronicle, 4 Apr 1903
Are the Sons of Mr. and Mrs. J. Bassett
Largest Family of Sons in This City or County?
The Oldest is 25 years and the youngest Three years
All But One were Born in Muskegon - Parents of this Interesting Family
Were Married in Muskegon September 5, 1874.

        In the present distinguishing of 'long families' Muskegon has a noteworthy one in the nine sons of Mr. and Mrs. Josephere Bassett, who live at 160 Washington avenue, in this city. Mr. and Mrs. Bassett consider that theirs is the largest family of sons in Muskegon city and Muskegon county and the Chronicle today presents to its readers this interesting group of advancing citizens. They number: William, aged 25; Edwin, age 21; Walter, aged 18; Elmer, aged 17; Louis, aged 15; Moses, aged 12, Ira, age 9; Clarence aged 6 and Herbert, aged 3.

        All of these are native sons of Muskegon but William who was born in St. Mary, Kankakee county, Ill.

        Mr. and Mrs. Bassett, the parents of this interesting family, were married in Muskegon September 5, 1874. Mrs. Bassett maiden name was the same as her present one, Mary L. Bassett, although there was no relation between her's and her husband's families. Her parents were old residents of Muskegon, coming here from Malone, N.Y., forty years ago, and her grandparents lived in Canada. Although Mrs. Bassett has spent most of her life in Muskegon, Mr. Bassett only came to this city in the spring of 1874 from Kankakee, Ill., a few months before their marriage. Mr. Bassett was born in Canada, and when six months old his parents moved to Kankakee, Ill., taking him with them. Bot Mr. Bassett and Mrs. Bassett are of French ancestry and both of them come of large families. Mrs. Bassett was one of eight daughters and two sons, and has three sisters living in Muskegon at the present time.

        Mr. Bassett came of a family of five sons and five daughters and has three sisters living in Bluffton today.

        After their marriage he and his wife moved immediately to his former home in Kankakee where they remained five years. They then returned to Muskegon and have lived here ever since. Mr. Bassett is a laboring man and last winter worked in the rolling mill. Previous to that he was employed in the Grand Rapids Desk Co.'s factory.

        The nine sons of this remarkable family are all stalwart and sturdy young men and boys and a rich possession to their parents and to their state.

        The four older are cabinet makers. William is at present employed at the Gray Mfg. Co.'s works. Edwin and Walter follow their trade in Grand Rapids. Elmer labors at the Grand Rapids Desck Co.'s factory. Louis worked on a machine at the Alaska Refrigerator Co.'s. Moses attends school in the Sixth grade at the McLaughlin building. Ira is in the Third grade at the McLaughlin school. Clarence is in the first grade at the McLaughlin and Herbert stays at home, and according to his parents, rules the house. There was also a daughter at one time who died ten years ago at the age of 14 years.

        Only one of the sons is married, Edwin, who on February 19 of this year, wedded Miss Maggie Ferguson of this city.

        Footnote: Joseph (3-18-1918) is buried in Oakwood Cemetery Lot 1-Pl-G with Mary L. (12-16-1941) Moses (4-20-1929), William H. (8-24-1964) & Rose K. (2-24-1965).

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Section 5 - Featured Bassett: James E. Bassett of Chicago, embezzler

I have not yet identified who this James E. Bassett is.

The True Democrat, October 31, 1896
Bayou Sara, Louisiana
Run Him Down

After chasing for two months, all the way from Chicago to New York and back again, W.A. Pinkerton and Superintendent Thomas A. Vallius, of the Chicago Pinkerton agency Thursday arrested in New Orleans James E. Bassett, trusted employe and bookkeeper of the Swift Packaging Company of Chicago, on the charge of having embezzled $6,000 from his employer. Bassett’s capture is considered a star play, a case that has taxed the ingenuity of the best detectives. It was during September that the bookkeeper suddenly disappeared. Suspicion was aroused, and the Swift Company found to their surprise that Bassett was a defaulter to the extent of $40,000. He was insured with the Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland, and this company had signed his bond. James E. Bassett was a Denver, Colo., coal merchant before going to Chicago. Going to the latter city he found employment with the Swift Packing Company, about the same time becoming infatuated with a woman of high life. He lived beyond his means, and it is said that when the cashier would trun in cash to him for deposit in the bank, Bassett would pocket the cash and enter it up as a deposit. When arrested he had $400 and two diamond rings, and a promissory note for $100 in his pocket. The Pinkerton men left for Chicago Thursday night with their prisoner.

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Section 6 - Featured Bassett: Col. Erskine Birch Bassett of Kentucky

Colonel Erskine Birch Bassett descends from #8B John Bassett of New Jersey as follows:

John Bassett
Amos Bassett (b. 1760) and wife Susan Stout
Jeremiah Vardeman Bassett (b. 1796) and wife  Tryphenia Wellesley Birch
James Hervey Bassett (b. 1828) and wife Georgianna Houston
Erskine Birch Bassett (b. 1867) and wife Hallie Elizabeth Brown

Erskine Birch Bassett, Hopkinsville Kentuckian, November 7, 1914
Erskine Birch Bassett, Hopkinsville Kentuckian, November 7, 1914

Hopkinsville Kentuckian, November 7, 1914
Men In Mind In Hopkinsville
People of Prominence In The Pearl City of The Pennyroyal
Biographical Sketch No. 60
A Merchant-Soldier Who Has Been Prominent In Business for 27 Years

        In 1887 three young men from Louisville came to Hopkinsville and entered into the dry goods business under the firm name of Bassett & Co. They came unknown and unheralded, but met with instantaneous success. Being liberal advertisers along the new line of quoting prices of goods, their methods were new to the city and it was not long before their store was the center of activity in the dry goods business. The resident partner, E. Bassett, who in a few years bought out his partners and for 27 years has continued in business under the original firm name.
        Erskine Birch Bassett is descended from patriotic stock. His revolutionary ancestor was Rev. Thomas Erskine Birch, a minister of the church of England, who doffed his ministerial robes to become an ensign and was with Paul Jones in the battle of BonHomme Richard and the Scrapis, and also in other exploits.
        The present merchant and soldier was born at Stephensport, Ky., June 23, 1867, and at the age of nine left the farm upon which he was born and went to Louisville, with his father, Jas. H. Bassett. His education was acquired in the schools of Louisville and as early as 14 years of age he developed a martial spirit and enlisted in Co. A of the First Regiment of Kentucky State Guards. While still a mere boy, he was sent with his company to take part in the stirring scenes at Ashland, Ky., where there was a fight with a mob in which three men were killed in a battle on the Ohio river, growing out of an attempt of the job to take some prisoners from the troops.
        When only 20 years of age he came to Hopkinsville and embarked in business on Main street, next to the City Bank. One or two changes were made to secure larger quarters until 1909, when the firm occupied the present stand on the west side of Main street, near the corner of Ninth.
        In the meantime Mr. Bassett had not forgotten his military training. Before coming to Hopkinsville he had risen to second lieutenant and he lost no time in getting into Company D, of which Capt. E Grey Lewis was at that time commander. Col. Jouett Henry was then the first lieutenant. In 1897 Mr. Bassett was made first lieutenant of the reorganized Company D, and in 1900 was appointed major of the Third Regiment by Gov. Beckham. He saw frequent service, in putting down strikes at Madisonville, in the Fletcher mob at Russellville and in protecting a negro prisoner at Mayfield. At the latter place a mob of 5,000 was clamoring for a negro charged with an unmentionable crime and the soldiers had to literally cut their way through to reach a train that carried him out of their reach. Another time when he was called out was at Greenville for a similar duty. On all of these occasions he demonstrated his fearless spirit, military ardor and vigor of action. His most conspicuous services were in 1908, when following the night rider troubles, Gov. Willson assigned to him the duty of breaking up night riders and put him in command of several hundred men. His forces remained in the field, scouting over several counties, until the bands were practically put out of business. During this campaign, Maj. Bassett was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, a position he still holds. For six months during Gov. Willson’s administration he was acting Adjutant General of Kentucky. During Gov. Brown’s administration he served a term as Commissioner of the Western Asylum and was one of the committee in charge of the installation of a system of waterworks in the institution. He made a record as a most efficient public officer.
        Col. Bassett was married to Miss Hallie E. Brown the year he came to Hopkinsville and their family consists of one son and two daughters. The son, J. Stanley Bassett, is a young attorney who recently moved West.
        The Bassetts are an English family dating back to Normandy in 1804. The court of arms, still treasured by the family bears the motto “better Death than Shame.” The American ancestor came over in 1620, landing at Plymouth from the ship “Fortune”.
        During the many years that Col. Bassett has been a business man of Hopkinsville, he has been prominent in civic affairs and a leader in progressive movements. His store had been a trading center of the city for more than a quarter of a century and its genial proprietor is still entitled to rank among the young men of the city.

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Section 7 - Featured Bassett: Thomas Butland Bradford Bassett

Thomas Butland Bradford Bassett descends from William Bassett of Plymouth as follows:

William Bassett and wife Elizabeth
Nathaniel Bassett (b. 1628) and wife Dorcas Joyce
Samuel Bassett (b. 1670) and wife Elizabeth Jones
Samuel Bassett (b. 1700) and wife Alice Weaver
Samuel Bassett (b. 1738) and wife Tabitha Waite
John Bassett (b. 1770) and wife Clarissa Kellogg
Samuel Kellogg Bassett (b. 1804) and wife Jane Augusta Bradford
Owen Abbott Bassett (b. 1834) and wife Josephine Eliza Butland
Thomas Butland Bradford Bassett (b. 1870)

The Arizona Republican, Friday Morning, December 16, 1892
Called Back
T.B. Bassett Will Return To Phoenix
This Morning With Constable Zent
Arrested Yesterday on a Charge of Grand Larceny
A Swift Denouement in the Career of a Stylish Young Man Who Rolled to High

T.B. Bassett, the young man who jumped the town and several board bills, a score of private accounts and obligations is coming back today. He will be accompanied by Constable Wm. Zent armed with a warrant for his arrest for grand larceny.

The warrant was issued yesterday morning at the instance of Pratt Bros. who charge him with having stolen $80 from the safe in their office last Monday night. The circumstances of the disappearance of the money is as follows: Last Monday night Wm. Pratt took $80 from the cash drawer before leaving the store and put it into the safe in the office in the rear of the store. There were in the store at the time, Bassett, Joseph Pratt, and Messrs St. Claire and Leonard. Wm. Pratt went away and soon after Bassett went into the4 office, closed the door and remained about half an hour.

On Tuesday morning the money was missing and the door of the safe was found locked. Mr. Pratt at first supposed it had been taken as a joke by the boys whom he had left in the store. He was induced to believe this since he had concealed the money under a pile of local papers instead of  having put it into the cash box. He had also left the safe door unlocked and had so notified the others.
He was therefore somewhat surprised when he was solemnly told that no such joke had been played. He naturally concluded that the money had been taken either by a sneak thief or Bassett. He immediately visited Bassett and referred to himself as the victim of a joke and asked Bassett to return the money. That gentleman indignantly denied all knowledge of the money, when Mr. Pratt gave him a straight talk. Soon after Bassett called at the store and betrayed considerable uneasiness. He presented a draft on a  Deming, N.M., bank, and also his personal note, saying that since the money was missing he wished to deposit them until it was found. Mr. Pratt told him that this offer was equivalent of crimination and gave him until tomorrow to make good the amount stolen. He promised to do so. Yesterday morning when it was known that he had left town Mr. Pratt caused the warrant to be issued. The authorities telegraphed to Tucson to intercept Bassett if he had not already passed. Yesterday afternoon the officers were notified that he was under arrest and Constable Zent left last night for Tucson.

Bassett came to Phoenix about two months ago from Los Angeles where it appears he acquired a reputation as an all-round dead beat. The reputation has been admirably sustained here. He represented himself to be a capitalist and soon after his arrival began receiving marked attention from local capitalist and real estate men. He evince a penchant for mines and several assayers are holding accounts against him for work done. He lately established a life insurance business and is reported to have done considerable writing up. In the meantime he improved his opportunities and borrowed money on all sides. It must also be admitted that he made many friends. He is apparently about twenty-five years old of an imposing figure, bonhomie and easily established a familiar acquaintance wherever an acquaintance would likely prove serviceable.

He was a frequent companion of ex-Governor Osborne of Kansas, during the governor’s stay in the city and he said that his father had been a gubernatorial candidate against Osborne.

When Bishop Kendrick arrived here a week ago Bassett renewed an acquaintance with him formed while visiting his sister at Socorro, N.M., in the bishop’s diocese.

Before he left day before yesterday he announced that he was going to spend the holidays with his parents and would return in about two weeks. He temporarily put his business into the hands of Mr. Kennington and gave him power of attorney.

Last night he wrote to Mr. Kennington from Maricopa, saying that he had borrowed $50 from Bishop Kendrick with which to pay some bills, but had forgotten to attend to the matter. He had left the money in his room in his valise and directed Mr. Kennington to look after it. The money could not be found and Mr. Kennington learned from the bishop that Bassett had borrowed none from him.

Bassett does not look like a scoundrel and is perhaps not naturally one, but only a young man who suddenly and unintentionally became a “high roller”. Many of his acquaintances beside those he fleeced regret the trouble he has brought upon himself.

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Section 8 - New family lines combined or added since the last newsletter

The following family lines have been combined/eliminated since the last newsletter.

26B.  William Bassett of New York into the William Bassett of Plymouth, Massachusetts family.
36B.  William Bassett of North Carolina into the #4B William Bassett of Lynn family
203B. Bassetts of Tonbridge, Groombridge & Speldhurst into the #104B William Bassett of Rotherfield
288B. Charles Bassett of Stroud, Gloucester, England into the #220B Bassetts of Eardisland
   
The following family lines have been added since the last newsletter.

26B. Joseph Bassett of Perth, Western Australia (b. 1828)
36B. Leonard Jones Bassett of Leonard Stanley, Gloucester, England (b. 1830)
488B. Squire Bassett of Grimes County, Texas (b. 1865)

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Section 9 - DNA Project update:

A new kit was sent out for the #220B Bassett of Eardisland, Hereford, England. This is the first family with roots in Hereford to join the project.

Donations of any amount can be made to the Bassett DNA project by clicking on the link below. Any funds donated will be used to fund select Bassett DNA tests that will further our project as a whole and benefit all Bassetts worldwide.

http://www.familytreedna.com/group-general-fund-contribution.aspx?g=Bassett

This is just a reminder that the DNA portion of the Bassett Family Association can be found at:

http://www.bassettbranches.org/dna/

A current spreadsheet of results can be found at:

http://www.bassettbranches.org/dna/BassettDNA.xls

If you don't have Excel and can't open the spreadsheet above, you can now see the DNA test results at the following website.

http://www.familytreedna.com/public/Bassett/

Jeffrey Bassett
520 Salceda Drive
Mundelein, IL 60060 USA
email address link in header above