Notes |
- Evening Post, 28 January 1889
William Bassett (1801-1889)
An old settler named William Bassett, a native of Devonshire, and 88 years of age, breathed his last at 7 o?clock yesterday morning, his constitution having completely broken up. The deceased had been a strong and energetic man, and in the early days of the colony he
achieved some prowess as a wrestler. He arrived in the colony in 1840, in, it is believed, the ?Duke of Roxburgh? (one of the first six ships which landed passengers on the Petone beach), and during the whole of his time has resided in the Wellington Provincial District. He was a
bootmaker by trade, but had not followed his vocation for years, having by dint of thrift and business tact acquired sufficient property to live on. He was twice married, his two sons and six daughters (all of whom are married and settled in various parts of the colony) being the
issue of the first marriage. The deceased is well-known throughout the district to both Europeans and natives, and very much respected. Being a Maori linguist, he interpreted for one of the early Governors on several occasions.
William and Mary settled in Petone, Lower Hutt, New Zealand.
Certified Copy of an Entry of Marriage
1839. Marriage solemnized by certificate in the Parish of Egloshayle in the
County of Cornwall, no. 21, 13 Aug 1839, William Bassett, full age, a
bachelor, Sawyer, residing in Bodmin, son of Francis Bassett, carpenter, and
Mary Rooks, full age, widow, a servant, residing in Egloshayle, daughter of
William Sims, Ostler.
Duke of Roxburgh, Ship 471 tons, Captain: James Thoms
Sailed Plymouth 5 Oct 1839 - arrived Port Nicholson 8 Feb 18
Steerage Passengers
Bassett, William 28 Shoemaker & Sawyer
wife 26
Rooke, Emma 11 months
Son Infant Born at sea
|