I have not yet found which Bassett family James Bassett descends from. The 1860 census of Salem, Marion County, Illinois, lists him as 49 years of age, born in Ireland.
Standard, Chicago, Illinois, Thursday, April 14, 1870
Nashville Journal, Nashville, Illinois, Thursday, April 28, 1870
Death of James Bassett
Mr. Bassett died at Ashley on Sunday last, after a long illness, in the 58th years of his age. He was well known in this and neighboring counties as an Attorney, and was a man of varied and extensive knowledge. He was the author of several law books, and his ability was exhibited more in this direction than in the active practice of his profession. His judgement and opinion on all matters of law was considered sound and reliable, and he accordingly ranked among the ablest in this peculiar line of his profession. We have no personal knowledge of the greater part of his life; and over a portion we will let fall the mantle of oblivion. We presume the members of his profession will do full justice to the memory of the deceased at the appropriate time and place.
Centralia Sentinel, Illinois, Thursday, June 18, 1863