I have not yet found anything about John Bassett’s ancestors.
Newspaper Article from the Josiah Colby Bassett collection, dated 1937
John Bassett was living on the Yakima Indian reservation for the 1930 census. I have not yet found his parents or how he picked up the Bassett surname.
Yakima Herald-Republic, Washington, 19 Dec 1998
Wapt Bassett
Wapt Bassett, 78, of rural Wapato died Thursday. Mr. Bassett was born in Wapato. He owned and operated Yakama Indian Contractors. Survivors include three daughters, Pamela Bassett, Elena Bassett and Mary Anne Bassett Washines, all of Wapato; a son, Martin L. Bassett of Wapato; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Dressing services were held at the family home Friday morning and he was moved to the Satus Longhouse for overnight services. Military honors were to be conducted by the Wapato American Legion at sunrise today in the Union Gap Cemetery. Merritt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Webmaster note: Indian name Sahahline Pochahsquinest
https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/G2JW-8ZD
Son Leonard’s birth record shows parents as Sahahline Bassett and mother Ida Henry.
Still no clue why Bassett, though.