George Washington Bassett descends from #5B William Bassett of Virginia as follows:
William Bassett and wife Anne
William Bassett (b. 1604) and wife Bridget Cary
William Bassett (b. 1671) and wife Joanna Burwell
Burwell Bassett (b. 1734). and wife Nanna Maria Dandridge
John Bassett (b. 1765) and wife Betty Carter Browne
George Washington Bassett (b. 1800) and wife Betty B. Lewis
The Abingdon Virginian, Friday, 28 May 1875
Old Eltham Gone
Home of my Fathers, “Good Night,”
Editors Dispatch – I observed the extract from the West Point Star in your semi-weekly of yesterday announcing the burning of Eltham this day week, with the comment that it was built of English bricks and was the residence of colonel Bassett and the first place visited by General Washington after the surrender at Yorktown, where he witnessed the death of his step son, John Custis, and that it was probably one hundred and fifty years old. It was not only the residence but native place of all the Virginia Bassetts till I became the representative and heir of the family, about 1811. The estate was entailed, occupant at the time of general Washington’s visit was the third Bassett from William Bassett, who probably came over with Lord Botetourt. The remains of the first William Bassett lie interred with his son’s, the second William in the cemetery at Eltham, enclosed by an iron railing with the family arms – three bars wavy-cut on the grave stone.
The house was more than probable over two hundred years old. Colonel Bassett was brother-in-law to General Washington, having married Anna Maria Dandridge, sister of Mrs. Martha Custis, and John Custis, was therefore his nephew. General Washington visited Eltham at Eltham once during the night whilst the siege of Yorktown was progressing. Colonel Bassett was also brother-in-law to Governor Harrison and uncle of president Harrison. General Washington was a frequent visitor at Eltham. Peace to its ashes. It was one of the oldest settlements in Virginia, and worthy of tribute note.
Respectfully yours. G.W.B.