Thomas Manchester Bassett descends from William Bassett of Plymouth as follows:
William Bassett and wife Elizabeth
Nathaniel Bassett (b. 1628) and wife Dorcas Joyce
Nathan Bassett (b. 1677) and wife Mary Crowell
Nathan Bassett (b. 1713) and wife Elizabeth Rogers
Nathan Bassett (b. 1743) and wife Eunice Mayo
Ebenezer Bassett (b. 1761) and wife Phebe Newcomb
Ebenezer Bassett (b. 1791) and wife Salome Ann Manchester
Thomas Manchester Bassett (b. 1832)
The Indianapolis Journal, Thursday, August 22, 1889
The Indianapolis Journal, Indiana, Saturday, May 9, 1896
Death of Thomas M. Bassett
Another Man Prominent in the Dry Goods Business Dead
Mr. Thomas M. Bassett, who retired from active business life seven years ago on account of ill health, died yesterday morning at 9:45 at his home, NO. 599 North Pennsylvania street. Mr. Bassett was until his retirement one of the proprietors of the New York store, under the firm name of Pettis, Bassett & Co. Mr. Bassett was born in Westport, Mass., in 1832. When he was a child his family removed to New Bedford, Mass., where, at the age of fourteen, he went into the dry goods house of Samuel Southgate. A few years later, when the store was removed to Taunton, Mass., Mr. Bassett went also. It was at Taunton that he met and married Miss Sarah M. Townsend. They lived afterward n Boston, where Mr. Bassett was employed as buyer in the great dry goods house of Jordan, marsh & Co. He continued in this capacity until he had an offer from two firms – W.M. Whitney, of Albany, and Neal & Co., of Baltimore, to become buyer for the two houses, a position which he accepted, and for convenience he was obliged to remove to Stamford, Conn. In 1877 he became a partner of Pettis, Ives & Co., of the New York store, and came to Indianapolis, where he has resided ever since. When Mr. Ives withdrew from the firm the name of Mr. Bassett became prominent.
Seven years ago, by reason of organic heart trouble, Mr. Bassett retired. He looked the picture of health, with his ruddy complexion and firm build. He was of a genial and kindly disposition, and a warm and true friend. The one great sorrow of his life was the death of his only son, about sixteen years ago. He was always a lover of children, and it was his great joy to give pleasure to them. He was a devoted helper to the cause of the orphans at the Orphans’ Asylum, and holidays never passed without a generous remembrance to them. He was liberal in his charities. His widow and two nieces, Miss Ella Waite, who had made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Bassett for many years, and Mrs. Walter S. Frost, of Boston, of the immediate family, survive him. Mr. Bassett was an attendant at Plymouth Church, although he was a Unitarian. He belonged to the St. John’s Fraternity of Masons, of Boston. Mr. Bassett was one of the men instrumental in founding the New England Society, of Indianapolis. The funeral will not take place until Monday, as relatives from Massachusetts are expected. The burial will occur at Crown Hill, where he will be placed by the side of his son and mother.
It is a coincidence that Mr. Ayres and Mr. Bassett who were both prominent dry goods merchants, and did business a square apart for many years and lived but a square apart, should die within a day of each other.