(1) Welcome
(2) The Bassetts of Blore and Tasmania
(3) Death of Stephen Elisha Bassett of Georgia
(4) James Bassett of Oakland, California
(5) Howe & Bassett Plumbing of Rochester, New York
(6) Christopher Charles Bassett picture identified
(7) New family lines combined or added since the last newsletter
(8) DNA project update
Section 1 - Welcome
My wife and I will be traveling to Ireland in May and I hope to do a little Bassett research on the Bassetts of Wexford and Kilkenny while there.
DNA testing has given us two more matchups, both featured in articles this month. Several new kits were sent out before the end of 2008.
This is the one month of the year that I seek donations to the Bassett DNA project. If you have enjoyed receiving this newsletter the past few years and think this project is valuable, please consider making a donation towards the project. The money goes directly into the DNA fund to be used to fund select tests for family lines not yet represented in the project. Donations can be made using the link below.
Section 2 - Featured Bassett: The Bassetts of Blore and Tasmania
Several thousand Bassetts of Tasmania are documented in the book "The Two Families of Saran Ann Brennan-Baker". One of these Bassetts recently took part in DNA testing and the results are back.
With the help of Phil Bassett, also related to this family, we have found the connection to Sir William Bassett of Blore.
Stained glass of St. Bartholomews, Blore, England with
The Bassett Coat of Arms
(Picture provided by Phil Bassett)
Family Arms of Bassett of Blore
Note this appears in the stain glass of the church.
Phil and Darrell descend from Sir William Bassett of Blore as follows:
Sir William Bassett of Blore
Thomas Bassett
Edward Bassett and wife Elizabeth Chatwynd
Thomas Bassett and wife Margaret
Edward Bassett and wife Jane Lynn
Walter Bassett and wife Sconsolate Greville
Thomas Bassett and wife Jane Holden
Thomas Bassett and wife Katherine
Bartholemew Bassett and wife Mary
George Bassett and wife Mary
George Bassett and wife Elizabeth
Charles Bassett and wife Mary - - - - - - - - - - - -
William Bassett and wife Nancy Ann Griffiths
Thomas Bassett and wife Ann
John Bassett and wife Sarah Baker
William Bassett and wife Maria Jones
John Bassett and wife Ann Martha Hyland
William Bassett and wife Alice Chalmers
Frederick Bassett and wife Clarice Janet Johnson
Albert William Bassett
Reginald Bassett
Ronald Bassett
Donald Bassett
Phil Bassett
Darrell Bassett
To read more about the early history of the family, check out the following book, also listed in the book section of our website.
Section 3 - Featured Bassett: Obituary for Rev. Stephen Elisha Bassett
I came across an original newspaper clipping for the obituary of Stephen Elisha Bassett.
Stephen Elisha Bassett descends from #48B Francis Bassett as follows:
Francis Bassett (Rev. War Soldier from South Carolina)
William Bassett and wife Mary Phillips
Stephen Bassett (b. 1788) and wife Jane Morris
Stephen Elisha Bassett (b. 1833)
Obituary (Paper unknown)
Rev. Stephen Elisha Bassett was born June 17, 1833, embraced religion and joined the M.E. Church South in 1850, and although he was then only seventeen years old, he at once took up active Christian duties. In 1863 he was licensed to preach, and from then until his death on July 20th, 1897, he was a faithful minister of Jesus Christ.
While he remained in the M.E. Church South he was ordained to both Deacon and Elder’s orders and maintained a local standing, although at different times as a supply he was in the regular itinerant work by appointment and as such served different fields of labor quite acceptably.
In 1880 he united with the Congregational Methodist church, having become dissatisfied with the government of the M.E. Church South, and in 1888 when a majority of the Congregational Methodist churches in Georgia (including the local church of which he was a member) affiliated with the Congregational churches he became a Congregationalist and died in the harness as a Congregational minister.
Brother Bassett was in an eminent degree a helpful man. Possessing financial ability far beyond the average preacher, he was able to help the cause he loved so well, with his money as well as with the personal efforts.
He furnished the ground on which the neat and comfortable church house at Fort Valley stands and had the house built and furnished almost entirely out of his own private means. And in many other ways used his money for God’s glory and the good of his cause.
As a Christian he was always “ready to give a reason for the hope that was in him.” As a church worker, he was zealous and persevering, always ready for duty and seldom becoming discouraged at difficulties. As a preacher, he was earnest, spiritual and effective. When he preached men listened and learned, and went away with a desire to listen again and learn more. He began to “cast his bread upon the Waters” nearly fifty years ago, and much of it he found after many days. While the fruit of his doing will ripen for many years yet to come.
Brother Bassett was often honored by his brethren with positions of trust and confidence, which positions he always filled with credit and satisfaction. In all the various gatherings where men of prudence, piety and decision were needed, from the simplest church council to the National council, he was found at his post. Since he has been connected with the Congregational churches he has been a delegate to every National council and has attended every session. As a member of various conferences, conventions and councils he has ever been present and useful. Sometimes on the floor assisting in the regular conduct of business, sometimes in the committee room aiding to solve some difficult or delicate problem, and sometimes as the presiding officer of the body, watching all interests and guiding the deliberations.
For the last six years he has been the Superintendent of Home Missions for the state of Alabama, and his faithful service in that position has been attested by his success in that laborious and difficult field, and the confidence and devotion of his brethren under his supervision.
Death came to him not unexpectedly although suddenly. God kindly permitted him to be able to work almost to the last day of his life. On Sunday, July 18th, he preached twice at this home church in Fort Valley, having preached the day before at the district conference at Meansville. On Monday he was taken very ill at an early hour with acute indigestion and lingered in much suffering until noon on Tuesday when he fell asleep in Jesus.
His last words were addressed to his dear wife and were, “I am believing, hoping, trusting.”
He was twice married, first to Frances E. Hicks, of Crawford county, Georgia, in the year 1844, who died in 1880, leaving six children. Second to Elizabeth T. Young, of Lee county, Ala, in 1890. He has left a devoted wife and six loving children to mourn their loss while he has gone to find that “to die is gain.”
The Congregational cause in Georgia has lost one of its pillars, and Christianity has seen one of its most valiant soldiers fall in the battle. Mature in years, rich in Christian experience, ripe in Christian labors and ready for the reaper he has fallen in the good fight and laid all his trophies at the foot of the cross.
May the God on consolation comfort his sorrowing loved ones and give them grace to endure this great trial, and to meet him in heaven. S.C. McDaniel.
Stephen Elisha Bassett
source: The Atlanta Constitution, 18 Feb 1900 edition pg 20 article on Congregationalism
* * * * *
Section 4 - Featured Bassett: James Bassett of Oakland, California
James Bassett was born in 1812 in Kilkenny, Ireland and emigrated first to New Brunswick, Canada, and later to Oakland, Alameda County, California.
Oakland Enquirer, 6 Dec 1895
Bassett - In Oakland, December 5
BASSETT - In Oakland, December 5, 1895, James Bassett, formerly of Canada, father of J.S., J.C., P.S. H., F., T.R., E.D. and Maggie Bassett, a native of Killkenny, Ireland, aged 83 years. Friends and acquaintances are respectfully invited to attend the funeral Saturday, at 9:15 o'clock a.m. from the residence of his son, Thomas R. Bassett, Brandon Street, Fruitvale Anthony's Church, where a solemn requiem mass will be celebrated for the repose of his soul, commencing with Interment St. Mary's Cemetery
Picture of James Bassett, born 1812 in Kilkenny, Ireland, provided by Mark Powers
A descendant of James Bassett took part in DNA testing as kit #138234 and matched the other Bassetts from Wexford and Kilkenny, Ireland.
* * * * *
Section 5 - Featured Bassett: William T. Bassett of Howe & Bassett Plumbing
William T. Bassett is a son of William and Ellen Bassett. Very little is known about the ancestry of this family.
1880 Federal Census of Rochester, Monroe County, New York
William Bassett 53 M CN IR IR Head Carpenter
Ellen 56 F IR IR IR Wife Keeping House
Hattie 27 F NY CN IR Daughter Works in Shoe Store
William T. 24 M NY CN IR Son Plumber
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Saturday, 27 Jan 1917
William T. Bassett Dies
Prominent in Plumbing Business and Various Organizations
William T. Bassett, of the plumbing firm of Howe & Bassett, died suddenly Thursday evening at his home, No. 55 Prince street. He was the brother-in-law of Archbishop Edward J. Hanna, of San Francisco, formerly of this city, having married Margaret Hanna, daughter of Edward and Anna Hanna, who were early settlers in Rochester, in 1807. He leaves, besides his wife, six children, Edward H., William T., Anne C., Eleanor M., Margaret and Harriet Bassett, and a sister, Mrs. Harriet L. Beals, all of Rochester.
Mr. Bassett was a member of the Rochester Council, Knights of Columbus; Muse Caravan, Order of the Alhambra; Union Club, Rochester Lodge, B.P.O. Elks; the Chamber of Commerce and Corpus Christi Church.
The will of William T. Bassett, late treasurer of the Howe & Bassett Company, was admitted to probate yesterday by Surrogate Brown. Mr. Bassett died on January 25th, leaving an estate valued at $97,000, of which $90,000 is in personal property. The entire estate goes to his widow, Margaret H. Bassett, of No. 55 Prince street.
* * * * *
Section 6 - Bassett picture identified: Christopher Charles Bassett
In the December 2008 newsletter, I featured a picture album of Bassetts with a photo of Christopher Charles Bassett and his sister, Mary Alice Bassett, taken in New Zealand. I found the following obituary online which has helped me determine that Christopher Charles Bassett belongs to the #196B Bassetts of Countesthorpe, Leicester, England. The photo album has now been purchased by a family member.
Bassett – On Jun 25, at the Three Kings, Christopher Charles Bassett, eldest son of William Thomas and Mary Emblyn Bassett, aged 10 years.
196B51. William Thomas Bassett, son of Christopher Bassett
William Thomas Bassett, son of Christopher and Mary Bassett, was born 29 Sep 1829 in Countesthorpe, Leicester, England. He married Mary Emblyn Shipherd, daughter of Thomas and Esther (Tric) Shipherd, on 6 Mar 1865 in Onehunga, New Zealand. William served in the Royal Calvary Volunteers as a Lieutenant, enlisted on 14 Jul 1863.
196B511. Christopher Charles Bassett – born 17 Dec 1865, died 25 Jun 1876 in New Zealand. See obituary below.
196B512. Mary Alice Bassett – born 16 Jun 1867, died 2 May 1923, aged 55 years, buried Waikaraka. “In memory of Mary Alice Bassett died 2 May 1923 aged 77 years”.
196B513. Thomas Shipherd Bassett – born about 1867 in New Zealand, died 4 Sep 1949, aged 80 years.
196B514. Esther E. Bassett – born about 1867 in New Zealand, married F.D. Clayton. They had Glynn Bassett Clayton, born about 1887 in New Zealand, Matthew F. Clayton, born about 1890 in New Zealand, and William T. Emery Clayton, born about 1893 in New Zealand. Matthew married Rosemary Purdie and had Rosemary Emblyn Clayton, born about 1910, and Keith Francis Clayton, born about 1910.
196B515. Walter M. Bassett – born about 1870 in New Zealand, died 17 Nov. See obituary below.
196B516. Winifred Bassett – born about 1870 in New Zealand.
* * * * *
Section 7 - New family lines combined or added since the last newsletter
The following family lines have been added since the last newsletter.
119B. The Bassetts of Forestport, Oneida County, New York
* * * * *
Section 8 - DNA project update.
No further DNA updates to report.
Donations of any amount can be made to the Bassett DNA project by clicking
on the link below. Any funds donated will be used to fund select Bassett DNA
tests that will further our project as a whole and benefit all Bassetts worldwide.
