| Notes |
- 1870 Federal Census of Saranac, Clinton County, New York (13 Aug 1870)
Joseph Bessett 40 M Canada Farmer 2000 1000
Julia 39 F New York Kept House
Emma 11 F New York
Joseph 7 M New York
Julia J. 5 F New York
Burnele? 3 M New York
Charles 1 M New York
Lived in Saranac, New York.
Tuesday, 24 July 1923
Plattsburgh Sentinel
REUNION OF BASSSETT FAMILY AT SARANAC
A gathering of great interest took place July 19, on the Bassett farm on Pleasant street, Saranac, N.Y., when the Bassett family, descendants of the late Joseph Bassett held a family reunion. The original family, Mrs. A. Perry of Manchester, N.H., J.N. Bassett of Lena, Wisconsin, Mrs. L. Valade of Burlington, Vt., B.S. Bassett of San Jose, Calif., Charles Bassett of living in the old homestead and Mrs. I. L. Paddock of Antioch, Ill, were all there with many of their children and grandchildren, in all numbering fifty-six.
Although living in states from the Atlantic to the Pacific, it took only about three months for the planning and gathering to take place. It has been nearly forty years since the six brothers and sisters were last together at the old farm.
The day opened beautifully with a cool breeze blowing from the west, the sun shining, making a day such as is typical of the Adirondack region. At 11 o'clock the members of the party living within 50 miles began to arrive and at 12:30 everyone had arrived. Many had never seen one another, so there had to be introductions and a preliminary getting acquainted, the gong sounded and all repaired to the large dining room where several tables were set. The dinner was something to be remembered and showed that the art of cooking is an art cherished and practiced by the many members of their family.
The old homestead took on the appearance of nearly half a century ago when the "boys and girls" started the old games that were the source of much amusement when as bare-footed children they were developing themselves into the fine citizens that represent all parts of this country. Many games brought out the clashes between the young and the old which added to the enjoyment of everyone, made the old feet young and displayed the evidence of that fine spirit, courage, cheerfulness which induced these people to travel thousands of miles to bring this grand reunion about.
The Perry family and descendants consisting of four members of which Mrs. Perry is the senior member of the Bassett family live in Manchester, N.H. Mrs. Perry left the old homestead at the time of her marriage and specialized in farming for several years culminating this work with the sale of their magnificent suburban property near Manchester, H.H.
After this they became extensive real estate and apartment house operators in Manchester and are at present engaged in this business. The descendants of this family are one son, Bernard Perry, his wife, and a grandchild, Bernard Joseph.
Next in the order of age is J.N. Bassett whose family and descendants are an important factor in the population of Lena, Wisconsin, a town that has grown up about the little telegraph office in which J.N. Bassett started as an operator of the Morse code, the successful career which has been his good fortune to develop. At the present time Mr. Bassett is the owner and operator of extensive business property in the town and excellent farm lands, modernized and improved under his supervision, in the suburban territory. His business property consists of typical Western grain elevators, wholesale and retail farm produce stores, and a modern well equipped garage, repair shop and sales department which is acclaimed one of the finest in the state.
Some of the public town improvements which Mr. Bassett is directly and personally responsible for and through which he has worked himself into the esteem and good will of his townspeople and surrounding countrymen are the electrification of the town, the finest grain elevators and modern facilities, the first creamery and the introduction of a semi-public water works.
The members of this family are Bernard J., Bert S., Loretta, Victor G., Marcelia E. and Esther M., now Mrs. Patrick O'Callaghan, and their son, Clarence. Mr. O'Callaghan is a well known Michigan timber operator and resides with his family at Rock, Michigan.
Mrs. Valade who ranks third in age also left the old homestead at the time of her marriage to Mr. Louis Valade and the couple made their home in Saranac for several years when they moved to Plattsburgh. After several years of successful work here in his profession, Mr. Valade retired and moved with a part of his family to a beautiful farm just within the city limits of Burlington, Vt. The members and descendants of this family are Laurel J., a grey nun in the Champlain Valley hospital, Grace Alma, now Mrs. Henry Couture, residing with her husband and family of three children, Marguerite, Jack and Josephine in Rouses Point, N.Y., Irving L.B., who with his wife also reside in Rouses Point, Ernest A., and Mrs. Valade of Washington, D.C., Charles N. and Mrs. Valade and Charles Jr. of Plattsburgh, Joseph A., Marguerite L. and George B. of Burlington, Vt.
Bernard S. Bassett next in the order of age, the man directly responsible for the reunion is living characterization of a typical red blooded and far-reaching son of an American farmer. His early manhood was spent in New England states and after his energetic nature failed to be satisfied in the East he set out to conquer the West and how well this has been done is clearly shown in the ever pleasant coutenance of the man who did it.
In a few years Bassett's Floral Gardens became a by-word in Northern California to all lovers of true flowers and Bassett's carnations enjoyed interstate renown for many years. At present Mr. Bassett and wife reside in San Jose, California, and are extensive real estate operators in Northern California, particularly the Santa Clara Valley.
The old homestead never looked so well in the entire half century of its existence as it did on the morning of July 19, 1923. The land in the highest state of cultivation, the buildings in perfect repair and the equipment and stock, modern and in excellent condition greeted the eyes of all those who came back to the place of their childhood pleasures and labors. To those whose hearts were and still are in this home, this offered the occasion for the keenest feelings of home loving emotions and was the topic of commendatory comments on all sides. Hospitality reigned supreme, fun, good will and brotherly love were never better mingled in honest cheer and happy hours. Responsible for all this is the youngest man of the family, Charles S. and family.
Charles S. has the distinction of having reared the largest family, the members of which are Francis D., Charles L., Leon J., Elmer G., Dorothy M., Marian A., Lloyd N., Rita L., and Mrs. Elmer T. Ryan, nee Julia E. Bassett, who with her husband and child, Elizabeth J., have an excellent modernized farm near the old homestead.
The baby of the Bassett family, Mrs. Irving L. Paddock, nee Jessie M. E. Bassett of Antioch, Ill., and husband settled on a beautiful farm in the above town immediately after they were married and have lived there ever since. Mr. Paddock is a successful farmer in a country where farmers have developed this industry to the highest degree of efficiency. His dairy is the pride of the neighborhood and his grain products are sought for by the best markets. The members of this family are Mrs. Irving E. Paddock, Mr. and Mrs. Fa???ving A. Forester, of Chicago, nee Mary E. Paddock. Mr. and Mrs. Forester have two children, Charles J. and Edward A., Marguerite, a nun of the order of St. Vincent of Indianapolis, Ind., Lewis J. and Charles G.
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Bassett Family Association Database
Abt 1827 - 