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- The Daily Item, Lynn, Massachusetts, Tuesday, 30 September 1919
William Basset 80 Years Today
Today William Basset, 55 Baltimore street, is receiving the congratulations of his many friends in recognition of his 80th birthday. Enjoying the best of health, Mr. Basset, although retired from active business, is still occupied as trustee and treasurer of the Lynn Public library.
Every day finds this genial and happy octogenarian busily engaged in translating letters from France or eagerly pursuing the latest French language, which he speaks fluently. He is extremely proud of the fact that the first William Bassett originated in France about 1000 years ago.
Passionately fond of music he anticipates the weekly symphony concert and says that to him music is his religion. Still interested in dramatic art he recalls with pleasure his associations for more than 60 years as a member of the Shakespeare club.
Looking over his estate on Baltimore street yesterday, he remarked to a visitor that it was in 1640 that William Basset of the sixth generation was trotting around the grounds, and now he of the 8th generation on his 80th birthday was enjoying the same privilege.
?Yes,? continued Mr. Basset, great changes have taken place since those days, when my father, of the 7th generation of Bassetts, and George Hood, the first mayor of Lynn, combined to do the legislative work of changing the government of Lynn to a city.
?Of interest is the fact that for a period of 90 years, the name of William Basset, grandfather, father and son, was connected with the First National bank of Lynn, now known as the Essex Trust Company. I started in the bank in 1855 and have always been interested in the banking business until my retirement from active service.
Mr. Bassett has two children, William Basset Jr., of Francestown, N.H., and Ruth, now Mrs. Edward B. Varney, of Fall River; also a grandson, William Basset 3d.
This afternoon Mr. Basset will be assisted in receiving his numerous visitors by his daughter, Mrs. Varney, and his sister Mrs. Thomas Herbert, of Chatham street, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday.
The Daily Item, Lynn, Massachusetts, Tuesday, 30 September 1924
William Basset Observing His 85th Birthday Today
William Basset, descendant of one of the first families in Lynn and whose father, also William Basset, is said to have been the first man in Lynn to have a carpet or a cookstove in his house, is observing his 85th birthday today at this Baltimore street residence. A coincidence which seems to please Mr. Basset considerably is that his daughter, Lydia, is also celebrating 17th birthday and Miss Isabelle Dunbar, head of the catalogue department of the Lynn Public library, who lives with the Basset family, is also observing her 27th birthday.
This evening, the trio will enjoy a birthday spread with birthday cakes, aglow with candle light making an effective table centerpiece. In the evening friends and relatives will happen in to congratulate the venerable Lynner, on his natal day as has been their custom for years.
This morning, Mr. Basset was up bright and early. His daughter, Mrs. Ruth Basset Varney, of Fall River who is summering at Brunswick, Me., sent a telephone message of congratulation.
Assisting Mr. Basset in receiving congratulations were his son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. William Basset, Jr., his grandchildren, William Basset, 3rd, Dorothy Basset, Lydia Basset, Matilda Basset, and Constance Varney.
This afternoon Mr. Basset made his daily visit to the oxford club. He is enjoying the best of health and his genial smile is welcomed by young and old who meet him on the street from day to day.
The Daily Item, Lynn, Massachusetts, Tuesday, 17 March 1925
The Funeral Of William Basset
Funeral services for William Basset, former treasurer and trustee of the Lynn public library, prominent chairman, and widely known in banking circle of this city and Boston a number of years ago, were held Monday afternoon at 2 o?clock at his home, 55 Baltimore street.
Carrying out the wished of Mr. Basset, the services were very simple. Attending was a large number of persons prominent in financial circles, clubmen, representatives of the board of trustees of the library, relatives and friends. Rev. Garfield Morgan, pastor of the Central Congregational church, officiated, and read passages from the Scripture and offered prayer.
The gray broadcloth casket was banked with handsome floral tributes, wreaths, sprays and other designs, from members of the family, relatives and friends, attesting the love and esteem in which Mr. Basset was held by those who were acquainted with him. Among the designs was a large wreath of yellow roses and carnations from the members of the Oxford club and a wreath of jonquils and pink snap dragons from the Reading club of which Mr. Basset was a member for years.
Burial was in the family lot in Pine Grove cemetery.
1850 Federal Census of Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts
William Bassett - 44 - M - Massachusetts - City Clerk
Mary B. - 44 - F - Maine
Sarah - 16 - F - Massachusetts
William Jr. - 10 - M - Massachusetts
(Living two houses from Isaac Bassett, father)
1880 Federal Census of Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts
William Basset - 40 - M - MA-MA-MA - Head - Banker
Lydia A. - 38 - F - MA-ME-MA - Wife - Keeping House
William - 15 - M - MA-MA-MA - Son - At School
Ruth - 13 - F - MA-MA-MA - Daughter - At School
Mary McGinty - 31 - F - IR-IR-IR - Other - Servant
Elisabeth L. Murphy - 27 - F - NY-IR-IR - Other - Servant
1900 Federal Census of Arlington, Middlesex County, MA (17 Jun 1900)
William Basset 60 Apr 1839 M MA MA MA Head Banker & Broker
Marie B. 45 Sep 1854 F CN CN CN Wife
& 2 wards and 4 servants
William Bassett was cashier of the Bank of the Republic of Boston, Massachusetts. He was later head of the banking firm of Bassett, Whitney & Co., of Boston, Massachusetts.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1839 - 1925 (85 years)