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- HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD (VOLUME 4)
Alfred M. Bessette
Blessed with a cultured mother, who for thirty-eight years was a teacher in the parish schools of New Bedford, Mr. Bessette until ten years of age knew no other teacher than that gentle mother. When later he passed from under her instruction, he realized how fortunate he had been in so long having her for his teacher during those formative years. From an early date. New Bedford has been his home, and in business and in legislative hall he has demonstrated his ability and loyalty. Alfred M. Bessette was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, March 25, 1876, but the next year he was brought to New Bedford by his parents and has since made this city his home. After passing from under his mother's teaching in parochial school, he entered Sacred Heart Academy, was there two years, and for two additional years attended public school. On May 4, 1890, at the age of fourteen, he began his career as a wage earner. Pease & Dandurand employing him as errand boy. The firm was in the drug business, and while with them the lad was encouraged to begin the study of pharmacy. From Pease & Dandurand he went with an uncle, Anatole Dagesse, a druggist on Purchase street, remaining four years, then for ten years was in the employ of Frank Pease, a drug- gist of Acushnet avenue, and while there was duly registered as a pharmacist. His Connecticut registry bears date of May 23, 1905, his Massachusetts registry, October 17, 1905. Between the latter date and 1913, he was engaged as a drug clerk in New Bedford in different stores, finally in 1913 becoming manager of E. H. Querry & Company, druggists, at No. 352 Kempton and 1759 Acushnet avenues, a firm of which he is a member. Mr. Bessette is a Republican in politics, and in 1915 was the successful candidate of his party for nomination as representative from his seventh Bristol district, losing by twenty-six votes. In 1916 he was the successful candidate for the same office, and is again a candidate for nomination to the office in 1917. During the last session of the Massachusetts Legislature, Mr. Bessette served on the committee of water supply. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; is a past sachem and member of Nashawen Tribe, No. 99, Improved Order of Red Mei.; member of the Fraternal Order of Tigers ; Loyal Order of Moose; Francs Tireurs; the Franco-American Chamber of Commerce; the Tremont Chib; Social Education Club; and the Franco-American Republican Club. In religious faith he is a Roman Catholic, belonging to St. Joseph's Church. Mr. Bessette married in New Bedford, December 13, 1894, Ellen Ross, daughter of David Ross, deceased, an organizer in the cause of union labor. Mr. and Mrs. Bessette are the parents of: Irene Ellen, born in 1898; Alfred S., born in 1900, a student at the New Bedford Industrial School; Leopold, born in 1906. The family is musical in their talents, Mr. Bessette playing the violin and mandolin; Irene E., the piano and clarionet ; Alfred S., a baritone horn and violin, and while in high school he was a member of the school band and still retains his membership ; Leopold, the youngest, plays the cornet, and is also a member of the high school band.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1876 - 