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- Sheldon Bassett was the business manager of the Birmingham Iron Foundry at the time of his death. His son, Royal M., became the president, and his son, Theodore, the secretary and treasurer of the company.
Royal M. Bassett
Bassett, Royal M. of Derby, former State senator and prominent in the Connecticut business world, was born in Derby, on October 22nd, 1828, and died there May 25th, 1905. He was a member of the Bassett family which has long been influential in southern Connecticut and which traces its lineage back two hundred and fifty years to John Bassett of England, who came to New Haven about 1643, where he held the office of "town drummer". Several generations of Bassetts have been born in Derby, where they were prominently associated with the growth of the city. Mr. Bassett's father, Sheldon Bassett, held the office of town clerk and was a prominent Odd Fellow, having held the highest office in the State within the gift of that fraternity, and organized its first lodge in Derby. His mother was a niece of Commodore Isaac Hull.
Young Mr. Bassett was the second of his father's seven children. After attending the public schools of his city he spent one year at the Brainard Academy at Haddam and two years at the Stiles and Truman Academy at New Haven. His father destined him for business pursuits and time has demonstrated the soundness of the paternal judgement. From youth and through his long career Mr. Bassett manifested commercial genius. He began his business career as secretary of the Birmingham Iron Foundry and on the death of his father he became its president. He had in addition extensive business interests in various parts of the country. He was one of the incorporators of the Housatonic Water Company and of the Derby Gas Company. With business foresight of the wants of the Pacific railways he built and operated large rolling mills at Laramie, Wyoming, and at Topeka, Kansas. He was connected with several railroad enterprises in the West and at one time he was president of the Utah Northern Railroad. From 1870 he was a director of the Naugatuck Railroad Company.
Mr. Bassett's political affiliation was with the Democratic party. In 1876 he was a State senator from the fifth district, and was for three years warden of the borough of Birmingham. He was interested in the cause of popular education and was for twenty years chairman of the Derby school board. He was a Freemason and a member of King Hiram Lodge of Derby.
In 1858 Mr. Bassett married Frances J. Stratton, who died in 1876. Of his three children, only one, a son Sheldon H. Bassett of St. Louis, is now living. The son has inherited the father's ability and by strict attention to business has built up a reputation of which his family is justly proud.
The story of Mr. Bassett's life shows how, after receiving from his father a thorough education and a good start in business, he continued and increased the prosperity of his family and of those connected with him in business. His long career was one of constant success. Those who knew him best declare that Mr. Bassett was a public spirited citizen, a devoted father, a true friend, and an upright man.
1850 Federal Census of Derby, New Haven County, Connecticut (22 Aug 1850)
Sheldon Bassett - 46 - M - Connecticut - Manufacturer 5000
Harriet L. - 49 - F - Connecticut
Royal M. - 21 - M - Connecticut - Manufacturer
Lavinia H. - 15 - F - Connecticut
Lucy P. - 12 - F - Connecticut
Theodore S. - 10 - M - Connecticut
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Bassett Family Association Database
1828 - 1905 (76 years)