| Notes |
- David B. Bassett (1879-????) Architect
by Sandra L. Tatman
Born: 6 Sep 1879
David B. Bassett, the son of Walter S. and Emma S. Bassett, was born in New Jersey and attended the Bacon Academy in Woodstown, NJ before high school in Swedesboro. By 1902 he is listed in Hendrick's Commercial Register of the United States as an architect in Bassett, NJ. By the school year 1902-1903, however, he had enrolled in architectural design courses at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and as early as 1904 was employed as a draftsman by Edward P. Simon, later progressing to head draftsman and finally, to full partner in the firm of Simon & Bassett around 1905. By 1919, however, Bassett was working independently; and he maintained this status throughout the duration of his career.
Simon & Bassett (fl. 1905-1918), Architects
Simon & Bassett occupied an office at 1112 Chestnut Street and included partners David B. Bassett and Edward P. Simon, recently of the firm of Caldwell & Simon. Simon was a product of Drexel Institute's program in architecture, and Bassett had attended classes at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
The output of the partners is wide ranging, but includes a number of the residences on which many early 20th-century firms in Philadelphia based their practices. In 1908, for example, they were involved with the major development around Oak Lane for the Oak Lane Park Building Company. Residential development, however, was not all that the partners were capable of managing, and many of these early commissions demonstrate the commercial expertise that would become a mainstay of Edward P. Simon's long career. By 1911 the partners were producing designs for the Manufacturers Club at 150 South Broad Street; in 1912 they constructed the Garden Pier in Atlantic City, NJ; and in 1914 they designed for the City of Philadelphia a complex of police station, fire station, patrol garage, etc., at 22nd Street and Hunting Park Avenue. On the brink of the 1919 replacement of Bassett with E.P. Simon's Ecole-trained brother, Grant M. Simon, the partners took on Lit Brothers as a client and began a residential operation for the Chester Shipbuilding Co. (Emergency Fleet Corporation) in Chester, PA, that would include 227 dwellings, one boarding house for 25, one hotel, and 23 apartments. On this commission they associated with G. Edwin Brumbaugh.
Biographical, Genealogical and Descriptive History of the
First Congressional District
Walter S. Bassett
Walter S. Bassett, one of the leading farmers of Gloucester county and the postmaster of the Bassett post-office, was born in Salem county, New Jersey, in 1845. His father was the late David Bassett, an extensive stock dealer and farmer of Salem county. The Bassett family is of English lineage and was founded in America at an early day, representatives of the name locating in Mannington township, Salem county, at an early period in the development of that section. Joseph, Benjamin and Elisha Bassett were brothers and the last named is the grandfather of our subject. He resided on the old Bassett homestead in Mannington township and there followed farming throughout his active business career. His last days, however, were spent in Salem, where he died about thirty years ago, at the age of eighty years. His children were David, Edward, Joh, Elisha, Albert and Elizabeth. The last named became the wife of Biddle Haines. The family were members of the Society of Friends and the grandfather was a prominent man in his church, being regarded as one of the leaders there.
David Bassett. the father of our subject, also resided in Mannington township, Salem county, for many years. He was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, and on entering upon his busness career, began farming on his own account. Later, he removed to Salem, where he engaged in the stock business, handling stock on an extensive scale. He died in that city in 1880, at the age of seventy-five years. In his political views he was first a Whig and afterward a Republican. He married Mary T. Smith, a daughter of Evi Smith, a Philadelphia merchant, who removed to Salem and made his home there until he was called to his final rest. His daughter, Mrs. Bassett, survived her husband for about two years. She was the mother of four children: C. Edwin, of Pennsville, New Jersey, who died in 1895; Howard, who has also passed away; Mary E., the wife of Henry Hancock; and Walter S.
The last named was born on the old family homestead in Salem county, began his education in the common schools and afterward attended the Friends' school in Salem and the Friends' school in Race street, Philadelphia. At the age of twenty-two years he started out in business on his own account, and as a companion and helpmeet in life's journey he chose Miss Emma S. Black, the marriage being celebrated January 9, 1872, and has been blessed with six children, namely: C. Rulon, who was formerly connected with the bank of Philadelphia, but is now in Trenton; Alexander B., who is with the Cambria Iron Company of Philadelphia; Lucretia M., at home; David B., an architect of Philadelphia; Ralph E. and Hannah B., who also are with their parents.
In 1873 Mr. Bassett removed to Gloucester county and located on a farm of two hundred acres, carrying on agricultural pursuits and stockraising. He now has one of the best improved farms in his section of the state, the place being supplied with all modern accessories and conveniences, while the well tilled fields indicate to the passer by the careful supervision and progressive methods of the owner. He has also for some time been a director in the Piles Grove Creamery Company, and in all branches of his business he is meeting with success.
Mr. Bassett has served as the postmaster of the Bassett post-office since 1891, discharging his duties in a capable manner. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, doing all in his power to promote the growth and secure the success of his party. He attends the county and state conventions and is deeply interested in political questions. He is a part master of the Masonic lodge of Swedesboro, and his brethren of the fraternity presented him with a handsome jewel in 1899. He also belongs to the American Order of United Workmen of Swedesboro and is a member of the Grange. He and his family attend the Friends' church and enjoy the high regard of all who know them by reason of their sterling worth.
|
Bassett Family Association Database
1879 - 1950 (71 years)