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- Source and date unknown
Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Company was founded in 1919 by Mr. B.C. Vaughan and Mr. J.D. Bassett, Sr., both from Bassett, Virginia. J.D. Bassett, Sr. and his brother, Mr. C.C. Bassett, were the founders of what today is known as Bassett Furniture Industries.
Formerly a sales manager for Bassett Furniture, Mr. B.C. Vaughan was the first president and chief executive officer of Vaughan-Bassett Furniture. In December, 1853, he became chairman of the board and held the position until his death in September, 1962.
Mr. C.W. Higgins, Jr., joined Vaughan-Bassett in 1939. In December 1953, he became president and chief executive officer until 1989 when he was elected chairman of the board, a position he still holds today. In 1945, after a distinguisehd career as a fighter pilot in World War II, Mr. Wyatt P. Exum retired from the Air Force and came to be sales manager of Vaughan-Bassett and held the position until his death in 1984.
In 1983, Mr. John D. Bassett, III, came with Vaughan-Bassett as vice-president and general manager. Prior to this, John was vice-president of Bassett Furniture Industries where he served in several capacities including the management of their largest casegoods factory. He was elected president and chief executive officer of Vaughan-Bassett in 1989 and presently holds that position. It is most unique and interesting that John Bassett, III, is a grandson of one of Vaughan-Bassetts founders, and his wife Patricia Vaughan Exum Bassett is the granddaughter of the other founder.
Wyatt P.E. Bassett, son of John and Pat, joined Vaughan-Bassett full time in 1995 and is presently executive vice-president. His brother J. Douglas Bassett IV, joined the company in 1999 and is currently vice-president of sales.
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