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WILLIAM AUGUSTUS (1887-1973) took increasing responsibility for the wine-making operations. Born at Roma on 27 April 1887 and educated there and at The Armidale School, New South Wales, William was sent to Sydney by his father to learn the wine-making art from Leo Buring . Returning to Roma he joined the family business, working in the winery. When his father died William took over the total management of Romavilla. He continued the family's success in retail-marketing of wine and exhibiting at various shows.
Like his father, Bassett was interested in grazing, holding at various times Crochdantigh near Muckadilla, Karoola Park and Ventura Downs in the Surat district, and Mooga Hills near Roma. On 8 June 1911 at Roma he married Ruby Maiden who predeceased him in 1971. Actively managing Romavilla into his old age, he died after a short period of illness on 4 December 1973, aged 86. The business was then sold. He had been a respected member of the business community and a strong supporter of local interests. He was survived by one daughter and three sons and left a gross estate of $85,113 to his family
Select Bibliography
Queensland and Queenslanders (Brisb, 1936); R. B. Taylor, Roma and District, 1846-1885 (Roma, 1959); Viticulture and Wine-making in the Southern Districts, Votes and Proceedings (Legislative Assembly, Queensland), 1889, 4, 25; Western Star (Roma), 28 Dec 1912, 7 Dec 1973; H. Spencer, The Bassett family, Roma Pioneer Families (State Library of Queensland); Ecclesiastical file 13/102, SCT/P848 (Queensland State Archives); LAN/N6, N63, AB12 (Queensland State Archives); private information.
Author: Paul D. Wilson
Print Publication Details: Paul D. Wilson, 'Bassett, Samuel Symons (1840 - 1912)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 7, Melbourne University Press 1979, pp 205-206
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