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- 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.
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