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LONG IN LINEAGE, ACHIEVE. MENTS, HONORS AND VICTOR-IES. ITS HISTORY GOES BACK OF WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR. IN THE MARCH OF CENTURIE8 MANY HAVE PLAYED THEIR PARTS WELL.THE BEST Afif STILL MGRight Here In Shelby county. Where They Have Earned and Maintained Moat Worthy arw* Honorable Name* At Enterprising, Public Spirited Citizens^ Standing For the Beat Things For Our Citizenship.(Prom Thursday’s Daily.)The Bassett family, so well known (n this county, held their reunion at the Shelbyville fair grounds today. It was a big affair indeed, moat delightful and enjoyable in many particulars. Tbo Bassett family Is an ancieat one, tracing back to Prance before the days of William the Conqueror. Many of them stood out as leaders in those warlike times and were the aids and counsellors of Kings, eminent on the bench and otherwise distinguishes.Some of the Bassetts cam4p»carly to this country, William Basoett reaching Plymouth Rock in 1821. He would have been here on the Mayflower, but waited a year for a bride, and from what I know of a number of the Bassett men now, William was a genuine Bassett These Shelby coun-ty Bassett* would wait, not only one year for a good wife, but several years, but they would most assuredly wage a most strenuous and ardent campaign to win her sooner.In this column is given a brief sketch of the Bassett family and it Sb an honorable history. While the present Bassetts are proud of their ancestors, the ancient Bassetts, could they but know, would be equally as proud of their descendants. The Bassetts of today, who keep step with the march and progress ofevents and occupy places In the front ranks in the vocations and businesses In which they arc called.Now as to the ladles. They certainly lose nothing by a comparison with their progenitors, who may have associated with Queens and princesses. These latter ones are Queens and princesses in their own right, bom so and crowned as such by the bands of loving and tender hands of fathers, brothers, sons and sweethearts, and It Is with sweet and royal grace they wore those crowns,to the culinary art. 1 am putting all my money on the ladles of the Bassett family of today. Those living right here in Shelby county. Even the famous Martha, whose husband had inscribed on her tombstone “My wife. Martha, her picked up dinners were a perfect success/* Is not in this class.Her husband would have fared much better if he had been with ustoday under the shade of the oldbeech trees in the Shelby county fair grounds. The dinner was bounteous and superb in every particular. It was a Joy and delight to be there.Nym'phas Bassett.Nymph as Bassett came to the state of Indiana In the year 1820. He was always desirous of living on the frontier of civilization, probably his ancestors had the same propensities as well as some of his dcscendents. He was born In Vermont about the year 1782 and when a young man moved to Now York State where he married Thankful Ann Bruce about the- year 1806. He moved to Ohio about 1816. Wlhen he moved to Indiana in 1820 he settled In Marlon township. Shelby county. He entered several tracts of land and purchased other lands. At one time he owned- more than 600 acres. He tilled tho soil and cleared many acres and fitted it for the plow. When he was SI years of age he started in an emigrant wagon to Arkansas to enter and purchase land, and died before reaching his destination. He was probably related to theBassett families of the New England•Slates. The Bassetts are numerous 4n the East. They have a national association and have prepared the following history of the family, dealing with, the origin of the name and achievements.Bassett Family History.“LeBas Is a well known French surname. The Anglo Saxon form la Bass, Basse, Basal, Bassure, Basaite or Bassett. Other variations of the name aro Basaar.o, Basset in, Basse* vllle, Basaantien and Bassiamis.“It is a popular tradition that the name being of French origin, came from the word lias, meaning, in the construction, short of stature. Bo-fore surnames were known, Henry, for example, was a youth, who may have lacked some inches of being six feet—that was an age of giants— therefore Henry was designated Le-Bas. In time the name belonged to him and to his descendenta. Or the name may have originated with Basque. A native of Basque province was spoken of as a Basque, which through corruption became Bass or BasBett. One of the Basque legions has to do with a Bass-Andle. a land mermaid who sits In a cave combing her golden locks with a golden comb.“BasBet—the extra T was not added until the fifteenth century—Is a name found In Battle Abbey Roll. William, the conqueror’s grand falconer, who accompanied him from Normandy's, was Thurston de Bassett; from him are descended all who now boar the name. Cornwall and Devonshire have always been strongholds or the family and the mines of Cornwall gave them princely Incomes. Two distinguished members were Sir Francis Bassett, vice admiral in time of Charles I. and another Sir Francis in time of George III, who was made Baron Bassett as well as Baron of Dun*tanville in the time of Henry I.Osmand Bassett was Judge of all Britain, so was bis great-grand-son in the reign of Henry 111. Ralph Ba*ett attended Edward I In the Welsh wars. Our historian mentions the 'Castelet or Idle of Bassett’ in Tehldy, Wales. This was Sir Ralph.“Alan Bassett’s name appears in the Magna Charta among those of tho King's conselors, also his brother Thomas’ name. Peter Bassett waa biographer of Henry V and his chamberlain and intimate friend. Fulk Bassett, bishop of London. Is remembered in the records of St. Paul’s Ca-thedral on account of bis gifts to that church. On the parchment of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, is an epitaph to a Colonel Bassett. *'The first of the name In this country was William Bassett, or Basslet, who came over in the Fortune in1621. The story is that he intendedjoining the Mayflower Pilgrims but waited for his bride. He was an educated man and brought his box of books with him. a large library forthose days. IBs name is in the earliest list of freemen—-that was made in 1633. He was for six years representative lo the old Colony court; he helped- lay out Dnnsbury, and was in the pequot wnr ar.d was truly a man or affairs. A son, grandson, andgreat-grandson were named William, which is a favorite name in the family.“William Henry Harrison, president of the United States, got his first name from the Bassett family, to which his mother belonged. Ara-bansador Thomas F. Bayard’* mother was also a Bassett, a grand-daughter or Richard Bassett. Governor of Delaware, and member of the convention of 1787, which framed the United *States Constitution. He was the first to cast a vole for the removal of the capital from Philadelphia to Washington.“Another William Bassett, settler, was aged nine when he reached the shores of America in the good ship Abigail. John Bassett came from England to New Haven in 1634 on the ship Christian and settled In Connecticut. Another progenitor of the American family of Basette was Joseph. The Bassetts have always taken prominent parts in the Nation’s development. They helped to subdue both forests and Indians and were to the for* In Revolutionary times. Their war record goes back many centuries. Was not Sir Philip Bftssett a doughty warrior, who, when called upon to surrender, declared that he would never yield so long as he could stand upright His blood flows in the veins-of the Marshal of England, through .his daughter, who married the Earl of Norfolk in the time of Charles I. Sir Philip married for his second wtfe the daughter of the Earl of Salisbury, who was the widow of the Earl of Warrick. One of our Revolutionary heroes was Abraham Bassett, who was In the battles of Long Island andWhite Plains. Over one hundred and fifty Bassetts from Massachusetts alone were in the Revolution. There is hardJy a stnte In the union that cannot boast of a Bassett within ita borders, and when the family meet in annual conclave, usually at Boston, Jt Is with sublime satisfaction that there are so many of them and that they are all so good looking and well behaved. This is a quotation from a speech at one of the meetings, where much that Is flattery and nothing that is disagreeable enters Into the program for the day—but this is the way of family reunions. With George Elliot we all agree that it Is a flne thing for a child to grow up with the idea that the stars belong to his father’s door-yard. One Bassett who came to the meeting without a pedigree. or at least of so little account, as he said, that he brought it in his vest pocket, was made president of the association, bo strong was their appeal for sympathy. Many anecdotes are related at these meetings; one of the best Is that of a fore father, who was so appreciative of hiswife’s skill in the culinary’ line, that ho is said to have inscribed upon her tombstone, 'My wife Martha, her picked up dinners were a perfect success.’“Domestic bliss was not the lot or Elizabeth Bassett, daughter of William Bassett, the first settler, but then she did not have the luck to marry a Bassett but a Burgess, Thomas by name. After living together thirteen years they were divorced in 1661, the first on record in the Plymouth colony. Elizabeth’s sister Sarah married Peregrin White, the first child horn of English parents in New England. The badge worn by the family in reunion Js of white satin, stamped with the crest in blue. The coat of arms is that borne by the falconer, Thuratlne de Bassett and their motto Is, ‘Death before dishonor’.”(From Friday’s Daily.)The two hundred members of the Bassett family which gathered at the fair grounds Thursday certainly did have one big time. AU was jollity afld merriment. The day was superband there was nothing to mar the delightful occasion. At the noon hour all gathered in the big Moral hall where three long tables had been spread, and there was room and abundance for all. Elmer Bassett, the well known attorney of this city, acted as master of ceremonies and later as toastmaster. He introduced Rev. H. X. Spear, pastor of the Baptist church of this city, who asked the blessing of God upon the assembled family and all the absent ones and returned thanks for the good things of life that had come lo the family and also upon the bounteous repast now spread before the guests The dinner was such a one as the good ladies of Shelby oountv so well know how to prepare. Eatables of the best in quality and abundance in quantity were right there and the guests ilid ample justice to all.At the close of the dinner Mr. Elmer Bassett aBked that all remain seated as there was fo be another kind of a feast. He then told of the idea of the Teunlon and of the arrangements for the same. He read the interesting history of the family from its earliest days. The roll of members which had been prepared of the descendants of Nymphae Bassett numbered about 4o0 and 200 were present. He called the toll and thefollowing, as nearly as the Republican could check the roll, responded to their names:Those In Attendance.Mrs. Jonah Bassett was the first to respond. Her maiden name was Catehrlne Monroney and she was fiO years old June 15th. 1912. The youngest member of *he Bassett family was the little daughter that arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bassett, of Marion township, the day of the reunion. She sent her regrets. Said seh would like to have been there but her papa and mama were too busy to bring her, but she would he there next year anyhow. Miss Cuba Bassett, Shelbyville; Mr. and Mrs. Larue Davis and two children. Shelbyville; Mrs. Alice Bowman, Falrland; Mr. and Mrs. William H. Bassett, Shelbyville; Mrs. John C. Bland and four children, Indianapolis: Mrs. Elizabeth Cochran anddaughter Helen Cochran. Indlanupo-Ilslls; Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Bassett, Indtaanpolis; Mrs. Willard Pence and son, Indianapolis; Mrs. Thankful Ann Kennedy, Shelbyville: Misses Helen and Luclle Kennedy, Shelbyville; Mr. and Mrs. John Rhodes and son William, of Greensburg; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Kennedy and two children;Shelbyville; Mrs. Fred Jones, Shelbyville; Mr. and Mrs. James M- Bassett, Shelbyville; Mr. and Mt. William Noble Bassett and two children, of Morristown; Mr. and Mrs. George Bassett and three children, norUi of Shelbyville; Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Bassett, Shelbyville; Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Bassett, north of Shelbyville; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bassett, north of Shelbyville; Dr. Clancy Bassett and wife, of Thamtown; Mrs. George W. Hinds, of fMorristown; Miss Ruby Hinds, New Castle; Catherino Eliza Hinds, Morlrstown; Mrs. Frank White and daughter, Morristown; Mr. and Mrs. S. V. Hinds and Miss Mary Hinds, Morristown; Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Nave, Shelbyville; Mr. and Mrs. David Elliott and two children, north of Shelbyville; Mr. and Mrs. George Nave and daughter, near Shelbyville; Maybelle Crouch, Shelbyville; Mr. and Mrs. William Bassett. near Shebyvllle; Mr. and Mrs. Ckandis Bassett and daughter Frances. near Shelbyville; Mrs.A . W. Tin-dall, south of Shelbyville: Dr and Mrs. W. W. Tindall and son. Shelbyville: Miss Marie Tindall, south of Shelbyville; Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Bassett, near Shelbyville; Mt. Fiank Bassett. Alexandria: Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Bassett, Shelbyville; Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Bassett and two children, near Shelbyville; Mrs. Albert Drake, Falrland; Mr. and Mrs. .Milton Bush and four children, Fairland; Mr and Mrs. John R. Bassett, near Shelbyville; Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Darnell. Plainfield, he married Nancy Jane Bassett Bo*man; Mr. and Mrs. James K. Bassett. Shelbyville; V and Mrs. Ollie Bassett and four children, Shelbyville; Marshall Bassett, near St. Paul; Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Bassett and son, near St. Paul; Mr. and Mrs. Lee 11. Carrithers and son, Shelbyville; Mr. and Mrs. David Wilkinson and five children, FaJrland; Mr. and Mrs. William Skillman. son and daughter. Charlie Skillman and Minnie Skillman. Shelbyville; Mr. and Mrs. Omer Skillman and son William, Jr., who Is ir. the fifth generation; Jeremiah Wilkinson and children. Jeremiah. Gertrude and David, Shelbyville; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Moore and daughter, of Acton; Mrs. Mary Riser. Shelbyville: Mrs. EverettaiXolbihiaiwb:0 H Jlt; H StlditaithitII;1 *)lpib:BIIeiwaiaylt;SI|WCcw;BiCtClchpuapFrth-asHlt;hitbehain*hrin tbo•betmgapuWflsaoustipnpittinhothiad'SCIill.wbvntoroica;bk4leyamhoiIt.ha*inagitheha*rarhised!Ha Mf: ant Frs for Nona! H. Ho oil i litt nolt;rdatRutheherTucker and two children, Falrland; .Mrs. Holla Cherry and son. Shelbyville; Mrs. Wallace McCain and son, Franklin, Carl Riser, Shelbyville; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bassett and three sons. Charles W., Elmer E. and Elbert F.. Shelbyville; Mrs. Missouri Towns. lndianaa|Klislt;; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ball and son Frederick, Indianapolis; Mary Olive Towns and Lottie Towns. Indianapolis, mid Mrs. John R. Cross. McLeanaburg, III.Another child of the fifth generation is Bassett Wilkins Xeelev, of Franklin. Ky.. son of Mrs. Mary K. Bassett-Nee ley, daughter of Mr. anil Mrs. W. N. Bassett, nf Morristown.In addition to the members of the Bassett family Mrs. Wiley, of Indianapolis. a sister of .Mrs. Geoigo Bas-sett. st»d her little grandson; Rov. H. X. Spear and wife, of the Baptist church, and represen tat ives of the three papers of the city were present. There were also a few others whoso names were nol on the printed li*t and thereby we failed to obtain.The toastmaster, Elmer Bassett, after calling the roll, asked that Mrs. Catherine Monroney Bassett, the widow of Jonah Bassett, being the oldest reprcsentaive present, make a speech. She did so, expressing her thanks and gratification at being spared to be present. She was 31) years old lt;»n the 15th of June last.Recitation were given by little Edith Bassett, dai»gh!er of Melvin Bassett; Frances Bassett, daughter of Cbondis Bassett. who gave very effectively “The Love of the Titan,” and Miss Clydia Bassett, who gave In fine style “The Pilot's Story.”James M. BaseetL aged 73, was called on and told a number of interesting reminisences of his grandfather. Nymphas BaGsett, as he knew him well. At 75 he was a wood chopper and always working. At one time he owned 880 acres of land, cleared a large part of it up. When he camo to enter bis land there were 500 Indians camped on It. In 1856 he returned to his original home, New York, on a visit, and during his absence his wire died and had been buried two weeks before hereturned or had any knowledge of It, as news travelled slowly or not at all In those days.Mrs. Clarissa Sleeth made an affecting speech after which the family sang “In the Sweet Bye and Bye.” Rev. Spear then spoke and told of the great blessing of a fine ancestry
Newspaper Details
Shelbyville Shelby Republican
Shelbyville, Indiana, US
Thu, Jul 25, 1912
Page 3
Full Page
Clipped by
Elyria P.
OH, USA 20 Oct 2018
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