Edward Basse

---------------------------

Edward (b. 8 May 1622, in London, Middlesex, England, m. about 1644 to Mary Tucker, Norfolk-Nansemond Co., VA, Mary was a Nansemond Indian – d. about 1696 Chowan Co., NC – Edward traded with Showanee Indians in Carolinas). "Edward Basse, sonne of Nathll and Mary Basse yt unregenerated by ye Spirit of God, took in marriage one virtuos Indian maydn by the Christian name of Mary Tucker and went to live amongst the Showanocs in Carolina in 1644 AD. "He went to Carolina in later years in persute of trade and not in 1644. Dyed in 1696 AD. (Family Bible Records)

http://www.geocities.com/knighthistory/VirginiaKnights.htm

Chowan County, NC - John Basse Bible Record

Book of John Basse-Norfolk County Virginia

NC Archives - Bibles

Call No. 400.1.1.418

Nathaniell Basse and Mary Jourdan was marrid ye 21 day of May in ye

yeare of our blessed Lord and Savior 1613

Humphrey Basse sonne of Nath'll and Mary Basse his wife was borned

ye 15 day of ye month of July in ye year of our blessed Lord 1615,

dyed in 1622

John Basse was borned ye 7 day of viiber in ye year of our Lord 1616,

ye sonne of Nathaniell and Mary Basse his wife

William Basse sonne of Nathaniell and Mary Basse was borned on ye xxv

day of Xber in ye year of our blessed Lord God 1618

Anthony Basse sonne of Nathaniell Basse and Mary his wife was borned

on ye xiii day of March in Gods yeare of 1620

Edward Basse ye sonne of Nathaniell Basse and Mary his wife was borned ye 8th day of Maye in ye yeare of God 1622

                      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Anne Basse the daughter of Nath'll and Mary his wife was born in ye 

yr of X't 1624, ye 9 day of Sber

Geneveve Basse ye daughter of Nathaniell Basse and Mary his wife was

borned on ye 9 day of Sber in ye year of our blessed Lord God 1624,

about ten minutes after Anne was borned

Blessed be God for His tender Mercies. Amen

Humphrey Basse sonne of Nath'll and Mary dyed ye 22nd day of March in

ye yeare of our Lord 1622

John Basse married ye dafter of ye King of ye Nansemund Nation, by

name Elizabeth in Holy Baptism and in Holy Matrimonie ye 14 day of

August in ye yeare of our blessed Lord 1638

William Basse sonne of Nath'll and Mary Basse was married to Sarah Batten

ye 20th day of September in ye yeare of our Lord 1641 A.D.

Edward Basse sonne of Nath'll & Mary Basse yt unregenerated by the Spirit of God took in marriage one virtuous Indian mayd'n by the Christian name of Mary Tucker and went to live amongst the Shownanocs in Carolina in 1644 A.D. - He went to Carolina in later years in persute of trade and not in 1644

This the Book of John Basse - Steal it not...

John Basse borned in 1616 - John Basse dyed in 1699 A.D.

Norfolk County

Virg'a

This doth certify that William Bass, son of John Bass and grandson of

William Bass, is of English and Indian descent and is not a Negroe nor

y't a Mulattoe as by some lately and malitiously stated. His late Mother

Sarah Ann Bass was a virtuous woman of Indian descent, a daughter of

Symon Lorina and Joan Tucker lawfully begotten. Sd Joan Tucker was a

sister of Robin Tucker a Christian Indian of ye Nansemund nation.

Ye sd William Bass, ye elder, was a son of Mary Bass and William Bass,

Senr. Mary Bass was a daughter of Great Peter, King of ye Nansemunds.

These are of common knowledge.

All of the Basses of this County descend from Capt'n Nathaniell Basse,

as satisfactorally proved by the records preserved

May ye 17, 1797 Test: Wm Portlock

___________________________________________________________________

Copyright. All rights reserved.

http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm

This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by

Guy Potts <gpotts1@nc.rr.com>

_______________________________________________

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=clucas&id...

The will of Edward Bass (Bayes) is written August 08, 1696 in Chowan Court records. It was proved October 08, 1696.

"Will of Edward Bayes of Chowan Precinct. My loving wife Mary Bass to be my sole executirx, to my son John Bayes and my three daughters Elizabeth, Mary and Ann Bayes yearling heifers. To my wife my plantation for her natural life then to descend to my son John Bayes. The remainder of my estate to my wife."

Proved by Captain Thomas Luten and Cotten Robinson

(From Descendants of Edward Bass by Dowd and Silvestri, Nansemond Tribe, Portsmouth, Virginia.)

It is thought that Edward Bass settled in the Winton, North Carolina area near the Deep Creek, west of the Chowan River.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=488769785152

Edward Basse, the brother to John Basse, married Mary Tucker, a baptized Chowanoac (Chowan) Indian and, according to the prayer book, went to live with her people. Edward and Mary had three 3) daughters and one (1) son, John (born 1650, Chowan Precinct), that we know of. Their son John, had two (2) sons that we are able to determine, John Jr. (born 1673) and Edward (born abt. 1675). John married Love Harris and they produced eleven (11) children. Due to Incorrect information placed on the Internet, many applicants connect John Bass and Love Harris to William Bass and Catherine Lanier, William being the descendent of John Bass and Elizabeth. William Bass and Catherine were raising a family in Virginia (St. Brides Pa and Old Norfolk, which became Norfolk County later the City of Chesapeake in what is now the Deep Creek area along the Dismal Swamp) long before John and Love Harris married in North Carolina. The Indian lineage of Edward’s descendents comes through his wife, Mary Tucker, the Chowan Indian and not through John and Elizabeth. Documents show William and Catherine in Norfolk County with children when John and Love Harris were getting married, to wit:

Norfolk Co., VA Certificate 17 Mar 1726/27

An Inquest p ‘taming to possession & use of Cleared & Swamp lands In and adjoining ye Great Dismal by William Bass, Sr (h/o Catherine Lanyere) & His kinsmen who claim lndian. privileges, Sheweth by the testimony of White Persons & sundry records of great age & known to be authentic That said. William Bass, Sr., his sons Wm. Bass (h/o Mary), Thomas Bass and Joseph Bass & spinster daughter Mary Bass, are persons of English and Nansemond Indian descent with no Admixture of negro, Ethiopic blood, & that they and all others In Kinship with them are freeborn subjects of his Majesty, living In Peace with His Majesties Government, entitled to possess & beam Arms, as permitted by Treaties of Peace by & btw Charles ye land of blessed Memory & ye Indians of Virginia in ye Anno DomL 1677. Ye inquest sheweth further that ye cleared Lands & Swamps held and used by the said Will Bass, Sr. & his are in Rightful & Lawful possession thereof & are not to be further Molested by any pson orpsons whomever under any Pretended authority; under Penaltles etc., etc., whilst ye sd Bass & his kinsmen claim Indian privileges psuant to the afsd. Treaties of Peace & c. Solo. Wilson CL Cur.

(Solomon Wilson was the clerk of court)

The Nansemond Tribe split about 1650. The group known as the Christianized group began moving toward the Deep Creek area along the Great Dismal Swamp. In June of 2002, Lea Dowd and I made a trip to the area of the old Nansemond Indian Town along the Chowan. We found the location of the old tribe where Great Peter lived and was Interviewed by the surveyors who were surveying the area in 1711. A commissioned survey was taken at that time to clear up boundary disputes and errors in the original Carolina Charter. The surveyors found the Nansemond and Meherrin Tribe located along the Chowan River. The party was escorted by three Nottoway men who guided the survey party into the Chowan area. The surveyors recorded latitude and longitude readings and while there “examined” Great Peter, chief of the Nansemond and spent several nights with the Nansemond and Meherrin Indians. Two trips were made because the first trip was unsuccessful due to the fact that the North Carolina Commissioners were unable to meet with the surveyors because of some military problems and an uprising of some kind. They finally met again this time meeting with the commissioners and relating a more complete diary that the first meeting. The following is a copy of the diary left by the surveyors. It is quite lengthy, but very interesting:

(The section consists of one item, a diary 18 July-10 October 1710, of Philip Ludwell II The diary was kept on their travels at Williamsburg, in Surry and Isle of Wight (now Southampton) counties, Virginia, and in Chowan (now Hertford) County; North Carolina, while Ludwell and Nathaniel Harrison were serving as Virginia commissioners to settle the boundary disputes between Virginia and North Carolina. The diary Includes correspondence, 1710, of Ludwell and Harrison with John Lawson and Edward Moseley. }

Section 13, Ludwell, Philip (1672-1 72 7), Diary 1710

“... The 1st of October was very cloudy, so that we could take no observation, and the sky threatening bad weather, we resolved to stay no longer (at the mouth of the Weyanoke Creek), but to go back to the Maherine Indians to examine them again In Mr. Moseley’s presence & on our way thither we took the examination of John Brown.

The 2” The Maherine Indians not being at home we proceeded to the Nansemond Indian Town, in order to take the latitude at Nottoway Rivers mouth, & to examine those Indians; but when we came there, most of the Indians were gone abroad to get Chincopens & it being a rainy day we could take no observation. I (Philip Ludwell) came up Chowan River almost from Wicocon Creek by water with Mr. Beverley & set the Courses of the River as we came up, £ guessed the distances, by which we might be enabled to compute how near our observations at the two places agree4 & we found them to agree very near.

At the Nansemond Town the Interpreter told us that when he went down to Wicocon Creek with a Nansemond Indian celled Robin Tucker who was sent by the Indians to shew us the Creek on which the Wyanoakes formerly lived, he called at one William William’s house, where he met with one Mr. Maul and that being sometime In the House and the Indian left without, as soon as he (the Interpreter) came out, the Indian told him, That man (meaning Mr. Maul) was not good for he had been (persuading) him to deny that the Weyanoakes had lived on Wicocon Creek, & promised him two bottles of powder and a thousand shott to do it.. This Mr. Maul is Mr. Lawson's Deputy Surveyor....”

Sept 22-23, 1710

The 22nd we want to ye Nottoway Indian Town. . . but the Nottoway old men being gone to get Chincopens we differed taking their examinations till our return and went to the Nansemond or Potchiack Indian Towne;... Ye 23rd we took the examination of Great Peter ye great man of ye Nansemond Indians, who told us that a little while before our come he was sent for to Collo Polluck’s house where was Governor Hyde, Mr. President Glover, Mr. Arden & others and they examined him concerning the Wyanoke Indians and Wyanoke Creeke; that he gave them the Same relation he has now given us, and that Collo Polluck was angry with him and said that such stories would do the proprietors mischief; he answered that he did not come of himself to tell him any stories but was sent for & if he desired to hear it he would tell him the truth, but If that would not please him, he would not tell him a lye; that Mr. Hyde said he was in the right that Cello Polluck (sic) urged him very much to drink, but he thought ye Collo had some designe upon him and would not

Sept 23, 1710

The Exam: of Great Peter, ye Great man of ye Nansemond Indians, aged above 60:

Sayth that he hath formerly heard from the old men of his Nation that ye Wyanoke removed from James River for fear of ye Engi. . . . from thence they removed to Ware Keck being under apprehension of danger from other Indians with whom they had quarrellec4 . . . and afterwards ye potkiak Indians killing theyr king the English carryed them to J. R. (James River, . . . (no mention of Weyenokes’ retaliation against Pochicks). He also saith that he hath had the same relation concerning ye Wyanoke Indians from Patop & James, 2 very old Wyanoke Indians which lived at ye Nansemond Indians (sic town, both which dyed last Spring.

May 17-23, 1711

17th. After having ordered 3 old men of the Nottaway Indians to meet us at the Nansemond Town on the 20th in order to be Examined before the Carolina Comissrs we sett out....

23d. . . .and took the Examination of great Peter the great man of the Nansemond Indians complete survey is located in the library of the College of William and Mary in

Williamsburg, VA.)

There is more about the Tuckers if one only does some research:

Norfolk Co., VA

Thomas Tucker of Norfolk County, Original Will, dated 19 March. 1734. Proved 16 Apr. 1736, by Solomon Cherry & Jon Ludgall & Swore to by the Exit . . . Appoint my Dearly beloved wife and my Son Thomas Tucker to be my whole and Sole Executrix.... Unto my Son Thomas Tucker one hundred acars of Land more or Less part of a tract of Land which I bought of Henry Bright that part of the Said Land which Binds on William Bass and Richard Tucker and So by anew made line of markd Trees which I made my Selfe for bounds between my Said Son Thos. Tucker and my Son Marmaduke Tucker and So from that said line by a Strait Cone to the head or Extent of the Said Land.... To my Son Marmaduke Tucker the Remainder part of that Tract of Land which I bought of Henry Bright but if my Said Son Marmaduke Die without Law full issue then the Said. Land to goe to my Son James Tucker. .. . Unto my Son James Tucker. . . one Rape and If he die before he Come to the age of one and twenty all to be Equally Divided among all my other Children. ... Unto my Daughter Darkes Tucker one year old heifer... to Run on for her till She Come to age. . . my Seven Children. His mark Thomas Tucker. Wax Seal

So In conclusion, a “John Bass” did marry Elizabeth Tucker, but it was NOT Nathaniel’s son, it was William and Sarah Lovina’s son John Bass. This proves the previous Robin Tucker certificate 100% correct when placed with the correct people. That was the one thing that Bell and Ivan Bass couldn’t do. They couldn’t make that certificate fit their way it fits perfectly if you do the research and put it all together correctly. it also helped explain the HODGES Bible records if you are familiar with them. The TUCKERS are a whole other story unto themselves. Like the Basses, when put together correctly, it fits like a glove

The Nottoway, Meherrin and Blackwater Rivers originate in the southern part of Virginia and all join at some point with the Chowan River In North Carolina, in what is now Gates County. There is no mention of the Chowan tribe in those records which leads most researchers to believe that the tribe ceased to exist prior to that time, had moved on or were absorbed by one of the other tribes. However, until there are primary sources to prove such speculation, the tribes are treated as separate entities. The descendents of John Bass and Love Harris are to be found today in the same regions of North Carolina in great numbers. Later descendents of Edward and Mary were Jacob, Moses, Aaron and many Edwards and Johns. Because of the misinformation on the Internet, many applications for tribal membership are returned because of the crossing of lines between John and Edward Basse. There is much speculation about the nature of the tribes living along the Chowan. They may all have been cousins, but until such documentation Is discovered, it Is only speculation. The Traditional Nansemond living at Nansemond Town on the Chowan later settled in Southampton County (now Franklin, VA) where they secured a reservation which was sold in 1790 for $300.00. The traditional tribe became known as “Pochicks”. When they split in the late 1600s the other group known as the Christianized group moved to the Deep Creek area along the Great Dismal Swamp. The Traditional group later ceased to be a tribal entity. The existing Nansemond Indian Tribe is that same Christian group.

In 1786, there were only about five or six Nansemond still living on the reservation and they petitioned to sell the land or it was decided by whites that they needed the land more than the Nansemond. Be that as it may, the Legislative Petition of 1786 contains a transcript in which the last five Nansemond asked to sell off the Reservation, the petition was signed by Simon Turner, John Turner, Celia Rogers, and Molly Turner; there was a fifth person who didn’t sign. These are the only Traditional Nansemond, other than Great Peter who was on the Chowan in 171 0, that are known by name. After the reservation was sold (for about $300.00) the remaining Nansemond went to live with the Nottoway Indians, who later dispersed and ceased to be a tribal entity like the Traditional Nansemond. Court records have been searched diligently and there have been no later records of any Nansemond Indian in those court records.

The Laws of Virginia, First Session of the Legislature, a copy of the Statutes at Large, \!volume XIII by William Waller Hening contains a transcript dated October 16, 1791 where Several men, James Wilkinson, Edwin Gray, John Thomas Blow, Thomas Edmunds, Benjamin Kirby and Josiah Vick and Robert Goodwyn, gentlemen, were appointed trustees to convey the lands belonging to the Nansemond. A Trustees’ letter of 1808 (in the Executive Papers, in the state archives) says that when the last Nansemond, Celia Rogers, died in 1806, nobody among the Nottoway came forward to take care of her young relatives, Alexander Rogers (h. cc. 1 797) and his half-siblings [ their unnamed mother] Solomon Barlett (b. Ca. ) arid Fanny Bartlett (b. cc. ), who had a Nottoway identity. All three children subsequently went to live with the “female chief,” Edy Turner, who spoke at least some Nottoway. The Bartletts disappear from the records after 1820. In the 1820s Rogers went to prison for 2nd degree felony-cutting, hut was released by governor’s pardon. His subsequent whereabouts are unknown, for he, too, disappears from the Southampton Co. records.

After that, the Traditional Nansemond ceased to he a tribal entity. The existing Nansemond Indian Tribe of today is the Christianized group who split in the late 1600s..

The Problem With Richard Basse (also know as Bazze)

(Note: Sometimes the surname Basse was written so that it appeared as Bazze due to the way the

English used what appeared to be double” Es or elongated “s”s which would make it appear as Bazze.

Even the” Rosse” surname sometimes appeared as Basse or Bazze(and vice-versa) and can be

contusing to researchers.)

Listed among the generations of John and Elizabeth is a son, Richard. Richard was born in 1658 and according to Bell’s book, he married Jane Bryant in 1680 and they had 6 children. Jane is said to have died February 1689/90. The book then lists Richard as marrying Mary Burwell (August 1696) and they had 7 children. Mary died after 1719. Sounds reasonable enough, Jane died, he needed someone to help out, he married Mary. Unfortunately, there exists a document in the courts that give the following information:

Henrico Co., VA Deeds 1677-1705 31 Feb 1703/4/ 1 Mar 1703/4

“Richard Bass, Sr. of Henrico Co. for 1700 pads tobacco to William Lewis of same I OOA land on the north side of White Oak Swamp next to William Ferris, Richard Ferris, Nicholas Amoss and William Porter; pane of 403A.

Wit: VV1/liam Blackman & C. Evans.

Signed

Richard (RB) Bays, Sr. Jane, wife of richard relinquished dower rights

This document creates a problem. Jane appears to have signed away her dower rights to the property her husband was selling, this at a time when she was supposed to he dead (1689/90). If the record is true, Jane was still Richard’s wife while he was supposed to he married to Mary. Either he was a bigamist or there were two Richards, which is apparently the case, Either Bell did not see this document (and one wonders why he did not since it was right there where the other records were) or he chose to ignore it since it presented a problem he did not want to deal with. There is the possibility that neither of these two Richard Basses were the sons of John and current research being done on this line seems to show neither of the Richards found in the records are John’s descendents.” Though there are no records to prove so, it is possible that Richard died as a young man and therefore left no descendents. The Nansemond Tribe will not accept applications generated through the genealogical lines of Richard until there is proper source information to indicate the lineage of the Nansemond Richard Bass. The current preponderance of the evidence does not point to either Richard. When the tribe was first organized, it lacked a trained genealogist and as a result, some Bass lines were allowed to gain membership. As a result, some of our current members were previously accepted through this line and the tribe has elected to allow them to keep their membership since it was no fault of theirs that membership was allowed. However, additional membership applications will not be accepted until the problems has been solved.

Nathaniel Basse

Nathaniel Basse, John Bass’s father, was not the Nathaniel Bass who was the son of Humphrey Buschier. Nathaniel Basse was a merchant seaman. Though much has been written that tries desperately to connect the two, It Is an exercise in futility. Nathaniel, the son of Humphrey (a merchant) died without issue, according to the London Registrars office and his will left his estate to his brother, Luke, who was a bachelor and also died without issue. His estate was divided among other family members. This is well documented in the London Registrars Office. Nathaniel Bass, father of John Basse, was a merchant seaman, involved with the transport of indentured servants Into the fledgling nation of America from the Indies. A manuscript about Nathaniel Bass is available from the tribe. The attempt to tie the Nansemond Indians to the Buschier line apparently comes from Albert Bell trying desperately to find a Huguenot connection for the man who paid him to do so. The research was to provide membership in the Jamestown Society, but that society does not offer membership through the Nathaniel Basse lineage because of the problems associated with the problem of the two Nathaniel’s. The early records show a Nathaniel Basse as a member of the House of Burgesses. As a footnote, since the upcoming Jamestown Commemoration, there have been numerous applications to the tribe trying to accomplish the same, though they have been in vain since the society will not allow them to become members even If they could show a connection to the real Huguenot Humphrey Bass (who came from Normandy) and his son, Nathaniel.

Conclusion

There is no substitute for original research. Original research takes time and money. That is why genealogical researchers charge anywhere from $20 to $30 per hour for their work. The advent of the internet has launched a mass interest in family lines, much of it originating from a public broadcasting system program series about tracing one’s family tree, after the infamous “Roots” TV special. Unfortunately, it has also resulted in a wave of incorrect and false information. And like telling a lie, the further it goes, the worse it gets. As a former Family History Director for the Mormon Church, I can vouch for the fact that most of the information on their vast storehouse of genealogical information is without sources to back it up. The Church has the largest storehouse of genealogical Information In the world, but it also, like the Internet, has a gross amount of information that has been put there by well meaning people who thought they were doing the world a favor. If incorrect information it placed on the web, in just a few months, It will show up on hundreds of other sights, thereby multiplying the problem. That is why original research is so important Thanks the valuable assistance from genealogists like Lea Dowd, Patty Sylvestry and Firehair, along with myself, the lines of the Nansemond Indian Tribe are secure with sourced primary references which will pass the legal requirements of preponderance of the evidence. We have spent years doing research and thousands of dollars as well. This has been brought about because of the tribe’s quest for Federal Recognition. To withstand the legal requirements for recognition, the tribe must have all its “ducks in a row” and be able to satisfy the stringent requirements for recognition. One of the most stringent requirements deals with genealogical information. On that, the tribe is secure.

This document was prepared by Fred Bright tribal genealogist for the Nansemond Indian Tribe.

Weather you agree or disagree with the information provided this is their position as last reported.

The Laws of Virginia, First Session of the Legislature, a copy of the Statutes at Large, \!volume XIII by William Waller Hening contains a transcript dated October 16, 1791 where Several men, James Wilkinson, Edwin Gray, John Thomas Blow, Thomas Edmunds, Benjamin Kirby and Josiah Vick and Robert Goodwyn, gentlemen, were appointed trustees to convey the lands belonging to the Nansemond. A Trustees’ letter of 1808 (in the Executive Papers, in the state archives) says that when the last Nansemond, Celia Rogers, died in 1806, nobody among the Nottoway came forward to take care of her young relatives, Alexander Rogers (h. cc. 1 797) and his half-siblings [ their unnamed mother] Solomon Barlett (b. Ca. ) arid Fanny Bartlett (b. cc. ), who had a Nottoway identity. All three children subsequently went to live with the “female chief,” Edy Turner, who spoke at least some Nottoway. The Bartletts disappear from the records after 1820. In the 1820s Rogers went to prison for 2nd degree felony-cutting, hut was released by governor’s pardon. His subsequent whereabouts are unknown, for he, too, disappears from the Southampton Co. records.

After that, the Traditional Nansemond ceased to he a tribal entity. The existing Nansemond Indian Tribe of today is the Christianized group who split in the late 1600s..

The Problem With Richard Basse (also know as Bazze)

Note: Sometimes the surname Basse was written so that it appeared as Bazze due to the way the

English used what appeared to be double” Es or elongated “s”s which would make it appear as Bazze.

Even the” Rosse” surname sometimes appeared as Basse or Bazze(and vice-versa) and can be

contusing to researchers.)

Listed among the generations of John and Elizabeth is a son, Richard. Richard was born in 1658 and according to Bell’s book, he married Jane Bryant in 1680 and they had 6 children. Jane is said to have died February 1689/90. The book then lists Richard as marrying Mary Burwell (August 1696) and they had 7 children. Mary died after 1719. Sounds reasonable enough, Jane died, he needed someone to help out, he married Mary. Unfortunately, there exists a document in the courts that give the following information:

Henrico Co., VA Deeds 1677-1705 31 Feb 1703/4/ 1 Mar 1703/4

“Richard Bass, Sr. of Henrico Co. for 1700 pads tobacco to William Lewis of same I OOA land on the north side of White Oak Swamp next to William Ferris, Richard Ferris, Nicholas Amoss and William Porter; pane of 403A.

Wit: VV1/liam Blackman & C. Evans.

Signed

Richard (RB) Bays, Sr. Jane, wife of richard relinquished dower rights

This document creates a problem. Jane appears to have signed away her dower rights to the property her husband was selling, this at a time when she was supposed to he dead (1689/90). If the record is true, Jane was still Richard’s wife while he was supposed to he married to Mary. Either he was a bigamist or there were two Richards, which is apparently the case, Either Bell did not see this document (and one wonders why he did not since it was right there where the other records were) or he chose to ignore it since it presented a problem he did not want to deal with. There is the possibility that neither of these two Richard Basses were the sons of John and current research being done on this line seems to show neither of the Richards found in the records are John’s descendents.” Though there are no records to prove so, it is possible that Richard died as a young man and therefore left no descendents. The Nansemond Tribe will not accept applications generated through the genealogical lines of Richard until there is proper source information to indicate the lineage of the Nansemond Richard Bass. The current preponderance of the evidence does not point to either Richard. When the tribe was first organized, it lacked a trained genealogist and as a result, some Bass lines were allowed to gain membership. As a result, some of our current members were previously accepted through this line and the tribe has elected to allow them to keep their membership since it was no fault of theirs that membership was allowed. However, additional membership applications will not be accepted until the problems has been solved.

Nathaniel Basse

Nathaniel Basse, John Bass’s father, was not the Nathaniel Bass who was the son of Humphrey Buschier. Nathaniel Basse was a merchant seaman. Though much has been written that tries desperately to connect the two, It Is an exercise in futility. Nathaniel, the son of Humphrey (a merchant) died without issue, according to the London Registrars office and his will left his estate to his brother, Luke, who was a bachelor and also died without issue. His estate was divided among other family members. This is well documented in the London Registrars Office. Nathaniel Bass, father of John Basse, was a merchant seaman, involved with the transport of indentured servants Into the fledgling nation of America from the Indies. A manuscript about Nathaniel Bass is available from the tribe. The attempt to tie the Nansemond Indians to the Buschier line apparently comes from Albert Bell trying desperately to find a Huguenot connection for the man who paid him to do so. The research was to provide membership in the Jamestown Society, but that society does not offer membership through the Nathaniel Basse lineage because of the problems associated with the problem of the two Nathaniel’s. The early records show a Nathaniel Basse as a member of the House of Burgesses. As a footnote, since the upcoming Jamestown Commemoration, there have been numerous applications to the tribe trying to accomplish the same, though they have been in vain since the society will not allow them to become members even If they could show a connection to the real Huguenot Humphrey Bass (who came from Normandy) and his son, Nathaniel.

Conclusion

There is no substitute for original research. Original research takes time and money. That is why genealogical researchers charge anywhere from $20 to $30 per hour for their work. The advent of the internet has launched a mass interest in family lines, much of it originating from a public broadcasting system program series about tracing one’s family tree, after the infamous “Roots” TV special. Unfortunately, it has also resulted in a wave of incorrect and false information. And like telling a lie, the further it goes, the worse it gets. As a former Family History Director for the Mormon Church, I can vouch for the fact that most of the information on their vast storehouse of genealogical information is without sources to back it up. The Church has the largest storehouse of genealogical Information In the world, but it also, like the Internet, has a gross amount of information that has been put there by well meaning people who thought they were doing the world a favor. If incorrect information it placed on the web, in just a few months, It will show up on hundreds of other sights, thereby multiplying the problem. That is why original research is so important Thanks the valuable assistance from genealogists like Lea Dowd, Patty Sylvestry and Firehair, along with myself, the lines of the Nansemond Indian Tribe are secure with sourced primary references which will pass the legal requirements of preponderance of the evidence. We have spent years doing research and thousands of dollars as well. This has been brought about because of the tribe’s quest for Federal Recognition. To withstand the legal requirements for recognition, the tribe must have all its “ducks in a row” and be able to satisfy the stringent requirements for recognition. One of the most stringent requirements deals with genealogical information. On that, the tribe is secure.

This document was prepared by Fred Bright tribal genealogist for the Nansemond Indian Tribe.

Weather you agree or disagree with the information provided this is their position as last reported.

.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Edward (b. 8 May 1622, in London, Middlesex, England, m. about 1644 to Mary Tucker, Norfolk-Nansemond Co., VA, Mary was a Nansemond Indian – d. about 1696 Chowan Co., NC – Edward traded with Showanee Indians in Carolinas). "Edward Basse, sonne of Nathll and Mary Basse yt unregenerated by ye Spirit of God, took in marriage one virtuos Indian maydn by the Christian name of Mary Tucker and went to live amongst the Showanocs in Carolina in 1644 AD. "He went to Carolina in later years in persute of trade and not in 1644. Dyed in 1696 AD. (Family Bible Records)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alberle Co. Court Minutes 1669-1701 P69

Will of Edward Bayes of Chowan Precint.

My loving wife Mary Base to be my sole Execurtix., to my son John Bayes and my three daughters Elizabeth, Mary and Ann Bayes, yearling heifers. To my wife my plantation for her natural life then my son John Bayes. The remainder of my estate to my wife Mary. Signed

8/8/696

Proved 10/8/1696. by Capt. Thomas Luten and Mr Cotton Robinson. Nath Chew Clerk

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/w/a/t/Michael-E-Watkins-...

Lewis Williams received property for the same January 1

"Will of Edward Bayes of Chowan Precinct. My loving wife Mary Bass to be my sole executirx, to my son John Bayes and my three daughters Elizabeth, Mary and Ann Bayes yearling heifers. To my wife my plantation for her natural life then to descend to my son John Bayes. The remainder of my estate to my wife."

I have had the phamplett for a long time.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

John Bass, Sr, (Edward Basse, Nathaniel was born ca 1650 in Chowan Pct, NC, and probably died Bef 1728 in Chowan Pct. NC

Chowan PctDB W.81 6 April 1708 John Bayes & Richard Lewis witnessed deed from Lewis Williams to James and Elizabeth Rutland for ye affection I bear my son and daughter-in-law (sic) 100A

Children of Edward Basse and Mary Tucker are They also went by the name of Bayes. In his will of Edward Bayes he calls his wife Mary Base His 4 childrens last name is spelled Bayes. 1. Elizabeth Bass 2. Mary Bass 3. Ann Bass m. Thomas Johnson, bef 1714 4. John Bass, Sr. b. ca 1650, chowan Pct. NC; d. Bef. 1728, Chowan Pct., NC There could be other children which have not been accounted for. Edward Basse/Bass was the son of Capt. Nathanel Basse and his wife Mary Tucker. The sermon book of John Basse is quite specific in naming Edward Basse and his Native american wife, Mary Tucker. It is regrettable that this book does not name the tribe that Mary Tucker descends from, or her father. We do know that he was not Robin Tucker, the Elder as this man was not even born at this time

In the Pathway of Perfection Sermon Book, he ssay's that Edward Basse took in Marriage one Virtuos Indian maydn by the name of Mary Tucker and went to live amongst the Showanocs in Carolina in 1644AD/ He went to Carolina in later years in persute of trade and not in 1644. dyed in 1696AD.

=============================================================================================================

Book of John Basse-Norfolk County Virginia

NC Archives - Bibles Call No. 400.1.1.418

Nathaniell Basse and Mary Jourdan was marrid ye 21 day of May in ye

yeare of our blessed Lord and Savior 1613

Humphrey Basse sonne of Nath'll and Mary Basse his wife was borned

ye 15 day of ye month of July in ye year of our blessed Lord 1615,

dyed in 1622

John Basse was borned ye 7 day of viiber in ye year of our Lord 1616,

ye sonne of Nathaniell and Mary Basse his wife

William Basse sonne of Nathaniell and Mary Basse was borned on ye xxv

day of Xber in ye year of our blessed Lord God 1618

Anthony Basse sonne of Nathaniell Basse and Mary his wife was borned

on ye xiii day of March in Gods yeare of 1620

Edward Basse ye sonne of Nathaniell Basse and Mary his wife was borned

ye 8th day of Maye in ye yeare of God 1622

Anne Basse the daughter of Nath'll and Mary his wife was born in ye

yr of X't 1624, ye 9 day of Sber

Geneveve Basse ye daughter of Nathaniell Basse and Mary his wife was

borned on ye 9 day of Sber in ye year of our blessed Lord God 1624,

about ten minutes after Anne was borned

Blessed be God for His tender Mercies. Amen

Humphrey Basse sonne of Nath'll and Mary dyed ye 22nd day of March in

ye yeare of our Lord 1622

John Basse married ye dafter of ye King of ye Nansemund Nation, by

name Elizabeth in Holy Baptism and in Holy Matrimonie ye 14 day of

August in ye yeare of our blessed Lord 1638

William Basse sonne of Nath'll and Mary Basse was married to Sarah Batten

ye 20th day of September in ye yeare of our Lord 1641 A.D.

Edward Basse sonne of Nath'll & Mary Basse yt unregenerated by the Spirit

of God took in marriage one virtuous Indian mayd'n by the Christian name

of Mary Tucker and went to live amongst the Shownanocs in Carolina in

1644 A.D. - He went to Carolina in later years in persute of trade and

not in 1644

This the Book of John Basse - Steal it not...

John Basse borned in 1616 - John Basse dyed in 1699 A.D.

https://www.genealogy.com/forum/surnames/topics/bass/5241/

Edward Basse, the brother to John Basse, married Mary Tucker, a baptized Chowanoac (Chowan) Indian and, according to the prayer book, went to live with her people. Edward and Mary had three (3) daughters and one (1) son, John (born 1650, Chowan Precinct), that we know of. Their son John, had two (2) sons that we are able to determine, John Jr. (born 1673) and Edward (born abt. 1675). John married Love Harris and they produced eleven (11) children. Due to Incorrect information placed on the Internet, many applicants connect John Bass and Love Harris to William Bass and Catherine Lanier, William being the descendent of John Bass and Elizabeth. William Bass and Catherine were raising a family in Virginia (St. Brides Pa and Old Norfolk, which became Norfolk County later the City of Chesapeake in what is now the Deep Creek area along the Dismal Swamp) long before John and Love Harris married in North Carolina. The Indian lineage of Edward’s descendents comes through his wife, Mary Tucker, the Chowan Indian and not through John and Elizabeth

References

• http://www.kykinfolk.com/muhlenberg/bible-records/bass-john.htm
• https://www.genealogy.com/forum/surnames/topics/bass/5241/
• https://nativeamericanroots.wordpress.com/2015/05/22/the-nansemond-...
• Burial record: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/102446157/edward-basse
• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Oct 2 2022, 6:30:11 UTC