John F. Bassett

Obituary from the Salem Register, May 30, 1881:

Rev. J. F. Bassett, a clergyman residing in Salem, died very suddenly of paralysis at his residence, 55 Buffam street at 12:45 o'clock on Friday morning last. Previous to 9 o'clock on Thursday evening the deceased enjoyed apparent good health: at that hour he engaged in devotional services at the Vestry of the LaFayette St. Church, and soon after became unconscious. All efforts to revive him at the church proved fruitless and he was taken in a coach to his home, and after a few hours he passed quietly away.

Mr. Bassett was born in Salem March 8 1836, and was consequently 45 years, 2 months and 19 days old. He was the son of Capt. John B. and Clara H. Bassett, both of whom were well known to the elder residents of Salem. He was united in marriage to Sarah McDuffie. The wife and five children, one little daughter and four sons, survive to mourn his untimely death.

For his professional life he fitted for the ministry at Fairfax, Vt., and Andover; and for 15 years has been a minister in Massachusetts and New Hampshire towns; his last labors being at Temple, N.H.

Mr. Bassett was an earnest christian, and a good true man in all the relations of his life. In him were united a sound understanding, a vigorous imagination and a logical precision of thought.