SOURCES:

My first source of info for all this page is my father's late brother, James Bassett Gwin II.  Page 46 is entitled BASSET FAMILY HISTORY and starts out:

"Compiled by James Basset Gwin II of 2918 45 St New Orleans 20, LA in the year 1949 from records submitted from the collections of Kate L. Gwin Tuscaloosa Al, and Edith Snow, Washington, DC.  Information obtained from Major Champ Carter McCullough who employed genealogists to trace this ancestry. "

My second source is Mr. Jeffrey Neil Bassett, Jnbassett@aol.com, who saw my page and sent me information he said came from Elizabeth Nitschke Hicks.  I cut his info apart and added each piece where it was applicable.  Thus each note preceded by JB/ENH came from him.

And now my third source is Ms. Elizabeth (Liz) Nitschke Hicks herself , erootrot@usa.net , my third cousin once removed.

22.00--Jean Jacques Luis Basset m. Mary Lavalette on 20 Aug 1767 in Christchurch, Yorkshire, England.

Liz Hicks sent me a photocopy of the old 1767 marriage license.  I transcribe it here with typeset words in boldface type and handwritten words in italic type.  The five signatures are also underlined.

"Banns of Marriage ____No. 93 Jean Jaques BassetofthisParishWatchmakerandMary Lavaletteof the Parishof Saint Saviourwere Married in this Churchby Licence thistwentiethDay ofAugustin the Year One Thousand Seven Hundred andSixty Seven by meE. Willan Vicar. This Marriage was solemnized between Us JJBasset  Marie LavaletteIn the Presence of Joseph Leivers   Rose Bottlion"

23.01--One of them (no name listed) emigrated to America, family all died in Philadelphia.

23.02--John James Louis Basset (Jr.?) m. Mary Miles, an English girl; settled in Sussex, England; 14 children
JB/ENH notes:
*53B1. Jean Jacques Luis "James" Basset - m. Mary Miles 13 Jun 1803 in St. Marylebone, London, Eng.

24.01--James Basset (m. Susannah Snewin) at least one child
24.02--Mary Basset (m. Mr. Isaacs)--died without issue
24.03--Charlotte Basset (m. Fred Cheesman) at least 6 children
24.04--George Basset (m. unknown) at least one child
24.05--William Basset (m. Harriet Bowley) 6 children--(my great-grandparents)

25.00--IdaElizaBasset (m. William Sutton "Sutt" Gwin)

26.00--James Basset "Jim" Gwin (m. Adrian "Ada" Bell Vardaman)

27.04--Adrian Sutton Gwin (m. Dorothy Lee "Dot" Keeney)

28.01--John M. Gwin (m. Sharon Lynn Hamrick)

24.06--Louis Basset (m. Sarah Gwin. ) 2 children
24.07--Sarah Basset (m. Robert Jordan) 2 children
24.08--John Miles Basset never married--died without issue
24.09--Henry Basset never married--died without issue
24.10--Joseph Lavalette Basset(m. Mary Ann Gwin) 2 children
24.11--Emma Maria Basset(m3. Carl Ludwig Nitschke) 6 children
24.12--Thomas Archibald Basset, or  Thomas Basset (twin)  never married--died without issue
24.13--Charles Basset, or Archibald Basset (twin) never married--died without issue
24.14--Robert Basset or Charles Robert Basset never married--died without issue
(23.15)--Harry Bridger (called Henry)--maybe adopted, maybe only a close friend

24.01--James Basset m. Susannah Snewin; came to Brooklyn, NY; maybe returned to England; 1 child
Today, 6 May 2001, I received the following e.mail from Mr. Richard Snewin:

Subject: Family History - Snewin
Received: 5/06/2001 6:04 PM
From: <richard.snewin@ntlworld.com>
To: john, jmcdgwin@zianet.com

I have been carrying out a "one-name" study of the Snewin name for some 13 years and have extensive information going back continuously to 1680. Also available is info regarding coins produced by family members between 980 and 1150. Please note that Susannah Snewin is actually Jane Susannah Snewin, born 31 Mar 1803 at Worthing Sussex, the 1st. child (of 7) of John Snewin and Elizabeth Bailey. J.S.S. married James [Basset] on 22 Oct 1833 at Broadwater Church, Worthing.

Her parents are buried in the churchyard by the main door to the church. Her father's notes are as follows: -"Born at 5 o'clock on Friday evening". Baptized by Mr. Salmon. Occupation. Carpenter and Builder. Left family firm in Clapton, London in 1803 and moved to Worthing, a place that had become popular with Royalty and was growing. Started Snewin and Sons, Builders, Worthing which is still in business in 2001 although no Snewins involved in running it.

A Market, authorised (chartered?) by Act of Parliament, with imposing entrances in Ann Street and Market Street, was opened in 1810. It was square with stalls around the outer walls and a pump in the centre, earning revenue of £30 per annum for the town. This was sold for £600 to John circa 1820, who used it as the firm's yard. "...departed this life on Tuesday, June 9th. 1835 aged 60, died and buried at Worthing." Buried at St. Mary's, Broadwater, Sussex. Gravestone reads "In Memory of John Snewin, died June 9 1835 aged 60 years, He lived respected and died lamented. - also of Elizabeth, his wife died 28 February 1848 aged 70 years".   Gravestone at St. Mary's, Broadwater, is to be found at right hand of path to Church door, immediately before the door. Will dated 31 January 1828 and proved in Prerogative Court of Canterbury 6th. August 1835. I hope this is of interest, but should you want any further details, let me know. Regards, Dick Snewin

Followup letter:
From: "Dick Snewin" <richard.snewin@ntlworld.com>
Date: Sat Apr 30, 2005  08:30:27 AM US/Mountain
To: <jmcdgwin@zianet.com>
Subject: Gwin/Basset Families
Reply-To: <richard.snewin@ntlworld.com>

James Basset, 1st child of J. J. L. Basset, married Jane Susannah Snewin, 22 October 1833 at Worthing. She was the 1st child (of 6) of John Snewin (1775-1835) and Elizabeth Bailey (1778-1848) of Worthing. They moved from Hackney, Middlesex in 1802. More can be seen of the Snewin line back to a marriage of Elkanah Snewin and Elizabeth Stanes on 2 July 1682 at St. James, Dukes Place, London in 1682 on www.snewin.org if you are interested. Sincerely, Dick Snewin

JB/ENH notes:
53B11. James Basset - settled in Brooklyn, New York around 1860.

Aha! Aha! Today, 10 Aug 2004, Jeffrey Basset writes:

From: jbassett@packagingcorp.com
Date: Tue Aug 10, 2004  11:46:58 AM US/Mountain
To: jmcdgwin@zianet.com
Subject: Bassett-Gwin

Found the following in the 1850 census:

1850 Federal Census of Matagorda Co., TX (7 Sep 1850)

Res/Fam	Name	Age	Sex	Place of Birth	Occupation	John Gwin's Comments
	Louis Bassit	36	M	England	Grocery keeper	We've been looking for Louis' place of death and burial for a long time. Knowing now that he resided in Matagorda with his family makes us believe that this may be his final resting place. I wrote to genealogist Carol Gibbs of Matagorda, who responded: I did see the family on the 1850 and then the wife and daughter in 1860. They were living in the town of Matagorda both years and in their own household in 1850. It appears the wife and daughter were living in the Colorado House which was the hotel owned by Galen Hodges. Hodges owned a home next door, but looking at the list, I believe it is the list of hotel occupants.   We do have cemetery records for Matagorda Cemetery, but Mr. Bassett is not listed. There is no one by that name in our list at all. I'm sure if he died in Matagorda between 1850  and 1860, he would be there. The grave might have been marked at one time, but due to hurricanes (at least 5 bad ones since his death) the marker could have been washed away. If the marker was wooden, it would not have lasted this long. See my page for Louis Basset and Sarah Gwin Basset.
	Sarah	24	F	Alabama		Sarah Gwin Basset is the daugher of John and Jane Walker Gwin.
	Emma M.	7	F	Alabama		Emma M. Basset is the only survivor of two known children. She married C.C. McCulloch and had many descendents, many of whom are listed on my page for Louis Basset and Sarah Gwin Basset.
	James L.	6	M	New York		James L. Basset is most likely the only child of Louis' brother James Basset who married Mary Snewin in Worthing, England, and took her to New York. I believe they may have died there, and it appears that Louis may have brought the son, James, to Matagorda to live with his relatives. The middle initial "L" could be for Lavalette; however, in keeping with the traditions of the day, to me it is more likely a mistranscribed "S" for his mother's maiden name, Snewin.

Thanks for this update, Jeffrey! :-)

Cousin Liz Hicks wrote "Basset Family of Old Cahaba" for the book, The Heritage of Dallas County, Alabama, published in 2004. A copy of the article was sent to me by Cousin Barbara Ward. Enclosed in these boxes are excerpts relating to each of the children of John James Louis Basset and Mary Miles. (1) James settled in Brooklyn, New York, left children, but contact lost.

24.02--Mary Basset married a Mr. Isaacs, stayed in England, and died without issue.
JB/ENH notes:
53B12. Mary Basset - died in England with no issue.
 

Cousin Liz Hicks wrote "Basset Family of Old Cahaba" for the book, The Heritage of Dallas County, Alabama, published in 2004. A copy of the article was sent to me by Cousin Barbara Ward. Enclosed in these boxes are excerpts relating to each of the children of John James Louis Basset and Mary Miles. (2) Mary, died in England, no children.

24.03--Charlotte Basset b. 3 Aug 1806 in England; m. Fred Cheesman (b. in England)
JB/ENH notes:
53B13. Charlotte Basset - b. 3 Aug 1806, m. Fred Cheesman, moved to Texas.

From 1860 Census of Historic Matagorda County published by the Matagorda County Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 264, Bay City, Texas  77414 (photocopy sent in by Liz Hicks):

"105-95...
F. CHEESEMAN    53  M   Farmer                    England
              2,000--None
    C.                           55   F                                      England
    R. G.                      23  M   Mail Contractor     England
    A.B.                       16  M                                     Alabama
    Minnie                 14  F                                       Alabama
(p.) 17"

And from the 1870 Census Matatgorda County, Texas, p. 69 (photocopy sent in by Liz Hicks):
15-15              CHEESEMAN
                            Charlotte        42    F      W    Housekeeper        ENG    f    m
                                600-942
                            Charles F.       38    M    W    Stockraiser            ENG    f    m
                                None-400
                             Irene                9     F      W    Attends School    TX       f
                             Martin             8    M     W                                     TX       f
                             Frederick         4    M     W                                     TX       f
[Liz Hicks:  Charlotte Cheeseman b. 21 Jul l806 Eng.; d. 4 Oct 1876 Matagorda Co.,TX; m. at Preston (near Brighton), Eng. 19 Sep 1830, Frederick Cheeseman, both of this parish, witnesses:  James Basset(t) & Mary Cheeseman.  On Frederick Cheeseman's tombstone has born Horsham, England died 8 Nov1866 age 59 years.]

Cousin Liz Hicks wrote "Basset Family of Old Cahaba" for the book, The Heritage of Dallas County, Alabama, published in 2004. A copy of the article was sent to me by Cousin Barbara Ward. Enclosed in these boxes are excerpts relating to each of the children of John James Louis Basset and Mary Miles. (3) Charlotte, born July 21, 1806, married Frederick Cheesman September 19, 1830, Preston, Sussex, England. He was baptised may 22, 1808, Horsham, was the son of Robert and Jane Cheeeseman... Charlotte Basset and husband, Frederick Cheeseman, had arrived in Cahaba by 1844. Their son, Charles, advertised his Dancing Academy in the January 4, 1856, Dallas Gazette. Another son, R. G., married July 29, 1862, Mary E. Sister in Cahaba.  Ther other two children were Arthur B. and Minna. The Cheesemans left Cahaba arriving in Matagorda, Texas, by March 11, 1869, when daughter Minna married Walter Scott Stewart (1843-1894). Charlotte Basset Cheeseman died October 4, 1876; Frederick died November 8, 1866. Both are buried with Minna and Walter Stewart in Matagorda Cemetery, Matagorda, Texas.

24.04--George Basset, b. 29 Apr 1810, joined the army, and went to India; m. unk.; 1 child; came to America; died in Texas fighting Indians.
JB/ENH notes:
53B14. George Basset - born 29 Apr 1810, ran away and joined the army.

25.01--Ann Maria Basset; remained in England and records lost sight of her.

Cousin Liz Hicks wrote "Basset Family of Old Cahaba" for the book, The Heritage of Dallas County, Alabama, published in 2004. A copy of the article was sent to me by Cousin Barbara Ward. Enclosed in these boxes are excerpts relating to each of the children of John James Louis Basset and Mary Miles. (4) George, born April 29, 1810.

24.05--William Basset, b. 21 Feb 1812 at Worthing, Sussex, England; m. Harriet Bowley; 6 children
JB/ENH notes:
* 53B15. William Basset - b. 22 Mar 1812, d. 1866; m. Harriet Taylor (sic)  [ENH: "This is an error; should be Bowley from research I had Helen Whittle do.  She is a professional genealogist in England."  JMG comment:  A likely source of this error could be that William was in fact a TAILOR by profession--] of Rotherfield on 11 Nov 1834 in East Sussex. William is buried in the historic Old Cahaba Cemetery near Selma, AL.

Excerpts from the book Memories of Old Cahaba from page 27:  "...several millinery establishments, shoe stores, the fashionable tailor shops of John and William Bassett and Jerry Lister, and Brenner's tin shop."
 

Liz Hicks also sent me some photographs, two of which are of the sign at the New Cemetery at Cahaba and the headstone of this William Basset, which read, respectively:

"NEW CEMETERY -- Burials in this cemetery, which served Cahaba from 1848 to 1900, tell a story of the town in which many deaths resulted from diseases of infancy, childhood, and early adult life, yellow fever being a large factor.  Because of proximity to Gulf of Mexico ports, Cahaba had many plagues brought in by a constantly changing population.  The famous Bell Monument is in this cemetery. --Cahaba Historical Commission." and

"William Basset,  born at Worthing, Sussex Co., England, Feb. 21, 1812.  Died March 5, 1886" (of smallpox).

From the 1850 Federal Census of Cahawba Beat, Dallas County, Alabama (4 Nov 1850):

 

First Name	Last Name	Age	Sex	POB	Occupation	Real Assets	John M. Gwin's Comments
William	Basset	38	M	England	Tailor	$500	My gg-grandpa.  He died of smallpox in Cahaba and is buried there in the center of the New Cemetery.
Harriett	Basset	38	F	England			My gg-grandma Harriett Bowley Basset.  She never remarried and lived with her son ______who also never married.  Both are buried in the southwestern corner of Dallas Co. AL in the Episcopal churchyard there.
Charlotte	Basset	13	F	England
James	Basset	11	M	England
Peter	Basset	9	M	England
Eliza	Basset	6	F	England			My g-grandma Ida Eliza  who married William Sutton Gwin, Justice of the Peace, in Wilsonville, Shelby County, AL
John	Basset	4	M	Alabama
M. A.	Basset	6/12	F	Alabama			Mary Ann.

From the 1860 Federal Census of Cahaba Town, Dallas County, Alabama (2 Aug 1860)

 

First Name	Last Name	Age	Sex	POB	Occupation	Real Assets	Personal Assets	John M. Gwin's Comments
William	Basset	48	M	England	Tailor	$1250	$900	My gg-grandpa.  He died of smallpox in Cahaba and is buried there in the center of the New Cemetery.
Harriett	Basset	48	F	England				My gg-grandma Harriett Bowley Basset.  She never remarried and lived with her son ______who also never married.  Both are buried in the southwestern corner of Dallas Co. AL in the Episcopal churchyard at Tilden.
James	Basset	20	M	England	Carpenter
Peter	Basset	17	M	England	Apprentice Jeweler
Ida	Basset	15	F	England				My g-grandma Ida Eliza who married William Sutton Gwin, Justice of the Peace, in Wilsonville, Shelby County, AL
John	Basset	13	M	Alabama
M. A.	Basset	11	F	Alabama				Mary Ann.
C. A.	Derby	32	M	Virginia	Clergyman P.E.	$200		Charles Alexander Derby, Charlotte's husband, who would soon die in the Battle of Antietam/Sharpsburg; his widow, Charlotte, would later marry his brother.
Charlotte	Derby	22	F	England				Charlotte Ann, Will and Harriet's oldest child

Cousin Liz Hicks wrote "Basset Family of Old Cahaba" for the book, The Heritage of Dallas County, Alabama, published in 2004. A copy of the article was sent to me by Cousin Barbara Ward. Enclosed in these boxes are excerpts relating to each of the children of John James Louis Basset and Mary Miles. (5) William, born February 21, 1812, christened March 22, 1812, Broadwater Church. He married Harriet Bowley here January 22, 1837. She was the daughter of Edmund and Katherine Pannett Bowley. William and Harriet Bowley Basset, who emigrated, sailing from Liverpool Novermber 29, 1847, stayed in Cahaba.  He was a tailor and made uniforms during the Civil War. Their children were Charlotte, James, an infant son who died, Peter, Ida Eliza, John Archibald, and Mary Ann. All three sons were Confederate soldiers, serving with the "Cahaba Rifles". Charlotte Basset and a Lizzie English presented the company flag to the "Cahaba Rifles" July 4, 1856.  Charlotte married Rev. Charles A. Derby December 28, 1859, at St. Luke's Church in Cahaba. He was the rector of St. Mary's, Camden, Alabama. Rev. Derby died in the Civil War. Charlotte supported herself and two daughters teaching music. The whole Basset family was musical. Charlotte went to Virginia to visit her husband's family and met and married her husband's younger brother, Henry Landon Derby. John M. Basset married Mattie E. Day November 25, 1888, then Nannie Tipton January 17, 1906. Ida Basset married William S. Guin December 26, 1868; Maria married James H. Courtney September 6, 1903, and Mary Ann Basset married Robert D. Boykin November 15, 1881. William Basset died March 5, 1866, of smallpox. He is buried in the New Cemetery at Old Cahaba. His wife, Harriet, is buried at Grace Episcopal Cemetery with sons, James and John A. Basset.

24.06--Louis Basset, b. 27 Feb 1814; m. Sarah Gwin. (b. ca. 1826--see 1860 Census record below; d. 31 Mar 1885, at Waco, TX, at home of her daughter Emma Bassett McCulloch);
JB/ENH notes:
53B16. Louis Lavalette Basset - b. 27 Feb 1814; d. during the Civil War having fought for AL.

From 1860 Censusof Historic Matagorda County published by the Matagorda County Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 264, Bay City, Texas  77414 (photocopy sent in by Liz Hicks):
"MATAGORDA POST OFFICE -- CITY OF MATAGORDA...
174-163...
Sarah BASSETT  34  F   Alabama
     Emma               17  F   Alabama
(p.) 26"
 

Cousin Liz Hicks wrote "Basset Family of Old Cahaba" for the book, The Heritage of Dallas County, Alabama, published in 2004. A copy of the article was sent to me by Cousin Barbara Ward. Enclosed in these boxes are excerpts relating to each of the children of John James Louis Basset and Mary Miles. (6) Louis, born February 27, 1814, married Sarah Gwin, March 18, 1841, Cahaba, Dallas County, Alabama... The first member of this Basset family to arrive in Alabama was Souis Basset. He is found on the list of subscribers for the first church built at Cahaba, 1829. Louis, John, Joseph, and William Basset owned town lots 64 through 67 located between 3rd North and 4th North Streets and bounded by Cahaba Street. Joseph Basset's lots, 175-178, were sold for debt in 1846. Frederick and Charlotte Basset Cheeseman owned lots 236-238 located between 4th South Street and 5th South Street, bounded by Walnut and Mulberry Streets.  Louis, Sarah, and daughter, Emma, born August 3, 18433, left Cahaba arriving in Matagorda, Texas, about 1860. When Louis died, Emma and her mother moved to Waco where Emma had acquaired a position as a music teacher at Waco College. She was the organist at St. Paul's Episcopal church where she met and marrried Captain Champe C. McCulloch, May 22, 1867. He was elected Mayor of Waco in 1890 and 1892. Champe died December 14, 1907; Emma Basset died November 11, 1929. Emma's mother, Sarah Gwin Basset, died march 31, 1885. All are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Waco, Texas.

24.07--Sarah Basset, b. 12 Nov 1815; m. Robert Jordan; 2 children
JB/ENH notes:
53B17. Sarah Basset - born 12 Nov 1815, died in England

25.01--Archie Jordan --remained in England
25.02--Kate Jordan--remained in England.

Cousin Liz Hicks wrote "Basset Family of Old Cahaba" for the book, The Heritage of Dallas County, Alabama, published in 2004. A copy of the article was sent to me by Cousin Barbara Ward. Enclosed in these boxes are excerpts relating to each of the children of John James Louis Basset and Mary Miles. (7) Sarah, born November 12, 1815, died in England.

From: Paul Jordan <pauljordan@shaw.ca> Date: Tue Jul 04, 2006  09:18:23 AM US/Mountain To: jmcdgwin@zianet.com Subject: Genealogy Bassett re:Sarah Bassett Dear John: Are you still carrying out genealogical research on the Bassett Family as seen on the web site entitled John James Louis Basset at http://www.zianet.com/jmcdgwin/BassetJohnJamesLouis.htm ? If so there may be information we can exchange as I am presently conducting research into one Robert Jordan of Worthing (b. June 20, 1814) and married one Sarah "Barrett" (possibly Bassett).   Sincerely, Paul (Jordan), Victoria, British Columbia, Canada From: Paul Jordan <pauljordan@shaw.ca> Date: Wed Jul 05, 2006  09:06:01 AM US/Mountain To: John Gwin <jmcdgwin@zianet.com> Subject: Re: Genealogy Bassett re:Sarah Bassett Dear John: Thank you sincerely for your email reply which contains so much additional information to my family research.    Right now I have to dash off to work but I am really looking forward to sharing information with you and learning about your side of the family.  I intend to send you a fuller reply tonight including what could be regarded as a convincing argument that Robert and Sarah had not two, but four, children and from whom I am directly descended.  I'll also be sending you a graphic of my side of the family showing you where our trees connect.   Meanwhile, once again thank you.  It's a pleasure to meet you too and I'll be in touch later today. Warmest regards, Paul  From: Paul Jordan <pauljordan@shaw.ca> Date: Thu Jul 06, 2006  08:25:29 AM US/Mountain To: jmcdgwin@zianet.com Subject: Re: Genealogy Bassett re:Sarah Bassett Hello John. Thank you for your email and I hope your vacation had got underway to a good start.  I am fascinated to hear of your visit to Waco, Texas and the relatives that lived there. I'm eager to find more so I can start plugging your research into my database on the Sarah Basset side. In order to explain a little more about the research I am conducting on the Jordan side of things, I am sending you  a copy of "The Mission Statement of Jordan Family Genealogy ".  This will be sent under a separate email:.  A further email will explain the research conducted by my father, Raymond C. Jordan of Hove, E. Sussex, UK.  This is where we see Robert Jordan and his wife Sarah Basset (originally thought to be "Barrett" or "Bassett") and their four (?) children which include my great-grandfather, Herbert Henry Jordan, Sarah's son.  At this stage, while you're on vacation, I'll simply send you what has been uncovered this end so when you return home we can review Robert and Sarah's children to determine how many there were and their names.  This will be the start of looking into the interesting family of John James Louis Basset and his French forbears which could well be the "French Connection" often alluded to by Sarah's descendants in Worthing, Sussex and which so intrigues my father. I have visited your Basset website and it contains a wealth of fascinating information which is so useful to my own research of Sarah.  I sent an email to Geoffrey Bassett but unfortunately it was returned by AOL as "address no longer known".  Do you have any further information on this gentleman or where he lived when you were corresponding with him? John,  I wish you an enjoyable vacation and look forward to your return home when we can explore further.  I am hoping to return to the UK in October where I shall be carrying out in depth research through the Parish and County records in the Sussex area and where I hope to be able to clearly define the history of Robert and Sarah and their Jordan forbears. Sincerely, Paul From: Paul Jordan <pauljordan@shaw.ca> Date: Thu Jul 06, 2006  08:29:26 AM US/Mountain To: jmcdgwin@zianet.com Subject: Mission statement of Jordan Family Geneaology Research Mission Statement of Jordan Family Geneaology Research. My father, Raymond Cameron Jordan, [RCJ] (b Apr 13, 1916) in Worthing, Sussex UK now lives in Hove, E. Sussex, UK and during the early 1990's became interested in the genealogy of ancestors bearing his name. He often referred to anecdotal evidence and family folklore of a French family with the name of either De Jordan, Jourdan, Jordain or some other French derivative which came to Sussex UK around the time of the French Revolution (late 18th, early 19th Cent) and from which name became the anglicized "Jordan". There was even a fanciful family legend of being descendants of a Marechal de Jordan, one of Napoleon Bonaparte's favourite Generals buried in "Les Invalides" in Paris! Although subsequently proven to be impossible, it was this aspect of the Jordan ancestry that drove RCJ's research and resulted in the establishment of a rudimentary but very viable family tree dating back to the early 1800's. Raymond Jordan is 90 years of age and although his eyesight and mobility is failing which prevents him from continuing active research, his mind is still razor sharp with an ability to clearly recall many names of his forbears and anecdotal family stories that have been handed down about them. He is the last living connection we have to a generation which spanned both the 19th and 20th Centuries and his powers of recall and the diligence of his research during the 1990's have been essential in creating the possibility of a definitive genealogical record of the Jordan family. Following a visit to the UK in June 2006 and in view of his advancing years, I gathered all his notes to preserve and continue his research with renewed vigour, embracing all the modern advantages of technology which were never available to him, and particularly the incredible opportunities afforded by the miracle of the Internet.  I have now been able to develop the beginnings of a definitive family computer database which now needs to be expanded by scientific research and supported by accurate records and fact. The work has started and already amazing revelations are materializing. On behalf of Raymond Jordan, this is the legacy we dedicate to current and future generations of descendants from the Jordan line in an effort to remind them of the huge international family to which they belong and the hope that they may all in time meet one another. Paul R. Jordan From: Paul Jordan <pauljordan@shaw.ca> Date: Thu Jul 06, 2006  08:34:58 AM US/Mountain To: jmcdgwin@zianet.com Subject: Research of Raymond C. Jordan RESEARCH OF RAYMOND C. JORDAN. Raymond Jordan's (RCJ) primary research was conducted in the early 1990's and, following a visit to the West Sussex County Records Office in Chichester, W. Sussex, UK on September 2nd 1992, he made the following observations in an important note: "Examined Microfische births under Jordan, Jourdan, Jordayne, Jerdan, Jordon. LAZARUS JORDAN married ELIZABETH ? on December 3rd, 1815 registered by the Independant Church at Chapel Street Worthing." (RCJ notation) "There are recorded children births with above Mother and Father." (RCJ Diagram showing) LYDIA J b. 24 Jan. 1813. Reg. Chapel St. (Ind) ROBERT J b. 20 June 1814. Reg. Chapel St. (Ind) JOHN LAZARUS J b. 3 Dec. 1815. Reg. Chapel St. (Ind) JOSEPH J b. 13 Nov 1820. Reg. Chapel St. (Ind) These births are confirmed by professional researchers engaged by RCJ in 1999 who located Parish records in "Chapel Street-independent, Worthing Sussex" as noted in their letter to him of January 6, 1999. If in fact the Lazarus/Elizabeth Jordan marriage date is accurate, then Lydia (1813) and Robert (1814) were born out of wedlock and John Lazarus (1815) was born on the same day as his parents' marriage! This strange scenario bears further investigating into the possibility that "b" birth dates may be Baptism dates. RCJ was led to believe from anecdotal evidence that ROBERT JORDAN (b. 1814) had married a (?) BARRETT or BASSETT and might have been married in Sompting Church, near Worthing in W. Sussex. He examined BMD records at Sompting Church from 1799-1808 but found no record of marriage of Robert Jordan. This is not surprising since his search for a marriage in this period was too early and he notes he needed to "search later records for Sompting". However, he notes that he did find a record in Sompting of the birth of a "LYDIA JORDAN (b. 11 Sept. 1836). Father ROBERT JORDAN married to SARAH BASSETT" Family anecdotal evidence had suggested that Robert had married a "Barrett" from a Jewish family in London. Although he never found a record of their marriage in Sompting, RCJ notes that Robert "married Sarah Bassett. Robert is supposed to have died around 1887-89. He was a Lay Preacher and Schoolmaster." If Robert Jordan referred to in the Sompting record is the same one RCJ located in Chichester, then his daughter Lydia Jordan (1836) is the niece of Lydia Jordan (1813). RCJ corroborates Lydia (1836) with his memory of an Aunt Lydia "an elderly lady who lived in Portslade or North Hove with her sister Kate". RCJ never found evidence of KATE. He drew a diagram of Robert's children showing: "LYDIA (b. 11 Sept, 1836 (Reg. Dorset Gardens. Brighton, Sussex) HERBERT HENRY [RCJ’s own Grandfather] died 1890-1891. Married Alice Frisby. (2nd marriage) KATE? Depicted by a broken line he further shows “ARCHIBALD/ARTHUR known as Uncle Archie." In another diagram, RCJ clearly shows Robert Jordan married to Sarah Bassett with children: LYDIA (Reg at Dorset Gardens, Brighton 11, Sept 1836 ? Wesleyan) HERBERT HENRY KATE ? JAMES or JIM with a ? for marriage but shown as having a son "ARCHIBALD or ARTHUR known as 'Uncle Archie'" This, then is the basis for the important connections which RCJ established in his research and, whilst not corroborated to a level of unimpeachable evidence, they do form an essential basis for future research and are in all likelihood close to historical truth. The family line from Herbert Henry to RCJ is clear and needs no further corroboration since it involves his direct recollection of his own Father, Uncles and Aunts. From this period in the late 1990's on, RCJ's research concentrated on LAZARUS JORDAN and in trying to corroborate the anecdotal family evidence of a "French Connection." Professional researchers were retained, but no evidence has so far been uncovered, although further examination of BMD, Parish, and immigration records in Sussex needs to be undertaken. Further investigation also needs to be undertaken of Elizabeth Jordan and Sarah Jordan/nee "Bassett." Using the research of RCJ, a viable genealogical database has been established starting with LAZARUS and ELIZABETH JORDAN from which reasonably accurate ancestral and descendant tables can be created. The integrity of this database will be enhanced by further research and factual corroboration. Paul R. Jordan

24.08--John Miles Basset was born 22 Mar 1818; unmarried, he died in Pensacola, Fla., of Yellow Fever.
JB/ENH notes:
53B18. John Miles Basset- b. 22 Mar 1818, d. in Pensacola, Fla., from yellow fever; was not married.
 

Cousin Liz Hicks wrote "Basset Family of Old Cahaba" for the book, The Heritage of Dallas County, Alabama, published in 2004. A copy of the article was sent to me by Cousin Barbara Ward. Enclosed in these boxes are excerpts relating to each of the children of John James Louis Basset and Mary Miles. (8) John Miles, born March 22, 1818, died in Pensacola, FL, of yellow fever, unmarried.

24.09--Henry Basset, b. 30 Jan 1820; unmarried, he died in England.
JB/ENH notes:
53B19. Henry Basset - born 30 Jan 1820, died in England, unmarried
 

Cousin Liz Hicks wrote "Basset Family of Old Cahaba" for the book, The Heritage of Dallas County, Alabama, published in 2004. A copy of the article was sent to me by Cousin Barbara Ward. Enclosed in these boxes are excerpts relating to each of the children of John James Louis Basset and Mary Miles. (9) Henry, born January 30, 1820, died in England, unmarried.

24.10--Joseph Lavalette Basset was born 25 Nov 1821; m. Mary Ann Gwin

25.01--M. E. (Mary Ellen?)Basset, b.; d.; m. 1864 to Mr. G. T. Macon, moved to Texas in 1889

G.T. Macon, a contractor and builder of Dallas, came here in March, 1889, and has already erected many residences here, as well as the Oak Cliff Hotel and the Christian Church. Besides, he has also put up several business houses, as the Henderson building on Commerce Street, etc. in 1890 when he employed 250 men.   He was born in Alabama, in 1845, the fifth in order of birth of the ten children of E.J. and Mary Ann (Syler) Macon. His father was born in North Carolina and early in life settled in Alabama. He was at first a saddler, and afterward became a planter and accumulated considerable wealth, but the ravages of war swept it mostly away.   He died in 1863 and his wife, a native of Alabama, died in 1861 - both in Shelby County, Alabama..........In 1864, in Shelby County, Alabama, Mr. Macon was married to M.E. Bassett, a native of that State and brought up in Cahaba. Her parents were Joseph L. and M.A. (Gwin) Bassett. Her father was born in England, and her mother in Alabama. She died in 1845, and the father was killed in a sawmill in Talladega county, that State, in 1865.

Cousin Liz Hicks wrote "Basset Family of Old Cahaba" for the book, The Heritage of Dallas County, Alabama, published in 2004. A copy of the article was sent to me by Cousin Barbara Ward. Enclosed in these boxes are excerpts relating to each of the children of John James Louis Basset and Mary Miles. (10) Joseph Lavalette, born January 6, 1822, married (1) Ann Gwinn, January 19, 1843, and (2) Mrs. Louisa C. Blann, September 1, 1847, both Cahaba marriages. He was a Confederate soldier...killed by an explosion of mill rock and is buried in the New Cemetery at Old Cahaba (no marker).

JB/ENH notes:
* 53B1B. Emily Maria Basset, b. 20 Jun 1824 in Brighton, Sussex Co., Eng.; d. 1873 in Travis Co., TX.; m1. Sir George Benton in Eng. (source: family Bible); m2. John P. Veidt in 1854 in Sumter Co., AL (d. 6 weeks later); m3. Carl Ludwig Nitschke, 1854, Sumter Co., AL.; Elizabeth Nitschke Hicks note, which includes the entries 4.1--Catherine Matilda Nitschke through 6.1--Elizabeth (Liz) Nitschke below:
My g-gmother, 3.11 Emma Maria Basset Nitschke b. 13 May 1825, d. 21 Oct 1873, 6 ch

 

Cousin Liz Hicks wrote "Basset Family of Old Cahaba" for the book, The Heritage of Dallas County, Alabama, published in 2004. A copy of the article was sent to me by Cousin Barbara Ward. Enclosed in these boxes are excerpts relating to each of the children of John James Louis Basset and Mary Miles. (11) Emma Maria, born June 20, 1824, christened Broadwater Church, Sussex, married (1) Sir George Benton. He and infant son died of typhoid in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. Emma left Woodstock to join her brothers and sister in Cahaba. [John M. Gwin Note: These would be Louis (m., Joseph, and Ida] She married (2) John P. Veidt, August 2, 1854, in Sumter County. He died after six weeks. Emma married (3) Carl Ludwig Nitschke, a widower with four small children, October 23, 1854, in Gainesville, Sumter County, Alabama... Emma Basset and her third husband, Carl L. Nitschke, a German cabinet maker, lived with his four children, William Louis, Herman Julius, Mary Eliza, and Oscar Emil, in Gainesville, Sumter County, where C. L. owned a furniture store. In 1855, they left for Texas where a plentiful supply of hardwoods could be found. They settled in Austin, Travis County, where children Emma Margaret, Alice Theresa, James Bassett, Lena, and Robert Edward, were born. There was another daughter who died in infancy. C. L. Nitschke, born August 30, 1813, died October 9, 1888. Emma Maria Basset Benton Veidt Nitschke died October 21, 1873. Both, as well as most of their children, are buried in historic Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, Texas.

.

JB/ENH notes:
53B1C. Thomas Basset (twin) - b. 23 Jul 1826, lost at sea

 

Cousin Liz Hicks wrote "Basset Family of Old Cahaba" for the book, The Heritage of Dallas County, Alabama, published in 2004. A copy of the article was sent to me by Cousin Barbara Ward. Enclosed in these boxes are excerpts relating to each of the children of John James Louis Basset and Mary Miles. (12) Thomas, born July 23, 1826, was lost at sea.

24.13--Charles Basset, b. 23 July 1826, also d. unmarried.

JB/ENH notes:

53B1D. Archibald Basset (twin) - b. 23 Jul 1826, d. unmarried

Cousin Liz Hicks wrote "Basset Family of Old Cahaba" for the book, The Heritage of Dallas County, Alabama, published in 2004. A copy of the article was sent to me by Cousin Barbara Ward. Enclosed in these boxes are excerpts relating to each of the children of John James Louis Basset and Mary Miles. (13) Archibald, [Thomas'] twin, drowned in England, never married.

JB/ENH notes:
53B1E. Charles Robert Basset - died 7 Feb 1837, aged 7 years

Cousin Liz Hicks wrote "Basset Family of Old Cahaba" for the book, The Heritage of Dallas County, Alabama, published in 2004. A copy of the article was sent to me by Cousin Barbara Ward. Enclosed in these boxes are excerpts relating to each of the children of John James Louis Basset and Mary Miles. (14) Charles Robert, died February 7, 1837, age seven.

ß(called Henry) was a Cockney orphan boy who was apprenticed to William and Louis Basset in England and came to America with the family, fought in the Civil War, and was faithful to the family, remaining in Alabama and dying unmarried at an old age. A census of Cahaba, Ala., in 1850 showed Henry Bridger to be 19 years old. He helped them all and was well beloved by them all. He made a trip in 1892 to England to visit his mother. [John M. Gwin NOTE, 1999: Some quick math shows that Henry would have been perhaps a year older than Robert (or Charles Robert), who died at age seven of unnamed causes. Pure speculation allows that perhaps there had been plans to apprentice Robert, and at his death, Henry was semi-adopted by Robert's older brothers William (my gg-grandfather) and/or Louis as a "replacement". Or perhaps the relationship with Henry was established earlier and Henry and Robert actually knew each other. The number (3.15) before Henry's name was added by me in the speculation that perhaps he had even been adopted by the parents, John James Louis and Mary Miles Basset.]

 
Subject:     Basset/Gwin additional info
Received:  11 Jul 2000 12:04 AM
From:        liz hicks, erootrot@usa.net
To:          john, jmcdgwin@zianet.com

John,
I'm sending this info and you can "correct" or add as you see fit.

My g-gmother, Emma Maria Basset Nitschke b. 13 May 1825, d. 21 Oct 1873, had 6 ch:

l.  Catherine Matilda Nitschke b. 14 Sep 1855, d. same day

2.  Emma Margaret Nitschke b. 30 Oct 1856 Austin, Travis Co.,TX; d. 21 Jun 1938, bd. Oakwood Cem., Austin; m. 5 May 1877 George A. Isherwood

3. Alice Theresa Nitschke b. 2 Oct 1858 Austin, TX; d. 26 Jan 1910, bd. Oakwood Cem.; m. 8 Aug 1876 Mathew Clarkson

4.  James Bassett Nitschke b. 1 Jul 1860 Bull Creek, Travis Co.,TX (near Austin); d. 29 Oct 1929, bd. Oakwood Cem.; m. Alice Hilliare 19 Dec 1883

5.  Aileen Isabel "Lena" Nitschke b. 9 Jan 1863 Fiskville, TX (near Austin); d. 24 Apr 1905,  bd. Oakwood Cem.; m. 10 Nov 1880 Albert Schute

6.  Robert Edward Nitschke b. 16 Mar 1866 Austin, TX; m. 11 Dec 1890 Elizabeth Anna Helen Richter;  Both are buried in new section of Oakwood Cem., Austin, TX.  He was police chief of Austin, TX during 1920's.  He was my grandfather.  Their children:  Lula Mae Nitschke m. William F. Devine; Robert E. Nitschke, Jr. married Williard Griffith (great granddaughter of Susanna Dickinson Hannig, the lady Santa Anna let out of the Alamo to go tell what had happened), and my dad, Herbert C. Nitschke.

Only 2 first cousins of my dad and myself are living.   I am an only grandchild and only child.

Emma Basset Nitschke, my great grandmother, was the sister to your William Basset, father of Ida Eliza Basset Gwin.  Therefore, I believe Emma Basset Nitschke was Ida's aunt.

Some puzzles:
Emma Maria Basset born May 13, 1824, was christened in Broadwater, England June 20, 1824.  Christening record states daughter of James and Mary Basset of Worthing, England (milkman).  The "milkman" conflicts with fam. info. as have James Basset was a "draper" gentlemen's tailor.

Also, marriage record from England:  William Basset and Harriett Bowley married by banns, Broadwater, 22 Jan 1837.  Harriett baptised 6 Aug 1821 Clymping, Eng., dtr. of Edmund and Kitty Bowley.

Charlotte Cheeseman b. 21 Jul l806 Eng.; d. 4 Oct 1876 Matagorda Co.,TX; m. at Preston (near Brighton), Eng. 19 Sep 1830, Frederick Cheeseman, both of this parish, witnesses:  James Basset(t) & Mary Cheeseman

On Frederick Cheeseman's tombstone has "born Horsham, England died 8 Nov1866 age 59 years."

Snuff box- according to Edith Snow's papers from VA Historical Society..."His [William Basset's] brother came to New York and left children.  We do not know who they were.  He was a secretary in some Institute of Science in Worthing, England.  When he left for America, was presented with a silver snuff-box.  He left it to his namesake, Uncle Jim Basset.  Peter Gwin has it now."  Maybe you can check with some of Peter Gwin's desc. and be SURE they understand WE DON'T WANT THE SNUFF BOX, JUST THE INFORMATION/INSCRIPTION so I can try to follow up on in England.  Some people get real nervous when "cousins" go looking for family heirlooms such as Bibles, etc.

By the way, I have a picture of my great-grandmother, Emma Basset Nitschke born 1824 taken in 1854, also picture of William Basset's tombstone in the new cemetery at Old Cahaba, near Selma, Dallas Co.,AL. I'll see if can get copied if you want.

The Episcopal church they belonged to in Old Cahaba was moved to near Orrville, AL and was still standing as of 1997.

I'll try and get some info. copied and mailed to you.  I would like to have copies of your uncle's research or info.  I'll try and narrow this request down after I study the info I printed from your website.

Oh, Mary Ann Basset, dau. of William and Harriett Basset, m. 15 Nov 1881 R. D. (Robert) Boykin in Dallas Co., AL.

Best,

Liz Hicks
erootrot@usa.net