JOHN A. BASSETT, M. D., was born in Bracken County, Ky., March 18, 1841, son of Elijah and Mary O. (Pearl) Bassett, the former a native of Bracken County, Ky., the latter of Fauquier County, Va., and both of English origin. Elijah Bassett was married in his native county. When a youth, he was employed in the county clerk's office with Gen. Payne, for several years. When he attained his majority he was appointed deputy sheriff under his father, and held that position about four years. In 1841 or 1842 he moved to Hopkins County, Ky., where he bought a farm, and engaged in farming for five or six years. In 1847 he returned to Bracken County, and was appointed sheriff, which office he held for several years. He then engaged in general merchandising and in the tobacco business at Brookville, until December, 1855, when he again removed to Hopkins County, Ky., where he engaged in farming until 1862. He then came to Providence, Webster Co., Ky., where he resided until his death in October, 1864, in his fifty-second year. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. Our subject, at the age of eighteen, commenced the study of medicine, under his uncle, Dr. James Bassett, of Providence, and while pursuing his medical studies taught school a part of the time for about three years. In the winter of 1863, and 1864, he attended the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis, Mo. In 1864, he returned to Providence, where he has since practiced his profession. He graduated from the medical department of the University of Louisville, with the class of 1874-75. The Doctor was also interested in the drug business at Providence for about two years. He was first married December 31, 1868, to Miss Virginia F. Wetzell, a native of Providence, who bore him two children, one of whom—a daughter—is now living. Mrs. Virginia F. Bassett died January 20, 1871; she was a member of the United Baptist Church. Dr. Bassett's second marriage was, November 13, 1872, to Miss Martha F. Givens; a native of Hopkins County, Ky. Six children have blessed their union, of whom three sons are now living. The Doctor and wife are members of the United Baptist Church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Select Master's degree, and has served his lodge as W. M. and in various other official capacities. He is a Democrat.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Pages 1024-1025.