Richard Bassett (politician)
| Richard Bassett | |
|---|---|
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| Judge of the United States Circuit Court for the Third Circuit | |
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In office February 20, 1801 – July 1, 1802 |
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| Appointed by | John Adams |
| Preceded by | Seat established |
| Succeeded by | Seat abolished |
| 13th Governor of Delaware | |
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In office January 9, 1799 – March 3, 1801 |
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| Preceded by | Daniel Rogers |
| Succeeded by | James Sykes |
| Chief Justice of the Delaware Court of Common Pleas | |
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In office March 4, 1793 – January 15, 1799 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | James Booth |
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United States Senator from Delaware |
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In office March 4, 1789 – March 4, 1793 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | John Vining |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
April 2, 1745 Cecil County, Maryland, British America |
| Died |
August 15, 1815 (aged 70) Kent County, Delaware, U.S. |
| Political party | Federalist |
| Spouse(s) | Ann Ennals Betsy Garnett |
Richard Bassett (April 2, 1745 – August 15, 1815) was an American lawyer and political figure from the state of Delaware who, as a veteran of the Revolutionary War and delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, is considered one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A member of the Federalist Party, he served in the Delaware General Assembly, as Governor of Delaware, and as U.S. Senator from Delaware. He holds the Senate Rank of 1, as the most senior United States Senator during the First Congress of the United States.
Bassett was born at Bohemia Ferry in the Province of Maryland's Cecil County. His mother, Judith Thompson, had married part-time tavern-owner and farmer Arnold Bassett who deserted the family during Richard's childhood. Since Judith Thompson was the great granddaughter and heiress of Augustine Herrman, the original owner of Cecil County's massive estate of Bohemia Manor, her family raised young Richard. Eventually this heritage provided him with inherited wealth, including the Bohemia Manor plantation as well as much other property in Delaware's New Castle County.
Bassett studied law under Judge Robert Goldsborough of Province of Maryland's Dorchester County and, in 1770, Richard was admitted to the Bar. He moved to Delaware and began a practice in Kent County's court town of Dover, which, in 1777, became the newly independent state's capital city. By concentrating on agricultural pursuits as well as religious and charitable concerns, he quickly established himself amongst the local gentry and “developed a reputation for hospitality and philanthropy.” In 1774, at the age of 29, Richard married Ann Ennals and they had three children, Richard Ennals, Ann (known as Nancy) and Mary. After Ann Ennals' death he married Betsy Garnett in 1796. They were active members of the Methodist Church, and gave the church much of their time and attention.
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