Richard Bassett (Delaware politician)

Born on April 2, 1745, in Cecil County, Province of Maryland, British America, Bassett pursued preparatory studies, then read law. 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." He was a member of the Delaware constitutional conventions of 1776 and 1792. Due to his name coming first alphabetically out of all 20 senators who commenced their first term on 4 March 1789, Bassett is the most senior senator to have served in the United States Senate. Bassett was chief justice of the Delaware Court of Common Pleas from 1793 to 1799. He was governor of Delaware from 1799 to 1801. Bassett was nominated by President John Adams on February 18, 1801, to the United States Circuit Court for the Third Circuit, to a new seat authorized by 2 Stat. 89. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 20, 1801, and received his commission the same day. His service terminated on July 1, 1802, due to abolition of the court. ==Later life and death==

After leaving the federal bench, Bassett became a planter in Cecil County. He died on September 15, 1815, on his estate Bohemia Manor in Cecil County. He was initially interred in Cecil County, and in 1865 his remains were re-interred in Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery in Wilmington, Delaware. ==Legacy==

Bassett was the grandfather of Richard H. Bayard and James A. Bayard Jr., both United States senators from Delaware. Bassettown, now Washington, Pennsylvania, was named in Bassett's honor by his cousin David Hoge. ==Note==

• National Portrait Gallery; portrait courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery. ==External links==