Bassett, John, (1), Dd

Bassett, John, (1), D.D., a Reformed (Dutch) minister, was born at Bushwick, L. L, Oct. 1, 1764. He graduated at Columbia College in 1786, and pursued his theological studies with Dr. John H. Livingston. He was ordained to the ministry of the Reformed Church, and settled as colleague pastor with Dr. Eilardus Westerlo, in Albany, Nov. 25, 1787. In 1804 he resigned this charge and retired from the active ministry. He was professor of Hebrew by the appointment of the General Synod of his Church from 1804 to 1812, when he resigned. He died at his native place in 1820. Dr. Bassett was a man of extraordinary erudition, and an excellent Hebrew and classical scholar. He trained a number of young men for the ministry. "In the pulpit he was noted for his sound and edifying discourses," but he was neither brilliant nor eloquent. In 1801 he translated from the Dutch, and published, a work called The Pious Communicant, by Rev. Peter Immens, pastor at Middelburg, Holland, 2 vols. pp. 600. He also published in 1791 a collection of Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs for the Use of the Reformed (Dutch) Church of the United States of America. See Rogers, Hist. Discourse, p. 32, 33. (W. J. R. T.)