Col. Chauncey J. Bassett was born and buried in Massachusetts, but was an attorney in Allegan, Michigan when he formed the 6th Michigan Infantry in 1861. In 1862, Capt. Bassett was commissioned major in one of the first colored regiments. All of his officers were black, as were the troops. He was the first white commander to have black officers. He rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel in the same regiment, but was killed while in command of it during the Red River campaign.
The Allegan Gazette reported in April 1881 that "He was one of the bravest of the brave," which was the same year the Grand Army of the Republic Post 56 in Allegan, Michigan was chartered and named after Chauncey J. Bassett. The post was disbanded in 1941.
(change submitted by contributor jmb)
Massachusetts Birth Record: Massachusetts Town Deaths Index, ca. 1640-1961
Name: Chauncey Bassett
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: 7 Aug 1830
Event Place: Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts, United States
Event Place (Original): Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts
Sex: Male
Father's Name: Nathan Jr Bassett
Mother's Name: Maria
The Allegan Gazette reported in April 1881 that "He was one of the bravest of the brave," which was the same year the Grand Army of the Republic Post 56 in Allegan, Michigan was chartered and named after Chauncey J. Bassett. The post was disbanded in 1941.
(change submitted by contributor jmb)
Massachusetts Birth Record: Massachusetts Town Deaths Index, ca. 1640-1961
Name: Chauncey Bassett
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: 7 Aug 1830
Event Place: Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts, United States
Event Place (Original): Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts
Sex: Male
Father's Name: Nathan Jr Bassett
Mother's Name: Maria
Col. Chauncey J. Bassett was born and buried in Massachusetts, but was an attorney in Allegan, Michigan when he formed the 6th Michigan Infantry in 1861. In 1862, Capt. Bassett was commissioned major in one of the first colored regiments. All of his officers were black, as were the troops. He was the first white commander to have black officers. He rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel in the same regiment, but was killed while in command of it during the Red River campaign.
The Allegan Gazette reported in April 1881 that "He was one of the bravest of the brave," which was the same year the Grand Army of the Republic Post 56 in Allegan, Michigan was chartered and named after Chauncey J. Bassett. The post was disbanded in 1941.
(change submitted by contributor jmb)
Massachusetts Birth Record: Massachusetts Town Deaths Index, ca. 1640-1961
Name: Chauncey Bassett
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: 7 Aug 1830
Event Place: Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts, United States
Event Place (Original): Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts
Sex: Male
Father's Name: Nathan Jr Bassett
Mother's Name: Maria
The Allegan Gazette reported in April 1881 that "He was one of the bravest of the brave," which was the same year the Grand Army of the Republic Post 56 in Allegan, Michigan was chartered and named after Chauncey J. Bassett. The post was disbanded in 1941.
(change submitted by contributor jmb)
Massachusetts Birth Record: Massachusetts Town Deaths Index, ca. 1640-1961
Name: Chauncey Bassett
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: 7 Aug 1830
Event Place: Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts, United States
Event Place (Original): Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts
Sex: Male
Father's Name: Nathan Jr Bassett
Mother's Name: Maria
Inscription
Chauncey J. Bassett Col 73rd U.S.C.I. Born in Lee, Mass Aug 7, 1830. Died in Christian hope and trust at Cheneyville, LA May 7th 1864. Aged 33 years, 9 mos. The gift of God is Eternal Life thru Jesus Christ our Lord
Civil War Record:
Enlisted 6-19-1861 at Ft Wayne, MI
Commissioned 8-20-1861 as Capt in Co G, 6th Mich Infantry
Discharged for promotion 10-1-1862; Major , 73rd US Colored Troops
Promoted Colonel 9-10-1863
Killed 5-3-1864 at Red River, La [fell overboard from US Transport "City Belle"
Family Members
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