18 Church Street -
Rev. Amos Bassett House

This house was built about 1806 as the home of Congregational minister Amos Bassett. Rev. Bassett was a strong minded individual. When he was considering marriage, he asked members of his congregation for their opinion of his intended bride. The response he received on this issue was not positive. At which point, Rev. Bassett declared, “Gentlemen, I am most glad to hear and know your opinion of Miss Tinker, for now I am convinced you do not want her, and I do”. Thus, Miss Tinker became Mrs. Bassett.

Courtesy American Bicentennial 1776-1976 Hebron, CT

Rev. Bassett was the founder of the Connecticut Missionary Society. He lived here for many years before becoming principal at a missionary School in Cromwell, Connecticut.

The missionary school was founded to educate and train native Hawaiians, Cherokee and others to become missionaries. The town of Cromwell initially welcomed this educational opportunity, but later rioted against it when two young Cherokee students married local girls. As a result, the school closed down and Rev. Bassett became minister of a church in North Haven.

After Rev. Bassett sold the house, it would be owned by the Lathrop and Kassman families. The Kassmans were leading supporters of building the synagogue next door. Until the synagogue was completed, the Kassman family hosted religious celebrations in their own home.

Think about it

Why do you think the people of Cromwell reacted the way they did? How might Native Americans benefit or not benefit from a Yankee education?

Where to go next

Look across the Street at the two houses opposite.