Genealogical Research Stories: The Basse Class

Thank you all for coming to Basse with me earlier this week! (The verb to Basse, of course, meaning to immerse oneself in all things related to Jeremiah Basse.)  I hope you enjoyed learning more about the genealogy of one of New Jersey’s earliest governors.

During the presentation, we not only reviewed biographical details of Basse family members, but some important resources for colonial New Jersey genealogical research.

The Extracts from American Newspapers Relating to New Jersey can be a gold mine of genealogical information.   Using this resource, I was able to find articles relating to deaths, land sales, and even a marriage announcement for Ann, one of Jeremiah Basse’s daughters.  This series covers 1703-1782, and is available in print both at the New Jersey State Library and the State Archives.  You may also find some of the volumes digitized online.

Colonial New Jersey Deeds are indexed in the Early Land Records Database.  Deeds may trace the history of property ownership or summarize a bequest left in a will.  If family members are selling land together, a deed will also often define the relationship between individuals selling land.  Using deeds, I proved that Katherine Pierce and Ann Pidgeon were sisters and also identified their parents and brother.  I was also able to connect Jeremiah Basse to his mother and some siblings thanks to a deed.

I had fun detailing what I learned about the Basse family through my research and share some of the mysteries I still have to unlock.  If you’re curious to learn more about the Basses or need some brainstorming help on your own colonial research, please feel free to e-mail me.