Webster Museum volunteers have scoured available online resources for information about Asa Bass and his family. We think this family may have been the first black residents of what is now Webster.

Asa (1792-1872) was born in Vermont, was a pioneer who came here in 1812 and bought at different times three different properties between the northern sections of what are now Phillips Road and Route 250.  Among his neighbors were the Foster and Wright families.

Asa and his wife Matilda Fuller Bass (1790-1866) had at least two children, Jane Bass Gould (1820-1891) and Chester Bass (1824-1873).  Jane married Charles Gould and they had three children:  Anna, Nelson and Elijah.
Chester married Sarah Gracen and they had at least one child, Francis Bass Vond. One of Asa’s nephews, Asa Boyd, lived with the family for many years.

We have many facts but few stories about Asa and his farm and family lives. We’re hoping to hear from relatives of people who may have been friends or neighbors as well as descendants of this family.

Any information, even the smallest clue, would be greatly appreciated. Please send to Kathy at ktaddeo5@icloud.com.