Richard Bassett (Delaware politician)

Richard Bassett (1745-1815) was an American lawyer and statesman from Delaware. He served in a variety of prominent positions, including as a delegate to the Continental Congress, a signer of the United States Constitution, a United States Senator, the Governor of Delaware, and a federal judge.

Bassett was born in Cecil County, Maryland, but moved to Delaware where he practiced law with distinction. He quickly became involved in public life, advocating for independence from Great Britain.

During the American Revolution, he served in the Delaware militia. After the war, he was a strong advocate for a stronger national government and participated in the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where he played a key role in the drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Following the ratification of the Constitution, Bassett was elected as one of Delaware's first United States Senators, serving from 1789 to 1793. He later served as Chief Justice of the Delaware Court of Common Pleas.

In 1799, Bassett was elected Governor of Delaware, serving until 1801 when he was appointed a United States Circuit Judge. He served in that capacity until the abolition of the circuit courts in 1802.

Bassett was a staunch Federalist and was known for his strong religious convictions, later becoming involved in the Methodist movement. He owned slaves but gradually emancipated them throughout his life. He died in Bohemia Manor, Maryland, at the age of 70.