Baylies Bassett facts for kids

Baylies Bassett (1821–1902) had a special place in his home that was part of the Underground Railroad. His house was located at 29 North Main Street in Alfred, New York. In the attic, there was a hidden space where people seeking freedom could hide. They felt "very protected and safe" there.

About Baylies Bassett

Baylies S. Bassett was born in Watson, New York. His family moved to Alfred in 1826. His father, John C. Bassett, was a cloth dyer and farmer. Baylies was one of 14 children.

Baylies Bassett attended Alfred University from 1840 to 1841. In 1849, he married Esther Eliza Crandall.

During the American Civil War, Bassett registered for the draft in 1863. He was 43 years old at the time. In 1865, Baylies and Esther lived in Independence, New York. They were farmers and had six children: Willie, Frank, Fred, Bryon, Lottie, and George.

The Underground Railroad Station

The Bassett family home was one of several places in Allegany County, New York that helped people on the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a secret network of safe houses and routes. It helped enslaved people escape to freedom, usually in the Northern states or Canada.

Other safe houses in the area included the Henry Crandall Home in Almond, New York and the William Sortore Farm in Belmont, New York. Reverend Darwin Eldridge Maxson in Alfred also helped.

People seeking freedom often walked through northern Pennsylvania. They then headed west into New York, following routes like what is now New York State Route 417. Their goal was often Dunkirk, New York, which is on Lake Erie. From there, they could find boats to Canada.

Many church members became active in the Underground Railroad. This happened especially after the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. This law made it harder for freedom seekers to find safety.

Today, the Bassett House is owned by the Union University Church. It is used for offices and classrooms.

Death

Baylies Bassett died in Alfred, New York, on April 2, 1902.