Sam Bass and Mary Rea

Eleanor Bass Hayes’ grandfather, Samuel Watson Bass

(1872‒1935), born September 15, 1872 in Providence Township, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, was the son of William Jasper Bass (1849‒1910) and Martha J. “Mattie” Sharp (1853‒1889).

On May 26, 1890, 17-year-od Samuel Watson Bass married 19-year-old Minnie Ann Morris (1870‒1898) of Sandy Ridge, Union County. After giving birth to three children, Bertha, Mattie, and Walter, Minnie died shortly after the birth of twin daughters, who died as infants.

Green Lee Rea

John Laney Rea

On June 1, 1899, Samuel Watson Bass married Mary Williamson Rea (1860‒1939), widow of Samuel David Alexander (1837‒1893).

Mary Williamson Rea was the daughter of John Laney Rea Sr. (1827‒1915) and Sarah Elizabeth Smith. John Laney Rea was son of Green Lee Rea (1798‒1890) and Adline Levicia Laney.

Sam Bass and Mary had two children of their own. Their daughter Inez Charlotte Bass (1902‒1983) married Preston Sylvester Baucom Sr.

Mary Williamson Rae

Rae/Bass Marriage Certificate

Sam and Mary's son Jessie Rea Bass (1900‒1993)  married Lola Asbury Deese in 1922 and  became parents of seven children,* including Eleanor Mae Bass, who married Grayson Hayes.

The 1900 Providence Township Census recorded: Samuel 27, owning his own farm, with Mary 39 (8 children, 5 still living), Bertha 9, Mattie 7, Walter H. 4, and infant Jessie, along with Alexander stepchildren Perry L. 12, Nealy 10, and 7-year-old Samuel.

1900 Census

Recorded in the household in 1910 were: Samuel W. 38, Mary 49, Jessie R. 9, Inez 7, Mattie 17, with Nealy Alexander 19, and Samuel A. Alexander 17.

1910 Census

World War I Registration

Samuel Watson Bass and Mary Williamson Rae

The 1920 census recorded the family on Matthews Road, Providence Township: 

Sam 49, Mary 59, Jessie 19, and Inez 17.

1920 Census

* Son, Jessie Rea Bass Sr. (1900‒1993), married Lola Asbury Deese and became parents of:
     1.    Eleanor Mae Bass (1911‒) married Grayson Hayes (1918‒1980).
     2.    Jessie Rea Bass Jr. (1924‒2011) married Rebecca Agatha Lipscomb; divorced. Jessie second marriage was to Ruby Katherine Therrell (1925‒2004).
     3.    Ruben Lee Bass (1925‒2003) married Kathryn Eva Mathis (1926‒2006).
     4.    Carson Odell Bass (1927‒1997) married Edith Augusta “Billie” Simril (1928‒1989).
     5.    Jason Edward Bass (1929‒1997) married ……………………
     6.    Charles Samuel Bass (1931‒1994) married…………………..
     7.    Billy Mack Bass (1935‒2006) married Betty Reid Benton (1937‒2004).

By the 1930 census, Samuel 57, was recorded married but living alone on Highway 20.

Samuel died February 1, 1935 and was buried in Providence Church Cemetery.

Samuel Watson Bass - Death Certificate