We remember two individuals from the south coast who’s losses struck grief in the hearts of many, that being Nathan M. Basset and William Googins.
Nathan was a native of Yarmouth, Massachusetts and was the son of Isaac Mayo and Mary Jane Baker Bassett. He eventually migrated to New Bedford with his sister Marinda and allegedly his uncle Isaac D. Baker. Throughout his years in the area, Nathan grew up surrounded by whalers and fishermen who worked tirelessly along the busy harbor. As the young man got older, his involvement in New Bedford’s waterfront only grew more. However this lifestyle unfortunately did not last. In March of 1836, the twenty-year old developed a horrible case of cholera. Sadly Nathan’s conditions only worsened by the day until the March 16th when he had passed away. Though he did not traverse the waters beyond the harbor, the New Bedford Port Society was honored to commemorate his memory with a cenotaph in the Whaleman’s Chapel.
Three years later, William Googins was found aboard one of the many vessels that left New Bedford. Based on the city’s directory in 1839, it is assumed William was the son of William Googins Sr. who was a master mariner who lived at 82 South Second st. Due to unforeseen circumstances throughout time, it’s not clear as to what ship William boarded or how he tragically fell overboard. We can say for certain though William’s untimely passing left the community to mourn and grieve. In hopes of keeping his memory and legacy forever in mind, William’s name was also commemorated upon the cenotaph.