The Bass Family of Camden, NJ

This is another in a series of pages about some of the Jewish families that lived and thrived in Camden beginning around 1880. So many of these families had multiple members who were notably involved in different aspects of life in the city, and over time I have found that many of these families were related either through marriage or business dealings.

Needless to say these pages are open to participation by the descendants of the families mentioned… as a rule they are inspired by e-mail I’ve received from one or more family members. If you see something in error or feel that something should be added, PLEASE contact me via e-mail so it can be added. Like everything else on this website, and in our lives, it’s a work in progress. I welcome all comments, criticisms, and contributions… pictures are more than welcome.

Phil Cohen, Camden NJ

The Bass family first came to Camden in 1905. Henry James Bass, was brought to Camden from Russia in 1905 by his father, Jacob Bassevitch, who returned to Pinsk only to return to Camden a year later with his wife and daughter. They settled at 617 Ferry Avenue, between South 6th Street and Railroad Avenue, where Jacob Bassevitch opened a general merchandise store.

The Bassevitch family belonged to the Congregation B’nai Abraham, also called the Lichtenstein synagogue, at 335 Liberty Street.

Henry Bassevitch anglicized his name to Henry Bass. He was married in 1913. By 1917 Henry Bass had opened up a dry goods store of his own, at 1013 Kaighn Avenue, and lived above the store. He also had been naturalized as an American citizen.

By 1930 his wife Elizabeth, who by 1930 had bore four children, Miriam, Florence, Grace, and Eugene, all born in Camden. The Bass family lived at 1413 Ormond Avenue in Camden’s Parkside neighborhood when the Census was taken in 1930. He was working as a flour jobber. The Bass family belonged to Congregation Beth El, on Park Boulevard at Belleview Avenue, opposite Farnham Park.

Jacob Bassevitch died in March 1932 and was buried in the New Camden Cemetery at Mt. Ephraim and Ferry Avenue.

By 1947 Henry J. Bass was still living on Ormond Avenue. He had a toy manufacturing business at this point. He was still residing at the Ormond Avenue address as late as 1959.

Son Eugene went to dental school and practiced dentistry in the Camden area for many years, with an office at 1500 North Kings Highway in Cherry Hill.

Elizabeth Bass, last a resident of Cherry Hill, passed away on August 28, 1991, three weeks short of her hundred and first birthday.

Thanks to Dr. Gene Bass for his help in creating this web page.

Camden Families