Robert C. Bassett (March 2, 1911 – May 5, 2000) was an American newspaper publisher, lawyer, and political advisor to U.S. Presidents Harry S. Truman and Richard Nixon.
Robert Bassett | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 2, 1911 |
| Died | May 5, 2000 (aged 89) |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Alma mater | University of Wisconsin (BA) Harvard University (LLB) |
Early life and education edit
Bassett was born on March 2, 1911, to Clark and Lillian Bassett in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he was a member of the Wisconsin Badgers track and field team, graduating in 1932.[1] Bassett later graduated from Harvard Law School in 1935.[1][2]
Career edit
Following graduation he opened a private law practice in Green Bay, Wisconsin, until he joined the United States Navy after the U.S. entered World War II.[1] He retired from the navy as a lieutenant commander. After the war he became labor counsel for the Hearst Corporation and later became publisher of the Milwaukee Sentinel and vice president of the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company.[1] In 1952 Harry S. Truman appointed Bassett to the Wage Stabilization Board. He was named to the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents in 1958.[1] Bassett was director of the United States Chamber of Commerce and was appointed by Richard Nixon to the Pay Board in 1971.[1]
Personal life edit
Bassett died from Alzheimer's disease on May 5, 2000, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is interred at Arlington National Cemetery with his wife Sally (1922–1998).[3]
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f "R. C. Bassett Named Regent". The Post-Crescent. June 12, 1958. p. 8. Retrieved March 8, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Issues Archive - Harvard Law Today".
- ^ Burial Detail: Bassett, Robert C – ANC Explorer
