Among the foothills in that part of rural Virginia, John Bassett made a minimal existence as a farmer, working as a tobacco pinholder[check spelling], store keeper, sawmill operator, and lumberman.

With this opportunity, he and his family were able to become the sole suppliers of railroad ties for the company, which was leasing and developing lines for the Norfolk and Western Railway.

[2] John D. Bassett was an early adopter of Florida as a vacation resort, and would retreat there during the fall and winter months.

In 1921, he partnered with Robert Osborne and took over the Hartsfield Wholesale Grocer company in West Palm Beach, Florida.

It has expanded and contracted over the years, purchasing and selling a number of furniture manufacturing companies, and changing its target consumer and style offerings as it struggles to remain competitive.

While southwestern Virginia voted strongly Democratic in the early 20th century, John D. Bassett supported the Republican ticket.

"In an effort to advance its members' socioeconomic and ethnic views, the Ku Klux Klan turned to politics.

Klan members threw their support behind Purcell's Republican opponent, John David Bassett, whom they styled "the 100% candidate."