The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Bass, Michael Thomas

BASS, Michael Thomas, English brewer: b. 1799; d. 1884. He became head of the Burton brewing firm of Bass & Company upon the death of his father and was a member of Parliament from 1848 to 1883. His benefactions were very numerous, and included the building and endowing of Saint Paul's Church, Burton (the total expenditure on the parish being about $500,000); and the establishment of recreation grounds, a free library, and swimming baths for Derby, at a cost of $185,000. Of simple tastes, he more than once declined a baronetcy and a peerage.