Basil Napier was the third son of Francis and Nina Napier. Francis, also known as Lord Napier, served as the British Minister to the United States from 1857-1859. During this time the Napier family lived in Washington DC and were close with the Seward family. Fanny Seward recounts taking dancing lessons with Basil and his brothers in her 1858-1859 diary, and also seeing them during social visits. 

Basil served in the military, earning the title of Lieutenant. He died at Melville Hospital in Chatham at age 23, making him the only Napier son to not outlive their parents.