BASCOM, Elias Bush 1833-1921

BASCOM, ROGERS, ROGAN, CARR, HOYT, JUNKINS, BLACK

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 6/9/2020 at 11:11:38

Civil War Hero 88, Passes Away - Dies at Lansing home - Was wounded in great conflict - Escaped from Libby Prison
Lansing, Ia., June 9 - Captain Elias Bush Basom, died here Sunday morning, June 5, after a brief illness at the age of 88.

He was a veteran of the Civil war in which conflict he was wounded. He enlisted at Burlington, Ia., May 4, 1861, at the head of a company of volunteers, Co. K, 8th regiment, 3rd Iowa infantry. For some reason he was not allowed to act as captain of his company, but as he was anxious to show his patriotism he fought as a private.

It was not long before his worth was recognized and he was made captain. He was wounded at the battle of Inka, Miss., Sept. 19, 1862, was captured at Chattanooga, Tenn., and was confined in Libby prison five months.

After many harrowing experiences, he succeeded in making his escape on October 5, 1864, and on Nov. 27 of the same year he was honorably discharged from the army.

Upon returning to civil life, he became a contractor and many of the buildings constructed at Lansing were built by him.

Captain Bascom was born at Newport, N.H., in 1833 and his people were New England pioneers, having come to American from England in 1639. He was one of a family of seven children, only two of whom, Mrs. Alice Carr of Newport, N.H. and Mrs. Harriet Hoyt of Fitchburg, Mass., survive.

He was married in 1854 to Miss Mary Place Rogan [sic] of Newport, N.H., who preceded him in death, Feb. 10, 1908. There were four daughters born to them, two of whom died in infancy. In the late 70's they took to their home a boy from the Five Points Industrial school at New York, who later developed into a splendid upright citizen.

Captain Bascom and family came west in 1854, traveling by ox team most of the way, and landed in Lansing, April 2.

Burial was made in Oak Hill cemetery, Tuesday morning, June 7.

~Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, Thursday, June 9, 1921; pg 8

Notes:
- He served in the 5th IA Inf.
- The death certificate of his wife Mary, gives her maiden name as Rogers; d/o James Rogers and Lydia Junkins
- The boy they took in was named Braddock 'Braddy' Black