BASCOM, John S.

BASCOM, WALKER, SPENCER, BROWN

Posted By: Administrator
Date: 12/27/2001 at 18:10:58

PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF CLINTON COUNTY, IOWA 1886 (CHAPMAN BROS.)

Containing full page portraits & biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county. (Also available on FHL film 1036331 Item 9)

(P. 198) JOHN S. BASCOM, one of the representative and substantial farmers of Clinton County, and who resides on section 5, Deep Creek Township, was born in Windsor County, Vt., Aug. 12, 1834. His father, Luman, was born in New Hampshire, July 18, 1800, and died Nov. 13, 1873, at the home place in Deep Creek Township. He was a farmer by profession, and married Miss Abigail Walker, who was born Jan. 16, 1799. She is still living. They had five children, three of whom died when quite small. Their names are as follows: Susan E., John S., Abigail A., Jane, and one who died in infancy.

The subject of this biography came to Montgomery County, N.Y., when he was one year of age, and remained there fourteen years. In 1850 he came to Wisconsin and entered Racine County, where he worked on a farm and attended the public schools. There he remained four years; he then went to Clayton County, near McGregor, where his father bought 160 acres of Government land, and there they remained eleven years. In 1865 they moved to Clinton County and bought 260 acres, to which has been added real estate till he now has 360. He has built a barn and breeds Short-horn cattle and Clydesdale horses. His stallion is the “Pride of Avondale,” and is six years old. His weight is 2100 pounds when in good condition; he is a bright bay in color, and is an animal in which any owner may take pride. Another, “Croix Chief,” a brown animal in color, is six years of age, and weighs 1700 pounds. He is of high grade, and is a noble and valuable animal. Mr. Bascom also has a thoroughbred Short-horn bull of the Bates family, “Philos Duke of Englewood.” He is one year old.

Mr. Bascom maried Miss Phebe A. Spencer, Feb. 23, 1858. She was born in Racine County, Wis., children, as follows: Allison W., born Feb. 27, 1859; John L., Nov. 6, 1860; Fayette S., Feb. 11, 1861; Homer L., Dec. 3, 1865, and Abbey O., Feb. 14, 1868.

Mrs. Bascom departed this life Dec. 3, 1873, and left a devoted husband and affectionate children to mourn her loss. Mr. B. was again married, Sept. 24, 1874, to Miss Martha Brown. She was born Sept. 15, 1836, and is the daughter of Loring G. Brown, born in Pennsylvania April 17, 1811. He had five children -- Martha, Andrew J., William, Clarissa and Sarah M.

Mr.and Mrs. Bascom are members of the Congregational Church at Preston, and are people who are highly esteemed by the community for their good words and works. Mr. Bascom has held the offices of School Director, Trustee and Township Collector. He joined the Masonic fraternity in 1871 and stands high in the orders. Three of his sons are also members of the Lodge. He is a strong Republican in politics. A view of Mr. Bascom’s residence is shown on another page of this work.