BASSETT, William H. 1858-1957

BASSETT

Posted By: Terry James (email)
Date: 12/28/2011 at 13:30:52

Ida county Weekly Newspaper May 30 1957

William Henry Bassett
"Grandpa" William Bassett, Ida Grove`s oldest citizen and one of the pioneer settlers of this locality, slipped off quietly into eternal sleep at 1 o`clock Monday afternoon, May 27.

William Henry Bassett was born December 31, 1858 at Zanesville, Ohio. He was the only son of Thomas and Eliza Rowse Bassett. He attended public school and a business college at Zanesville.
In 1874 he came to Jefferson, Iowa, with his parents and on October 8, 1876, he rode on a construction train to the villiage of Ida. He and his father, Thomas Bassett, were builders and contractors and erected many of the buildings and homes in this part of the county. From 1901 to 1909 he ranched in Alberta, Canada.
He was united in marriage to Annie James at Manistique, Michigan, on August 4, 1909. After residing in California one year, he returned to Ida Grove to take over the business as his father desired to retire. He continued in active business until 1946.
He was a member of the First Methodist church, Kane lodge, Royal Arch and the Order of the Eastern Star. In April, 1956, he received his fiftieth year membership in the Masonic Order. He was the last surviving member of the original Ida Grove Fire Department. He was one of the organizers of the Ida Grove Telephone Co. and the Electric Co., and president for three years. He served 8 years on the City Council and contributed a large share to the advancement of the city.
Mr. Bassett was a great reader and student throughtout his whole life. After retiring from his carpenter and contracting work, continued many years after most men give up business cares, he spent many hours a day reading along a broad line of topics.
He is survived by one daughter, Alice, Mrs. Ernest Turin, and two granddaughters, Janet Ann and Pamela Alice Turin.

Funeral services were held at the Christensen funeral home Wednesday, May 29 at 1:30 p.m., with Dr. Wayne Shoemaker officiating. The Masonic services were coducted at the graveside. Burial was at the Ida Grove cemetery. Pallbearers were Donald Cameron, Bruce Pipe, Mark Piper, John Rathjen, Ed Marsh and Charles Yousling, Jr.