Elmer Bassett, born 29 August 1871, Bassett Homestead, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois, son of Harvey Foster and Sarah (CHILTON) BASSETT. He died Friday, 10 Nov 1950, same place. He is buried in Sandy Branch Cemetery, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois.
Elmer married Margaret "Maggie" McWhirter 3 October 1897, Marion County, Illinois.
Maggie was born 21 Jun 1881, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois, daughter of Charles Pitts and Rebecca (HAMMER) McWHIRTER. Maggie died 2 Mar 1935, Peroia, Illinois, from lung cancer. She is buried next to her parents in Martin Cemetery, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois.
Elmer lived his entire life in the same home. At the age of 5, he had to face the death of his brother Charles. Elmer was the youngest child of the family and was a bit spoiled, but he was also very intelligent.
Elmer took up the trade of farming, as did his father.
By 1897, when Elmer married, Elmer's sister, Mary Catherine (BASSETT) MARSHALL, had died. His brother, Sid BASSETT and family, and his sister Belle (BASSETT) ALTUM and family, had all moved to Cooke County, Texas, near Gainesville. His brother, Lafe BASSETT, had built a house just west down the road where he was farming and raising his family.
Elmer was good friends with Pitts McWHIRTER. Together they arranged the marriage of Pitts' daughter, Maggie, to Elmer. Unfortunately, Maggie did not want to marry Elmer. She was in love with another man. She did as her father said and married Elmer. She was only age 16.
Maggie had grown up on her father's farm at Greenridge on Section 34 of Foster Township. Their property bordered Tonti Township. She had four brothers and six sisters. Maggie was one of the younger children.
Maggie's mother, Rebecca, was the daughter of Wiley and Ellender (HULTZ) HAMMER. Wiley having been born in Tennessee, son of John, Esq. and Nancy (GARNER) HAMMER. Nancy was the daughter of John and Susannah (HALL) GARNER of North Carolina. Ellender (HULTZ) HAMMER was born in Ohio and was living in Madison County, Illinois when she met and married Wiley.
Elmer provided well for Maggie and his children. They lived in a nice home, which he built onto.
Maggie was a hard worker, as were all farm wives, and the prospered well. Unfortunately, prosperity does ot bring happiness. Maggie was a woman who wanted to enjoy life to the fullest. She enjoyed getting away from the farm and going to town in the buggy, which caused much gossip among the community. The gossip was totally unfounded, as she remained faithful to her husband. She would often take her friend, Mrs. HEADLEY, with her to town. She also took her grandson, Lyle CONANT, with her on many of her trips, to try to end the gossip.
One of her best friends was Edith (IRWIN) NICHOLS. Edith's sister-in-law, Ellen, married Sid BASSETT, Elmer's brother. When I was a boy I would go visit Mrs. NICHOLS. She was in her 90's. She was one of the nicest persons I ever knew. She would talk about "Mag," as she called her. She said that "Mag" was a wonderful person who was full of life.
Elmer would often loan money to people of the community. He was easier to other people than to his own family. When his children borrowed money, they had to pay it back to the penny. Even after the death of his son, Charles, he made his daughter-in-law, Vera, who was a young widow having to care for her fatherless son, pay back all the money Charles had borrowed form Elmer for his schooling. He also denied his daughter, Grace, the high school education she longed for and asked him for. He wouyld not pay for her lodging in Kinmundy, so that she could attend the high school, even though he had the money to do so. She loved school and wanted to learn more, so much so that she went to the 8th grade twice. He did allow his youngest daughter, Edith, to attend high school.
One wonders what made Elmer such a hard man, especially since the rest of the family were a loving people. Possibly the loss of his one eye, ot the loss of his brother at such a young age, or was it because he had a wife that would never love him? Only he could answer that question.
Elmer aquired one-hundred-sixty acres of the home place.
On 1 Sep 1892, Elmer bought the inherited land of his brother, Henry BASSETT, who was living in Florence Township, Hand County, South Dakota, for $600.00. It was finalized 13 Dec 1894. This property was in Sections 22, 23 and 27 of Foster Township.
On 15 Feb 1893, Elmer bought the inherited land of his brother, Lafe BASSETT, for $1,600.00. It was finalized 13 Dec 1894. All of this land was in Section 22 of Foster Township.
On 14 Dec 1894, Elmer bought the Edmon L. THOMAS 80 acres for $1,500.00. It was finalized 20 Feb 1895. This land was in Sections 27 and 34 of Foster Township.
On 13 Jun 1900 the census shows Elmer and May BASSETT living in Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. With them is their son George BASSETT. (Note: Of course May should be Mag and George should be Gage.) It shows that Elmer was a farmer. It lists all of their birthdays correctly.
On 28 Apr 1910, the census shows Elmer (38) and Maggie (28) BASSETT living in Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. With them were their children Gage age 11, Gail age 9, Grace age 7, Charles age 5, and Mason age 3.
On 5 Dec 1912, the "Kinmundy Express" has, " Mrs. Elmer BASSETT, residing west of this city, underwent a surgical operation in the Mt. Vernon Hospital on Monday."
On 24 Jun 1916, Elmer bought the George B. WAKEFIELD property, which consisted of the home, a tenant house, barns and 80 acres at the cost of $4,000.00.
On 26 Jan 1920, the census shows Elmer (48) and Margarett (38) BASSETT living in Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. With them were children Gayle age 18, Grace age 16, Charles E. age 14, Mason age 12, Edith age 7 and Ellis age 5.
On 8 Feb 1924, Elmer purchased 10 acres for $100.60, from C. E. ARNOLD, S. W. ARNOLD, Doris (ARNOLD) JONES and Dale ARNOLD. This land was in Section 23 of Foster Township.
On 14 Aug 1926, Elmer sold 10 acres for $160.00 to Jesse R. WEHRLE. This land was in Section 23 of Foster Township. This left Elmer with 320 acres of prime farm land of the Illinois prairie.
On 19 Apr 1930, the census shows Elmer (58) and Margaret (48) BASSETT living in Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. With them was their son Ellis age 15.
On 9 Apr 1931, after Maggie had fulfilled her duty as a wife and mother, and after her youngest child became 17 years of age, she left Elmer. Maggie knew that she could never be happy and enjoy life as long as she was with Elmer. Maggie first moved to Peoria to live with her sister, Cora.
On 1 Apr 1932, Elmer's divorce to Maggie became final.
Maggie became sick and went to live with her daughter, Gayle JONES, in St. Louis. She knew she was going to die. This caused a bit a conflict between Gayle and her father, as Elmer insisted that Maggie move back home to die. Before her death, she went back to Peoria.
On 2 Mar 1935, Maggie died from lung cancer. She was taken back to Foster Township and buried next to her parents in Martin Cemetery.
On 7 Mar 1935, the "Kinmundy Express" had, "Mrs. Elmer BASSETT Dies in Peoria: Mrs. Elmer BASSETT passed away at the home of her sister in Peoria, Saturday, after having suffered for the past several weeks from cancer of the lungs. The body arrived in Alma Tuesday morning where the funeral services were held at 11 o'clock from the Methodist-Episcopal Church and interment made in the Martin Cemetery."
I, Elmer BASSETT, of the Town of Alma, County of Marion and State of Illinois, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, do hereby make, ordain, establish and declare this to be my last will and testament, hereby expressly revoking any and all prior will by me executed.
ITEM FIRST: It is my will and desire that after my death, all my debts and funeral expenses be first fully paid and that a suitable grave marker be placed at my grave.
ITEM SECOND: Any money which I may have at the time of death, after the payment of the above mentined debts and expenses, I hereby give and bequeath to Gage BASSETT, Gale JONES, Grace CONANT, Mason BASSETT, Edith ARNOLD, Ellis BASSETT, my children, and Charles Roy BASSETT, my grandson, to be divided equally between them, share and share alike.
ITEM THIRD: I have heretofore deeded my real estate to my heirs reserving all oil and mineral rights; it is my will should there be any production of iol or any royalty sold under any of the tracts so deeded by me, that the proceeds therefrom be divided equall among my six children and my granchild above named. All rights to lease and all lease bonuses, however, to go to the owner of the surface.
ITEM FOURTH: All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, realpersonal or mixed, of whatsover kind and character and wheresoever situated, whether owned by me now or acquired by mehereafter I hereby give, devise and bequeath to my daughter, Edith ARNOLD, absolutely in fee simple forever.
LASTLY, I hereby nominate and appoint my sons, Gage BASSETT and Mason BASSETT, the executors of this my Last Will and Testament and request that as such executors they be not required to give bond.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 8th day of April, A.D. 1950.
Elmer BASSETT (seal)
The above and foregoing instrument consisiting of one page, was at the date thereof signed, sealed, publishedn and declared by said Elmer BASSETT as and for his Last Will and Tesatment, in the presence of us, who, at this request and in his presence and in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnessed thereto, believing that said Elmer BASSETT to be, at the time of so subcribing our names as aforesaid, of sound and disposing mind and memory.
E. J. JONES
L. D. MARTIN
On Sunday, 12 Nov 1950, Elmer's funeral was held at 2:00 P.M. at Zion Methodist-Episcopal Church in Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. The service was conducted by Rev. Oscar L. HAWKINS.
Elmer's obituary in the newspaper:
"Again the enemy, Death, ahs passed through our community, bringing to an end the life of a p rominent citizen, a good neighbor, and sincere friend.
"Elmer Bassett, son of Henry F. and Sarah Bassett, was born in Foster Township August 29, 1871, finished his earthly career November 10, 1950, aged 79 years, 2 months and 12 days.
"He was of a family of six children, one sister and four brothers; also two half sisters and one half brother, all of whom preceded him in death.
"On October 3 1897 he was united in marriage to Maggie McWhirter, whose life span ended march 2, 1935.
"As the years rolled by, four sons and three daughters came to bless this matrimonial union, all of whom survive, except one son, Charles was killed in an auto accident January 30, 1930.
"The deceased had been in failing health for more than a year. He realized time was running out for him, having so confided to some of his children and close friends.
"Mr. Bassett lived his entire life on the farm where he was born, was a man of sterling character and sound judgment, dealing honestly and fairly with his fellow man.
"Many are they who have southt his advice on problems confronting them.
"The high standards by which he lived, proved conclusively by his belief in a just and loving God, who has made provision future life in a rightous "New World for All Who Seek After It."
"Left to mourn his passing are six children, namely, Gage, Gale, Grace, Mason, Edith and Ellis, all living within the same township, where they and their father were born, three sons-in-law, three daughters-in-law, thirteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, a large number of nieces, nephews and other relatives, not to mention the host of friends and neighbors.
"We, his neighbors and friends, feel very keenly that we have lost the council of a substantial citizen and friend, and how much more must the children and other relatives realize their loss.
"Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from Zion Church, Rev. Oscar L. Hawkins officiating. Iterment was made in Sandy Branch Cemtery."
Gage BASSETT , born 5 Dec 1898, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. He died 7 Aug 1971 at his home in Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. Gage and Ann are buried in Martin Cemetery, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois.
Gage married Anna "Ann" ROLLER, 15 Feb 1922, Salem, Marion County, Illinois. She was born 8 Aug 1897, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois, daughter of Sebastion and Mary (HREJACKOVA) ROLLER, Bohemian immigrants. Ann died Monday, 16 Dec 1985, Washington County Hospital, Potosi, Missouri.
On 1 May 1930, the census shows Gage (31) and Anna (32) BASSETT living in Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. With them were daughters Elle age 4 years and 3 months; and Dorothy age 3 years and 3 months.
Gage was a farmer and he raised sheep. He also had an orchard. He purchased the Wakefield House and farm from his father, where he raised his family and lived all of his life. He was a good man. Aunt Ann was a woman who spoke her mind, which sometimes rubbed people the wrong way, but I liked her and she was very witty.
Gage and Ann belonged to the Republican Party. They did not adhere to any religion.
Children of Gage and Anna (ROLLER) BASSETT:
1-1. Stanley Lewis BASSETT, born 24 Sep 1924 and died 30 Oct 1924. He is buried in Martin Cemetery, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois.
1-2. Ellen Virginia BASSETT, born 13 Dec 1925, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. Ellen has lived her entire adult life in St. Louis, Missouri.
1-3. Dorothy Evelyn BASSETT, born 8 Dec 1925, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois.
Dorothy married Irvin CORNWELL in California.
He was employed buying parts for airplanes. They lied in Colorado Springs at one time.
Children of Irvin and Dorothy Evelyn (BASSETT) CORNWELL:
1-3-1. Karen Elizabeth CORNWELL, born 28 Oct 1959, Denver, Colorado.
1-3-2. Bruce CORNWELL, born 19 Jul 1961, Denver, Colorado.
Gale/Gayle BASSETT, born 16 Aug 1900, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois, daughter of Elmer and Maggie (McWHIRTER) BASSETT. She died Sunday, 22 Feb 1998, Doctors Health and Rehabilitation, Salem, Marion County, Illinois. Aunt Gayle's name at birth was Gale. She changed it to Gayle. Gayle and Mub are buried in Memory Gardens Cemetery on Lone Mountain Road, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Gayle married Milburn "Mub" JONES 13 Aug 1920, Marion County, Illinois. Mub was born 28 Nov 1895, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois, son of Thomas Marion "Tough Eye" and Mary Etta (GREEN) JONES. He died 5 Jul 1984, Las Vegas, Clarke County, Nevada.
Mub's grandparents were Thomas Palmer and Mariah (LEE)(ROBINSON) JONES, and Philip and Sarah (PETERS) GREEN. Maria was said to be a cousin of General Robert E. LEE. Mub's great-Grandparents were James and Mary (WHALEY) JONES, and Burl and Lucinda (RAMSEY) LEE, and Thomas and Vienna (SMALLEY) GREEN.
Mub served in the United States army during World War 1.
Gayle and Mub lived for about five years in Foster Township on Garrett Road, just south of Sandy Branch Road. It was about a mile east of the Bassett Homestead. They then moved to St. Louis, Missouri. Mub became a tool and die maker. Gayle worked in a dress factory for 20 years.
On 1 Apr 1930, the census shows Milburn (32) and Gayle (29) JONES living in St. Louis, Missouri. Also with them was their daughter, Juanita E. age 6. Also with them was Gayle's sister, Edith BASSETT age 17. They owned their own home and it was valued at $2,500.00. They had a radio. Mub was working at a car factory. Gayle was working at a dress factory. Edith was working as a housekeeper for private homes.
In 1948, Gayle and Mub moved back to Foster Township, buying the house across the road and west of her brother's house, Gage BASSETT, on Green Ridge Road.
On 6 Jun 1951, Mub was in a very bad automobile accident. He was a lmost killed.
In Nov 1958, Gayle and Mub moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where their daughter, Juanita, was living. They lived there a short time and then moved back to Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. They bought property on Sandy Branch Road. This land included the old Sandy Branch School. They built a new home next to the school. Their driveway was directly in line with Parker Road. It was a ranch style home with two bedroom. They later added another bedroom to the house, after their daughter, Juanita, moved in with them.
In the autumn of 1978, Gayle and Mub moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, with their daughter Juanita. They built a new home next to their grandson's, Jimmy CLOUD's, home on Lone Mountain Road. It was a nice home with a gorgeous view. It had four bedroom, 3 baths, kitchen, breakfast room, formal dining room and a living room. It also had a two-car garage. It was on 1 1/2 acres. Gayle, Mub and Juanita lived there, as did granddaughter, Jodie, when she wasn't at college in California.
After the death of Juanita and Mub, Gayle's granddaughter, Jackie WILLIAMS, and her two children, Rhonda and Jeff, moved in with her.
In 1991, Gayle sold her house in Vegas and moved back to Salem, Illinois with her granddaughter, Jackie. They moved to South Franklin Street, on the opposite side of the 300 block from Gayle's niece, Monna (CONANT) FRAKES.
Aunt Gayle was a very hard working person. Even in her 90's she worked hard. I saw her digging and planting a tree when she was in her 90's. She always had a garden, even in Vegas, where people told her she couldn't grow one. She always had flowers and fruit trees. She was a great seamstress and she crocheted, knitted, etc.
Child of Milburn and Gayle (BASSETT) JONES:
2-1. Emily Juanita JONES, born
Charles BASSETT, born 12 Jun 1905, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois, son of Elmer and Maggie (McWHIRTER) BASSETT. He died 30 Jan 1930, automobile accident. Hi car slid on ice and overturned, killing him.
Charles married Vera L. MORRIS 12 Nov 1927, Marion County, Illinois. She was born 16 Apr 1903, Kinmundy, Marion County, Illinois, daughter of Ira and Laura (LAMBORN) MORRIS (See Holt Genealogy, #2 Henry G. HOLT, 1-6 in Sandy Branch Yahoo Group). She died 21 Jul 1992, Salem, Marion County, Illinois. Buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Kinmundy, Marion County, Illinois.
Charles attended and graduated from a mechanic school.
Vera taught school in Kinmundy for 3 years 1921-1923. She was a member of the Kinmundy United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Order of Easter Star #606 and Royal Neighbors of America - Camp 569.
On the 13 Apr 1930, the census shows the widowed Vera BASSETT age 26 living with her parents, Ira and Lewella MORRIS, in Kinmundy, Marion County, Illinois. Vera's son Charles R. BASSETT age 3 months was also living there.
In 1938, Vera married 2nd James Burdette MAXEY. Vera and Burdette had two sons, James MAXEY of Tuscola, Illinois; and William Louis MAXEY of Decatur, Illinois.
On Thursday, 12 October 2006, The Kinmundy Express (Kinmundy, Illinois), has, "Bassetts To Celebrate 60th Wedding Anniversary Charles and Millie (BAILEY) BASSETT of Evansville, IN, formerly of Kinmundy will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary Saturday, October 14 with a family dinner hosted by their children. Charles retired from CSX railroad after 44 years as a dispatcher. He then graduated from collge at ISU after which he taught school and coached elementary, middle school and high school sports. Both Charles and Millie are avid golfers. Charles loves to golf with his sons and grandsons, while Millie plays in leagues and Tournaments. Their favorite past-time is visiting their children and grandchildren. Charles and Millie are the parents of five children. Larry (Diane) BASSETT of Orland Park, Dennis (the late Sharon) BASSETT, Zionsville, IN, Barbara (Bruce) SCHOFIELD, Danville, Jim (Robyn) BASSETT, Bourbonnaise, and Jeanne BAKER, Indianapolis. They also have eight grandsons and one great grandson. They currently reside at 5800 Ward Street, Evansville, IN 47711."
Son of Charles and Vera L. (MORRIS) BASSETT:
4-1. Charles Roy BASSETT, born 15 Dec 1929, Oerland, Missouri.
Charles Roy married Mildred "Millie" BAILEY 14 Oct 1946, Salem, Marion County, Illinois. She was born 15 Dec 1929, Oklahoma, daughter of Cecil E. and Irene (___?___) BAILEY.
Charles Roy was a railroad dispatcher for CSX Railroad. He also taught school athletics.
Charles Roy was a graduate of Indiana State University.
They lived much of their married life in Evansville, Vanderburg County, Indiana.
In 2006, they were living in Evansville, Indiana.
Children of Charles Roy and Mildred (BAILEY) BASSETT:
4-1-1. Larry Charles BASSETT, born 28 Oct 1946, Salem, Marion County, Illinois.
Larry married Diane VATER.
In 2006, they lived in Orland Park, Illinois.
They have at least one son.
4-1-2. Dennis Lee BASSETT, born 24 May 1948, Salem, Marion County, Illinois.
Dennis married Sharon ___?___ . She died before Oct 2006.
In 2006, Dennis lives in Zionsville, Indiana.
Son of Dennis Lee and Sharon(___?___) BASSETT:
4-1-2-1. Daron BASSETT, born Dec 1976, Indianapolis, Indiana.
4-1-3. Barbara Ann BASSETT, born 16 Feb 1952, Salem, Marion County, Illinois.
Barbara married Bruce SCHOEFIELD.
In 2006, they lived in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Children of Bruce and Barbara Ann (BASSETT) SCHOEFIELD:
4-1-3-1. Andrew "Andy" SCHOEFIELD, born 11 Nov 1973, Victoria, Texas.
4-1-3-2. Travis SCHOEFIELD, born 29 Jun 1974, Victoria, Texas.
4-1-3-3. Robert "Robbie" SCHOEFIELD, born in Danville, Illinois.
4-1-4. James E. "Jim" BASSETT, born 25 Jun 1953, Salem, Marion County, Illinois.
Jim married 1st Debbie WILLSON.
Jim married 2nd Robyn DONESKE 5 Oct 1980, Riverside Presbyterian Church, Riverside, Illinois.
In 2006, Jim and Robyn live in Bourbonnaise, Illinois.
Children of James E. BASSETT:
4-1-4-1. Daniel "Danny" BASSETT.
4-1-4-2. Thomas "Tommy" BASSETT.
4-1-5. Jeanie Sue BASSETT, born 16 May 1973, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois.
Jeanie married ___?___ BAKER.
In 2006, Jeanie lives in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.
Mason "Peck" BASSETT, born 31 Jul 1907, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. He died 10 Aug 1989.
On 11 Apr 1930, the census shows Mason (22) and Marjorie (23) BASSETT living in Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. With them were their children Mason L., Jr. age 2 years and 10 months; and Bonnie J. age 1 year and 3 months.
Edith BASSETT, born 18 May 1912, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois.
Ellis "Peck" BASSETT, born 7 Mar 1914, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois.
Copyright © 2005 stephenfrakes All rights reserved.